RMO World

Independence From Boring Jobs

A career in construction is a career for the ambitious. Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new. Unlike other careers, there’s no such thing as an “ordinary” day in this industry. An average desk job keeps you confined to a small space all day long. Even factory and warehouse workers are in the same place every day, doing the same thing every day. In construction, you’re on the move physically and mentally and each day brings a new challenge.

 Independence From Dead-End Careers

Construction workers aren’t limited to the first path they set out on. Changing career paths won’t throw off their future success because there’s no one “typical route” – they quite literally build their career. A career in construction is as unique as the individual. You have the power to evolve, and change specialties. Whether you forge a straight path or jump around to different specialties, hard work will always be noticed.

Independence From Debt

Unlike other lines of work, a career in construction doesn’t require a large upfront investment or years of below-average pay to get started. Workers of every specialty enjoy a great wage from the very beginning — even while training. As the cost of college continues to rise, trade school and apprenticeship programs have become more attractive as they help students earn as they learn.

Construction is the career of an independent mind.

Earlier this month, members of RMO Agency attended the quarterly CSLB meeting in Newport Beach, CA .

While there were many important items addressed at the meeting, here are some highlights from the notes we took:

p.67 – CSLB modernization – CSLB is working on a new phone system and document management system which will include additional online application processing for a streamlined process for users.

p.69 – Spanish Exam translation to Spanish for the top 10 most requested trades

p.76 General information about the board:

The Contractors State License Board was established in 1929 and is currently a part of the Department of Consumers Affairs.

The board is composed of 15 board members (10 public members and 5 contractors appointed by the governor and the state legislature) which appoints the executive officer or Registrar of Contractors and directs administrative policy of the agency’s operations. CSLB headquarters office receives and processes applications for new licenses, additional classifications, changes of records and license renewals. They maintain records of disciplinary actions and provides support services. Headquarters investigates contractors as needed and follows with disciplinary actions resulting from investigations.  CSLB SWIFT team focuses on underground economy and unlicensed contractors and holds sting operations to catch unlicensed contractors and cite them. CSLB holds quarterly meetings that the public is welcome to attend in person or via online web-cast.

p.91 – Assembly bill 2622 (Carrillo) – This is a minor work license exemption that is looking to raise the amount from $500 to $1,000 per project including labor and materials – motion passed by the board to support this bill.

p.94 bill AB2933 – This bill is looking to require the homeowner to sign off when the work is complete prior to lender paying the contractor for the work. CSLB expressed its concerns about the large number of complaints regarding solar work and the loans the homeowner is responsible to pay, even before the solar panels have been turned on.

p.106-108 More info about solar and roofing complaints. CSLB intake and mediation centers have been overloaded with over 200 monthly complaints for solar and is not able to be a service quality control for contractors. For this reason contractors are encouraged to settle potential issues directly with the homeowner and avoid those turning into formal complaints.

p.123 Currently 49% of contractors have filed for workers compensation exemption. Certain classifications require workers compensation coverage. By 2028, all licensed contractors will need to carry workers compensation insurance policy.

For more information, please review the complete board packet: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/BoardPackets/2024/June13-14_BoardPacket.pdf

To watch the quarterly meeting recording, check out the Webcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtNtJHYuO5o

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) has important details to share with contractors regarding work on manufactured homes, mobile homes, and multifamily manufactured homes (MH).

Only C-47 license holders (General Manufactured Housing Contractors) are authorized to install or prepare MH for moving.

Contractors performing a single construction trade after the installation of a MH must possess the appropriate “C” specialty classification (Licensing Classifications).

For contracts involving two or more unrelated trades after the installation of a MH, a B – General Building Contractor license is required. If the project involves three or more unrelated trades and the MH is a wood frame, a B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor may be appropriate in accordance with the requirements of that classification.

All applications for a C-47 General Manufactured Housing classification will need to include proof of completion of a federally approved manufactured housing installation training program. Please see CSLB Industry Bulletin #21-19 for more information.

Throughout May and June young adults are graduating high school all across our fine state. Some graduates know exactly what they want to do after high school, some do not. 

