If you are preparing to start your journey toward obtaining your NC General Contractors License, you should begin considering which contractor license classification best fits your needs, goals, and the type of work you plan to do. There are multiple license classifications available for NC General Contractors to choose from, including Building, Residential, Highway, Public Utility, and dozens of Specialty Classifications from Asbestos to Water Purification and Sewage Disposal.
In this blog, we will focus on the two most popular licenses that often need the most clarification, the NC Building Contractor and the NC Residential Contractor. We aim to break down the differences, as they share some overlap, but the scope of work allowed under each license varies, so it’s important to make sure you understand and choose the right license and exam when applying.
What does the NC Building Contractor License Cover?
The NC Building Contractor classification is the most comprehensive license, covering all building construction and demolition activity. According to the 2024 Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in the State of North Carolina, this license authorizes you to work on a wide range of structures, including commercial, industrial, institutional, and all residential building construction.
If you plan to work on small or large-scale builds, from residential to commercial projects, this is likely the best license choice for you. It includes authorization for:
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- Site work: grading, paving of parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks
- Stormwater systems: gutters and storm drainage
- Retaining or screen walls
- Hardware and accessory structures
- Recreational facilities: both indoor and outdoor, natural and artificial athletic fields, running tracks, bleachers, and seating
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Additionally, this classification license provides flexibility and the ability to take on a variety of projects, as it automatically covers work done under many specialty classifications. These include the specialty classifications of concrete construction, insulation, interior construction, marine construction, masonry construction, roofing, metal erection, swimming pools, asbestos, and wind turbines.
What Does the NC Residential Contractor License Cover?
Meanwhile, the NC Residential Contractor classification is more limited in scope, covering construction and demolition activity related to home construction, additions, and remodeling. This license pertains to the construction of units that are required to conform to the residential building code adopted by the Building Code Council under G.S. 143-138.
If you are planning to work on smaller-scale projects, rather than larger commercial properties or marine-related construction, the Residential license may be the best choice for you. It includes authorization for:
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- New home construction: of single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes
- Demolition of residential structures
- Site work: that supports the home, such as the installation of driveways and sidewalks
- Water and wastewater systems: ancillary to the aforementioned structures and improvements
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This license also provides the ability to perform work under certain specialty classifications when done as part of residential units; these include insulation, interior construction, masonry construction, roofing, swimming pools, and asbestos.
Key Differences and Which License You Should Choose
There are a few notable distinctions in scope between the two classifications. The NC Building Contractor License covers residential work of all sizes. In contrast, the NC Residential Contractor License is limited to work covered by the NC Residential Code book.
The benefits of the NC Building Contractor license also cover marine constructions, so if you are building a single-family home with a dock, you would need the Building License to complete the dock work. Also, if you are planning on developing a community of single family homes a NC Building Contractor license will be needed to complete any common areas, or the roads in the development. Lastly, some counties and towns consider renovations done as “property flipping” to be commercial endeavors and therefore require a Building License.
When making your decision, it is important to understand and consider your options, ensuring that the license you choose covers the projects you wish to undertake, helping save yourself from any future limitations or compliance issues.
Get Started Today
Ready to take the next step on your path to becoming a licensed contractor?
At Carolina Seminars, we offer support through various types of exam preparation for your NC General Contractor License, from books to classes and study guides. Once you determine the right classification for your needs, you can apply for your NC General Contractor License online at www.nclbgc.org. Once approved, you can schedule your NC General Contractor Exam at https://www.psiexams.com/test-takers/
With proper preparation, using our affordable and convenient exam prep tools, you can set yourself up for first-time success. You can sign up through our website for NC General Contractor classes to prep for your exam, with in-person and online prep classes, all the books you will need, as well as study guides and practice tools.