Do most small non-electric sign shops have contractor's licenses?
We do mostly interior graphics, but occasionally have to do an exterior sign. We like doing this properly.
Here that usually means approval from the historic commission (not a problem), a zoning permit for the sign (also not a problem) and a building permit to install it. (which you need a license to pull).
It seems like an extraordinary effort to get a license to screw a sign panel into a wall, etc.
Do you guys run into this problem? Should I take the exam and stop worrying about it?
Anyone want to be my installer?
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
LOL!
YOU are in Taxachusettes...what do you expect?
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
Farm out ALL your installations and avoid all that crap including insurance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The REAL $$$$ is at the 'puter and the easel!
[ July 29, 2003, 01:27 PM: Message edited by: Bob Burns ]
Posted by Robert Peach (Member # 2620) on :
No offense meant here,This isn`t something new. The construction supervisors license has been required for a long time.If you want to be a legit sign shop you need insurance and the license.Take the test like we all had to. I think it is a good thing. It means most of the signs will be installed properly. Hopefully at least the person pulling the permit knows how to do the job to code.I`ve certainly seen plenty of unsafe installs. No one likes jumping through hoops less than I do. In this case it`s not that bad, and some good may come of it. If you get in a bind,give me a call. I`m only 25 minutes down the road. Bob
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
I use a full-service sign shop for all my installations. He's got all the gear and licenses, etc., and does good work. Anyhow, his installations are billed separately by him to the Consumer. This way, all the costs and liabilities fall on HIM! In return, I do all their digital and large-format work!
Posted by VICTORGEORGIOU (Member # 474) on :
Paul, in addition to the costs to get the license and the ongoing fees, you have to have a bond, and you will find that your insurance is going to jump about $1,000. Your workman's comp carrier is going to be very interested also. Even your vehicle coverage may require an upgrade.
What it boils down to is a make versus buy decision. Based on your description, you are probably better off finding a capable licensed contractor to do your installations. One or two installations a month will not cover the added costs of a license.
One reason we had a license was because much of our work was bid to contractors who would only accept bids from licensed subcontractors. Vic G
Posted by Rick Chavez (Member # 2146) on :
I would sub it out to a install only licensed contractor, some guys are a little shady and take work from your client. There are signshop that will not do this, but it is always possible.
Rick
Posted by Paul Luszcz (Member # 4042) on :
Thanks for the input guys.
My preference is strongly to hire out the work. Not because I want to avoid doing the proper thing, but becasue I don't do enough of it to warrant the burden of doing it right, and I want to do it by the book.
I just haven't found a contractor who is capable, licensed, willing to take small 2 to 4 hour jobs and responsive.
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