A great option for a career choice is the construction industry. Some might ask why the construction industry?

A better question would be – why not? General contractors make good money in California, easily clearing $100k a year in most markets, and becoming a general contractor doesn’t require a 4-year degree or any of the other nonsense that comes along with other high-paying jobs.

For anyone who detests school – but likes building things – being a general contractor is a career that is full of fulfillment and financial rewards. By stepping onto the path to being a Class B licensed general contractor, any young adult can find themselves in a full-fledged career in just 4 years, making 3-4 times what their college-attending peers would with little to no debt to get there.

There’s really so many upsides to being a general contractor – and considering it’s a job that will always be in demand, it’s a great way to future-proof yourself from the rapid change we are all experiencing every day.

Neither a high school diploma or a college degree is required to become a general contractor and with our program we provide a fast, legal alternative to taking the test and can guide you or someone you know on the path to a new career.

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the fathers in our lives. Fathers in the construction industry not only  build our communities, but they are providing for their families while doing so. Construction work is hard and often in dangerous and challenging conditions, and they deserve our respect and admiration.

The US construction industry employs roughly 8.5 million men. The average age of a construction worker in the US is 42 years old, and the majority of construction workers are fathers.

Construction workers face many challenges on the job, including long hours, dangerous working conditions, and exposure to harsh weather. They also often have to travel away from home for work. Despite these challenges, construction workers are dedicated to their jobs and to their families.

Fathers in the construction industry are role models for their children and their community. They teach their children the importance of hard work, dedication, and safety. They also teach their children the value of teamwork and cooperation.

On this Father’s Day, let’s take a moment to celebrate the fathers in the construction industry. Let’s thank them for their hard work and dedication. And let’s let them know how much we appreciate them. 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC BOARD MEETING

Day 1: Thursday, June 13, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(or until the conclusion of business)
MEETING LOCATION
Newport Beach Marriott Bayview Hotel
500 Bayview Circle, Newport Ballroom
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Day 2: Friday, June 14, 2024, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
(or until the conclusion of business)
MEETING LOCATION
Newport Beach Marriott Bayview Hotel
500 Bayview Circle, Newport Ballroom
Newport Beach, CA 92660

The June 13, 2014, meeting will be live webcast (with an approximate 30-second delay).  Links are available at the end of this agenda.  The June 14, 2024, meeting will be in person only, no live webcast.

The meeting is open to the public except when specifically noticed otherwise in accordance with the Open Meeting Act. All times when stated are approximate and subject to change without prior notice at the discretion of the Board unless listed as “time certain.” Items may be taken out of order to maintain a quorum, accommodate a speaker, or for convenience. Action may be taken on any item listed on this agenda, including information-only items. The meeting may be canceled without notice.

Members of the public can address the Board during the public comment session. Public comments will also be taken on agenda items at the time the item is heard and prior to the Board taking any action on these items. Total time allocated for public comment may be limited at the discretion of the Board Chair.

Note: The webcast for the June 13, 2024 meeting can be found at www.cslb.ca.gov or on the board’s YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/ContractorsBoard/.  Webcast availability cannot, however, be guaranteed due to limitations on resources or technical difficulties.  The meetings will continue even if the webcast is unavailable. 

Note that viewers of the webcast can only view the meeting, not participate.

The meetings are accessible to those needing special accommodation.  A person who needs a disability-related accommodation or modification in order to participate in the meetings may make a request by calling (916) 255-4000 or emailing Robin.williams@cslb.ca.gov,or by mail to 9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95827.  Providing any request at least five business days before the meetings will help ensure availability of the requested accommodation.

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) has an important reminder for C-16 Fire Protection contractors and their employees.

C-16 license qualifiers and journey-level personnel who install or repair water-based fire protection systems for commercial or multi-family dwellings must obtain a Fire Sprinkler Fitter Certification.

Apprentices and trainees working for a C-16 contractor must obtain a Fire Sprinkler Fitter Registration.

