What about contractor's license?

[Freakypapa]

In my california city, the city is contracting with a janitorial company to do sidewalk pressure washing, and the contract is for more than $500. The question is, does pressure washing require a contractor's license? I have a CA contractors license classification C61-D38, water and sand blasting.the definition from the state says, " A sand and water blasting contractor uses the force of compressed air in conjunction with abrasive materials or water to clean or prepare surfaces for any protective, decorative or functional treatment."

Is surface pressure washing water blasting? Is the city wrong to contract above the license limit? What about unlicensed janitorial companies taking pressure wash work away from pressure wash contractors? I'm curious what members think about this question. thanks

 

[MR ALAN]

No classification for pool cleaners, janitors, window washers, pressure washers, carpet cleaners and so on.
Pressure washing does not fit into the State description as we do not use compressed air to power our stream, it is a pump.
Call the CSLB and see what they tell you, and then call back a day later and see it change. They really have no clue. The majority of pressure cleaning is cosmetic as we do not modify the surface.
The fact that they have not updated the licensing requirements to include us is an indicator that we do not need the license at this time.

 

[New Look]

No classification for pool cleaners, janitors, window washers, pressure washers, carpet cleaners and so on.
Pressure washing does not fit into the State description as we do not use compressed air to power our stream, it is a pump.
Call the CSLB and see what they tell you, and then call back a day later and see it change. They really have no clue. The majority of pressure cleaning is cosmetic as we do not modify the surface.
The fact that they have not updated the licensing requirements to include us is an indicator that we do not need the license at this time.

I would have to agree with Alan on everything above.

 

[Freakypapa]

the classification says " to clean or prepare" It seams that cleaning is what hi-pressure washing does. The other thing that confuses are the words "uses the force of compressed air in conjunction with abrasive materials or water" Does the high pressure water work in conjunction with air outside the tip?

I have been given different answers on different days from the contractors board as the previous poster suggested. Is it bad or good to have the industry licensed? I've been a general contractor for 35 years, and the possibility that the contractor's board could penalize me for a license violation, even in a mistake, makes me puke.

The other thing is that most pressure wash jobs are for less than $500. Do many of you contract for more, without any trouble?

 

[MR ALAN]

I do not do any goverment type jobs, so I have never had a problem. I have also never heard of anyone else who has had a problem.
I have nothing against licensing but will not spend the money just to say I have one when it is not needed.
Read the classification in its entirety

D38 - Sand and Water Blasting Contractor
"A sand and water blasting contractor uses the force of compressed air in conjunction with abrasive materials or water to clean or prepare surfaces for any protective, decorative and/or functional treatment."

Just cosmetic cleaning is not defined by this classification, unless you are sealing, or painting the surface. Someone who seal sdecks would need this or a painters license as defined by code.

Janitors are not regulated and if they choose to pressure wash that falls into the scope of their unregulated job, so they do not need one regardless of amount. they are just a cleaning service and the State chooses not to regulate cleaning services. Since you already have one, you have no worries.

I guess if you want to break the law down, some feel we may need a

D06 - Concrete-Related Services Contractor California Code of Regulations



A concrete related services contractor installs reusable steel concrete form sections or interlocking precast pavers. Performs post-tensioning work, concrete sawing, breaking, curing, floor hardening treatment, coloring concrete, concrete restoration, coring work or operates a concrete pumping service; also includes the application of gunite, but does not include the installation of reinforcing

 

[Freakypapa]

thanks alan, for your good responses. I'm starting to think i wasted time and money on bad advice from CSLB information techs....I talked to the head classification specialist and he agrees with what you have stated. thanks again.