1. When do I need a licensed general contractor?
Any construction project of $50,000 or more ($1 or more for hazardous) must be performed by a licensed contractor. There are no provisions in the law to prevent an owner from applying for and being issued a contractor’s license.
Owners are allowed to enter into one contract with a properly licensed general contractor for the entire cost of the project. All other contracts must be executed between the general contractor and subcontractors. For additional information on contractor licensing go to the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. http://www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/
2. How do I know if a contractor is licensed?
You can use the contractor search tool at the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors website to find a contractor or determine if a contractor is licensed. http://www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/
3. How do I know if I need a Civil Engineer or an Architect (Design Professional of Record) for my building?
Louisiana Revised Statute (La. R.S.) 37:155 requires an architect or civil engineer registered in Louisiana on any renovation or alteration of any size building which affects structural integrity or life safety, exclusive of furnishings, that exceeds $125,000.000.
A Professional of Record is required on any new building with square footage greater than the following table values, buildings with changes in occupancy classifications when the building exceeds the table values, or for additions to buildings that cause the completed building to exceed the following table values:
|
|
|
Square Footage |
|
6,250 |
|
5,000 |
|
4,000 |
|
2,500 |
|
1,500 |
|
2,650 |
|
4,000 |
Contact the following licensing agencies for more information:
Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners
8017 Jefferson Highway, Suite B-2
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 925-4802
Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying
9643 Brookline Avenue, Suite 121
Baton Rouge, LA 70809-1443
(225) 925-6291