I am looking to start up my own home rehab business which will most likely involve two other partners. Right now I have the opportunity of getting started with work within the next couple of months. The only thing is I need to have a General Contractors license available in order to pull permits. I want to get my own license eventually but right now that is not an option. So I'm looking for a GC that will allow us to use his license as an umbrella. We do all the work, all he does is supply us with the ability to pull permits. Now, I do realize that I will have to cut him on the business profits but my concern is how much. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

As a contractor let me say that what you are proposing, at least in most states I have worked, is against the law! You cannot operate as a General Contractor under another?s license. You would have to be considered as a subcontractor under his license and therefore yes he would have to be the "contractor" on any permits, customer contracts or agreements etc...

As a GC I would not consider a relationship like this for less than 50% of net profit. It is my license, my liability insurance, workers comp and so on. If you screw up the GC pays and risks losing his license and business. I would also demand that you purchase your own liability to help protect me.

Your best bet is to perhaps work under this guy?s license as a "sales" guy and then manage your own projects. Use this time to learn and get your own license. You will need some bank to do this because liability for GCs has climbed out of sight, not to mention workers comp.

Good Luck!

Vilmarie Budde

I agree with this guy above me if I were a gc I would not put my license at risk it will probably be better for you to get your own