C-16 licensees and their employees who fail to get this certification or registration before performing fire protection installations or repairs may face CSLB disciplinary action.

Please note this certification does not apply to C-16 contractors who work on residential one and two-family homes.

To learn more about the Fire Sprinkler Fitter Certification and Registration requirements, please refer to the Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems pageon the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s website at https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/ or email the office directly at AES@fire.ca.gov.

This month we remember Memorial Day and those who sacrificed everything for our country.

We are not legal or financial consultants but are passing on information, we do recommend you speak with your CPA or attorney for guidance on what you should do with your business regarding this requirement.

New Federal Reporting Requirement for Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)

Effective January 1, 2024, many companies in the United States must report information about their beneficial owners—the individuals who ultimately own or control the company—to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Filing is simple, secure, and free of charge. Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. Unless a company needs to update or correct information, a report only needs to be submitted once.

Who Has to Report? Companies required to report are called reporting companies. Reporting companies may have to obtain information from their beneficial owners and report that information to FinCEN.

Your company may need to report information about its beneficial owners if it is:

1. a corporation, a limited liability company (LLC), or was otherwise created in the United States by filing a document with a secretary of state or any similar office under the law of a state or Indian tribe; or
2. a foreign company and was registered to do business in any U.S. state or Indian tribe by such a filing.

Report your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) the BOI webpage, www.fincen.gov/boi.

A reporting company created or registered to do business before January 1, 2024, will have until January 1, 2025 to file its initial beneficial ownership information report.(Most of our clients had their company established before 01/01/2024, so follow this guideline unless……)

A reporting company created or registered on or after January 1, 2024, and before January 1, 2025, will have 90 calendar days after receiving notice of the company’s creation or registration to file its initial BOI report. This 90-calendar day deadline runs from the time the company receives actual notice that its creation or registration is effective, or after a secretary of state or similar office first provides public notice of its creation or registration, whichever is earlier.(Did you just register with the secretary of state?….Follow this guideline)

Reporting companies created or registered on or after January 1, 2025, will have 30 calendar days from actual or public notice that the company’s creation or registration is effective to file their initial BOI reports with FinCEN. (This will not be in effect until 2025)

Businesses that do not file on time are subject to fines.

There is no yearly due date to renew, but you are required to report any change of information as soon as that change occurs, within 30 days.

Again, we are NOT giving ANY legal, financial, or business advice and there may be more information you need to know than we have provided here. Again, please consult with your CPA or attorney for guidance.

WANT TO MAKE EXTRA $$? UNIQUE JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR EXPERIENCED CONTRACTORS!

A CA bank that provides construction loans to homeowners is seeking out licensed, EXPERIENCED contractors to serve in a supervisory role,for approximately 12 months (through the course of construction) to advise the homeowner during various ground up construction projects. All construction work will be subbed out and the contractor will be in a supervisory position only. Jobs can be located anywhere in the state of CA.

Here are the eligibility requirements/details for this position:

• 2 years experience as a licensed GC
• Minimum 1 completed custom home.
• 3 trade references
• For builders <5 years of having company established – 2 years tax returns p&l + balance sheet
• >5 years of having company established – no financials required For the project the builder would produce the following documents:
• Contract
• Cost breakdown
• Materials list
• Specs

2 levels of involvement available:
10% of budget-Full service provides:

• Supervising GC produces all construction documents (Specs/Materials list/cost breakdown/construction contract)
• Supervising GC or Customer does subcontractor and finish selection to come up with a budget.
• Supervising GC manages all scheduling of subcontractors.
• Supervising GC provides job site supervision.
• Supervising GC manages payment of subcontractors and suppliers.
• Supervising GC attends all building inspections.
• Supervising GC maintains proper general liability insurance.
• If financing is involved, work with the customer’s bank to get registered with the bank.

$1000 monthly fee Hybrid GC provides:

• Supervising GC produces Construction Contract
• Supervising GC is available as a consultant to the customer (weekly phone call or email/monthly site visit)
• Supervising GC maintains general liability policy/GC license (customer to pay cost of policy cost to add job)
• If financing is involved, work with the customer’s bank to get registered with the bank. Establish a joint account with the homeowner to allow for payment of subs by customer.
• All items not mentioned would be the customers responsibility.

