California IDEX Practice Exam

What type of license must a contractor have when working on a duplex residence in California involving framing, plumbing, finishes, and millwork, and hiring more than 2 unrelated trades?

1. Class A

2. Class B

3. Class C

4. General Contractor's License

The correct answer is: Class B

In California, a contractor working on a duplex residence that involves multiple trades such as framing, plumbing, finishes, and millwork, and hires more than two unrelated trades typically requires a General Contractor's License. This type of license allows contractors to oversee multiple aspects of a construction project and coordinate various trades. The Class B license, which you selected, pertains specifically to general contracting involving residential construction but does not encompass all situations involving multiple trades and specialized work. The General Contractor's License is broader and provides the necessary authority to manage all elements of the job, especially in larger or more complex projects like a duplex where coordination between diverse trades is essential. The Class A license is for general engineering contractors and is usually relevant for large-scale engineering projects rather than residential structures, making it unsuitable in this context. Class C licenses are for specialized fields and would not cover the breadth of work required for a multifaceted project like this one. Thus, for the situation described, a General Contractor's License is the most appropriate choice.