Builder Licensing - Frequently Asked Questions

There is not really any "grandfathering" taking place as was previously done with the trades. You can apply for the opportunity to be exempt from the licensing examination. Applications will be accepted starting January 1, 2006. To be eligible, you must have completed 3 successful Georgia projects over the 5 years prior to the application, or 10 successful Georgia projects over the 10 years prior to the application, or show evidence of being engaged in the industry as a supervisor or manager for 7 of the 10 years prior to the exam.

3. What about insurance? Do I have to have workers' compensation for just me and one other person in my company?

Workers' comp insurance is required for a builder's license as currently written in Georgia law. If you legally do not have to have workers' comp prior to the licensing law, you do NOT have to have workers' comp to be licensed.

4. When do I have to apply, and where can I get the forms I need?

Applications for those seeking to be exempted from the examination can be submitted started January 1, 2006. Forms are available at: http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/contractors/default.htm

5. What's a "successful project?"

This term at this date has not been defined by the Board, but will be by the time applications are ready for you to complete.

6. I've got a builder license from another state; will it get me a license in Georgia?

Eventually that could take place as the Board determines what states it will offer reciprocity to for the states that do the same for Georgia's licensed builders.

7. I've passed the code test; do I have to take the builder test?

The Georgia Builders' licensing test will be unique to Georgia and will be required for all applicants except those who are legally exempted.

8. What's a Certified Professional Home Builder exempted from?

The law provides no exemptions for any of the "certifications" that are offered for builders or remodelors.

9. When and where can we take the test?

This has not yet been determined by the Board. When it is, you will find the information at: http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/contractors/default.him

10. Can the licensing board take my license away if one of my homeowners files a compaint?

Absolutely, but only after due process, including an investigation of all the facts. Builders can be subjected to fines up to $5,000 as well as being required to give the homeowner full restitution.

11. How long is a license good, and what's it cost?

Licenses will be good for two years, and the initial fee will be $200. The cost of testing and renewal has not yet been determined.

12. What's this deal about having to have a written warranty?

New, single-family construction sold after July 1, 2007, will be presumed to have a one-year warranty on materials and services UNLESS the Builder states otherwise in a written document to the purchaser.

13. I'm retired, and what if I just make repairs every once in awhile for folks, do I need a license?

Probably not, if your "repairs" are always less than $2,500, which is the threshold for licensing. The Board may determine some additional leeway regarding repairs.

Home Builders Association of GA