Payment terms are open to be discussed, but Supervising GC will be paid a flat monthly fee for overseeing the homeowner’s build.

If you are interested and meet the eligibility requirements, contact Aaron Melich for more details and for consideration:

Aaron Meilich
O: 916.798.3000 M: 916.798.3000

AMeilich@WaterstoneMortgage.com

Construction is expected to begin Monday on a $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Southern California and Las Vegas.

Brightline West aims to lay 218 miles of new track between a terminal to be built just south of the Las Vegas Strip and another new facility in Rancho Cucamonga. That trip usually takes well over three hours by car.

The company says its fully-electric train will take just over two hours each way.

Almost the full distance is to be built in the median of Interstate 15, with a station stop in the Victorville area.

Forecasts are for 11 million one-way passengers per year, or some 30,000 per day, with fares well below airline travel costs. The trains will offer rest rooms, Wi-Fi, food and beverage sales and the option to check luggage.

Source: ABC News

Spring is the season of new beginnings, which is why many people want to start their new home construction or home remodeling project during this season.

The weather is great during this season, not too cold and not too hot. Here we share a few reasons why spring is the best time for home construction or renovation:

Weather Conditions Are Ideal

Spring offers that perfect middle ground between the cold winter and hot summer. Contractors work more efficiently when the weather is good, and there will be fewer weather-related delays.

Get In the Lineup of Projects

The sooner a project can get listed on a contractor’s calendar, the sooner they can start with it. Everyone knows, summer is peak work demand for construction. If you wait till later in the year, your project may get backlogged, and it might take months before they even start. It’s better beat the rush and get in line for the builders’ spring construction projects as soon as you can.

More Time to Get The Job Done

When you get the building started during spring, you have all the way to fall, if needed to get the job done before weather becomes a factor. This will mean fewer delays and a higher possibility of the project getting done before the winter weather arrives!

The Project Won’t Be As Disruptive

If you’re planning a project, it is best to do it in the spring when it won’t get in the way of most of your usual activities. All the winter holidays are all over and summer is still ahead. When you get the project started in the spring, there’s a good chance that you’ll be done by the time the hotter months arrive.

Get Great Deals on Materials

Many suppliers have their end of winter sales with discounts on items from the previous season. If you start your project in the spring, you can take advantage of those great deals and save on the supplies used on your project!

In Conclusion

There are many good reasons to have a home construction/renovation project done in the spring beyond the weather it offers. You can get ahead of other homeowners who plan to get their homes built or renovated in the summer. You’ll also get fewer disturbances, and the contractors will be able to work efficiently in these months. You get to save money on supplies, there’s no reason why you should let spring pass without getting started on your home construction/renovation!

The construction industry has been around for a long time, and there are countless fun and interesting facts about our industry. Here are a few.

CONCRETE IS THE MOST USED MATERIAL

In terms of volume, concrete gets used the most in the world— and actually dates back to Ancient Egypt!

THE AVERAGE AGE OF A CONSTRUCTION WORKER TODAY IS 42 YEARS OLD

This is one year older than the average age of a worker in the general labor force. The ongoing shortage of construction workers and an aging workforce have contributed to the increase in the median age of construction workers, we at RMO Agency are always striving to being in young blood to our industry and you can help.

HOW MANY NAILS?

When building an average-size house—about 1,200 square-feet—there are about 12,000 nails used, averaging roughly 10 per square foot.

THE WORLD’S SMALLEST SKYSCRAPER WAS A CON

Back in 1919, a contractor named JD McMahon raised $200,000 from investors to build a skyscraper in Wichita Falls, Texas. However, he never verbally stated the planned height of the building. All of the paperwork including the blueprints showed 480” (inches), not 480’ (feet), his investors apparently never caught on, and thought they were getting a tall 480 foot—not 40 foot—skyscraper. Making that a very expensive apostrophe.

DRONE USE HAS INCREASED

As technology becomes more available, that technology becomes incorporated into construction. Drone use on construction sites has grown over 239% in the past year, the most of any industry. The aerial maneuverability of drones and the ability to record videos and take photos have streamlined and improved the construction project.

MOST FATALITIES OCCUR BECAUSE OF A FALL

Training for safety in our industry is crucial. Falls are by far the biggest risk in construction, and result in death 4 more times more than any other fatal accidents.

YOUNGER GENERATIONS ARE LESS INTERESTED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

According to U.S. Census data, the number of workers aged 24 years or younger entering the construction industry decreased by 30% between 2005 and 2016. They have many misconceptions; such as thinking that the construction industry is unstable or you will earn far less compared to college-educated careers. At RMO Agency we are working to change these false perceptions.

Gov. Gavin Newsom will attempt to speed up construction of a $2-billion mixed-use development expected to create 10,000 union construction jobs in downtown Los Angeles, his administration announced last month.

Fourth & Central, a 7.6-acre development includes 1,500 new homes, 410,000 sq. ft. of office space along with retail, restaurants and a 68-room hotel to what is currently a collection of cold storage facilities, parking lots and warehouses in the Skid Row neighborhood of downtown LA.

Newsom hopes to shave years off the construction timeline by fast-tracking a judicial decision in any litigation filed against the project under state environmental laws.

Denver-based developers Continuum Partners unveiled the project in 2021. The plan consists of 10 buildings, including a 44-story residential skyscraper at Central Avenue and 4th Street. In total, the proposal calls for 572 condominiums and 949 apartments, with at least 214 units set aside as low-income housing.

The Governor certified the Fourth and Central Project utilizing tools to build more faster that were extended in the historic infrastructure package passed last year with the support of the Legislature.

This is the third project and the first housing project to be streamlined since the Governor signed the infrastructure package into law.

Business agreements are generally contractually binding, which makes the initial stages of any agreement so vital. From the first interaction, your construction estimates can have a huge impact on both the business and the customer.

Accurate estimates in construction are important for the following reasons:

Good Estimates Save Money

When an estimate creates an accurate picture of the details of a construction project, everyone saves money. You will know exactly how much to spend to complete a job, while your client will know how much to expect to pay well ahead of time. This also helps prevent unnecessary purchases and surpluses, which will save you and your client time and money.

Accurate Estimates Win More Work

Positive or negative, people will always share their experiences with other companies. By providing a realistic, accurate estimate that a client is happy with, they’ll know that you operate your business honestly and will be more likely to work with you again or refer you to others.

Honest Estimates Reflect Company Values

When you strive for and provide accurate estimates, you demonstrate the integrity of you and your company. Of course, you can’t anticipate every problem or unexpected expense you’ll encounter on a project, so always be transparent throughout the project regarding any hiccups especially if it is going to affect the budget in any way.

Realistic Estimates Prevent Surprises From Creating Problems

No project goes 100% according to plan, and it’s common for unexpected costs to arise. Most clients understand this, however, too many unexpected expenses will begin to wear down your professional relationship and make you look bad. Always do your best to prevent unexpected costs from the outset, then your clients will be more understanding when something comes up that’s out of your control.

Stay tuned, in coming editions we will be providing insights into estimate techniques.

Being in construction wood is of course a key element in most projects. Something interesting we recently came across was the difference between old growth wood and new growth wood.

The difference between old growth wood and new growth wood is like the difference between granite and paper. Old growth wood has better stability, durability and longevity. New growth wood, depending on where it is used, can start to rot and warp after only 20 years.

The term “Virgin Wood” refers to first-cut wood, or wood harvested for the first time. As the country expanded from east to west and trees were harvested for wood, the virgin wood forest harvesting era lasted from the 1870s into the 1940s.

The biggest difference of virgin growth wood is that it has grown very slowly over a long period of time and because of this slow growth, the growth rings are very tight. Tight growth means more stability. In the above photo there are 2 pieces of wood 100 years apart. The wood from 1918 has 20-25 growth rings per inch. The wood from 2018 has only 7.  

Stability isn’t the only advantage. This slow growth also yields more heartwood. Heartwood is the longest lasting part of the tree, whereas sap wood which will rot very quickly. Note too in the picture above, the wood from 1918 is all heart wood, the wood from 2018 is all sap wood.

Most wood used today, by contrast, is grown very fast. Grown for quick production, these trees produce very little heartwood and these trees have fewer growth rings per inch.

Seeing as this is the month of St. Patrick’s Day here are the 5 most famous Irish architects:

1. James Hoban (1758 – 1831) designed the White House which has been the residence of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800. 
2. Eileen Gray (1878 – 1976) was well known for incorporating the work of lacquer with luxury in the international style, the major architectural style.
3. Andrew Devane (1917 – 2000) established a large architectural practice of Robinson Keefe Devane an architectural and interior design firm specializing in the commercial, industrial, educational, and healthcare fields.
4. Kevin Roche (1922) won the Architecture Pritzker Award. He is considered the architect most creative regarding the design of glazed buildings.
5. David Collins (1955 – 2013) specialized in the interior design of bars and restaurants in London. He was recognized for his works in Michelin-starred restaurants such as The Wolseley, and Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road.

Tradesman… whether you’re a general contractor working on huge commercial projects or a local handyman serving your community, it’s a meaningful job that helps everyone in the community. It is one of the few industries where you can see and appreciate how your work changes the world around you!

If you’re already in the trades, we’re sure you know, but it’s always good to take the time every now and to reflect on what you love about what you do. Here are just 5 reasons we love the construction industry.

1. See the fruits of your labor.Many professionals feel like their work isn’t meaningful. Over time, this can be discouraging and lead to burnout. Construction offers the opportunity to help create something that makes a significant impact. It transforms entire communities and changes landscapes. A pile of bricks, wires, logs, and beams becomes a building where families live, companies work, or retail stores thrive!
2. You’ll get to spend time on construction sites.As a construction or project manager, you will have to work at a desk to create reports, calculate budgets, and ensure the project is on schedule… But you also get to spend time at the construction sites doing fieldwork. While onsite, you get to supervise, gauge construction progress, and work with a team.
3. You may get to travel!In some positions, you will get work-travel opportunities. After a project is complete, you may get to travel and spend time working in a new location, seeing some places that you may otherwise not have visited, and meeting new people!
4. There are many paths to take in construction.In the construction industry, education is important, but nothing compares to the value of work experience. This makes construction a great field for people with various backgrounds. This may include a university graduate, a trade school student, an apprentice, or working with an RMO. Even those working in different industries can apply their existing skills to the construction management workforce. Construction offers the opportunity to learn new skills and work your way up.
5. The construction industry isn’t going anywhere. Construction is one of the largest industries in the country. People will always need to remodel and build or repair houses, commercial buildings, or roads. When one project ends, the next one is already waiting to start.

Sacramento, CA – The 2024 edition of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) California Contractors License Law & Reference Book (Law Book) is now available. CSLB is pleased to introduce a streamlined law book that includes essential information for the California construction industry.

The Law Book can be purchased directly from the publisher, or the online PDF version can be viewed or downloaded at no cost on the CSLB website.

CSLB has reviewed and made noteworthy changes to the Law Book, cutting the book to half its previous size.

Key changes include removal of:

• Chapter 1 Becoming a Licensed Contractor: This information is available in the Get Licensed to Build guide on CSLB’s website.
• Chapter 2 Your Existing License: Maintaining and Changing It: This information is available on the Maintain and Change Your License page on CSLB’s website.
• Chapter 3 Access to License Information: This information is available on different parts of CSLB’s website, depending on what licensee information you’re looking to access.
• Chapter 7 Safety and Health in Construction: This information is available on Cal/OSHA’s website, which also links to the Cal/OSHA construction, electrical, and general industry safety orders.

As a result, the chapters were renumbered to reflect the changes.

Also, sections of law from California state codes that are not from the Business and Professions Code, which were included in prior year editions, were removed and can be found at www.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

The Law Book can only be purchased directly from publisher LexisNexis online or by calling (877) 394-8826. The price is $54.00 plus tax, shipping, and handling. The Law Book is available as a PDF on the CSLB website and can be downloaded for free.

Here’s a short clip of what just a few of our contractors have to say about RMO Agency and our program!

Contractors are keeping busy this year. All over California, the construction industry is seeing a significant boom for a variety of reasons.

Here are some of the key factors responsible for the current upswing in job creation and economic development that the California construction business is experiencing in 2024.

Infrastructure Investment

The state government is putting a lot into improving transportation, public facility upgrades, and updating water and energy infrastructure right now.

A recent report tells us that California has had $32.7 billion announced in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding. Of this amount, $24.18 billion is dedicated to transportation-related projects – so that could be a good one for civil engineers and public works contractors.

You can keep yourself updated about ongoing transportation projects in California on the California Department of Transportation website. The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom also launched Build.ca.gov to help you track exactly how money is being used for building projects around the state.

It might also be worth mentioning that there are government incentives promoting growth in construction and development.

For instance, construction projects supporting affordable housing, renewable energy goals, and earthquake-resistant builds — since these projects are good for Californians state-wide, so they help companies qualify for tax credits, grants, and subsidies.

Housing Demand

California is just one of those attractive places that people want to call home.

The state has long grappled with a housing shortage, but in 2024 we’re seeing developers go full-tilt in their efforts to build new apartment buildings, condos, and single-family homes.

Over five thousand homes were just fast-tracked by an affordable housing initiative across 10 statewide projects.

It’s 2024, time to step up your career!!

Have you been putting off that next step? We know that the “new year, new you” thing is a bit of a cliche, but in this case, it’s a cliche you should embrace, because cliche or not, it can improve your life. The new year does bring new motivation, so let’s tap into that together!

Have you been putting off getting your license? Well, let’s get it done.

Have you been considering becoming a mentor? Well, January is Mentoring Month, so let’s get it started.

We’re the team that can get you there, why do it alone when you can have a team behind you?!

Call us today.

As always, with the new year comes new laws. These laws kicked in as of January 1, 2024. Get familiar with them. Of course, we can help navigate all the laws of the trade.

SB 630 (Dodd)
This bill requires CSLB licensees and applicants to provide an email address, if available, when they obtain and renew licenses. The email addresses are not subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. This bill also authorizes the Registrar to automatically reimpose license revocation when probationary conditions placed on a license are not met. (Chapter 153, Statutes of 2023)

AB 336 (Cervantes)
This bill requires licensees with a workers’ compensation policy to provide the top three workers’ compensation classification codes on their workers’ compensation policy when they renew their licenses. Those codes will be posted on the CSLB license lookup webpage. Licenses won’t be renewed without the codes. However, the bill allows for retroactive renewal if the licensee provides the codes within 30 days after receiving notice of the denial. (Chapter 323, Statutes of 2023)

AB 1204 (Holden)
This bill prohibits specialty contractors from subcontracting with two or more contractors in the same classification on the same jobsite unless the subcontractor has employees who perform the work in the relevant classification or are party to a collective bargaining agreement. This bill makes violations of this section cause for disciplinary action. (Chapter 568, Statutes of 2023)

SB 601 (McGuire)
This bill increases the statute of limitations to three years for misdemeanor violations by a licensed contractor for allowing an unlicensed person to use their contractor license. This bill also requires courts to assess the maximum civil penalty for specified home improvement contract violations in declared disaster areas. (Chapter 403, Statutes of 2023)

‘The era of saying ‘no’ to housing is coming to an end’: New California building laws for 2024

If California wants to build its way out of its long term housing shortage, plenty of things stand in its way in 2024: high interest rates, sluggish local approval processes and a persistent shortage of skilled construction workers, among others.

But a slew of housing bills from the 2023 legislative session went into effect on Jan. 1, promising to ease or eliminate some of the other burdens.

In short, California is removing some barriers and boosting incentives for housing construction.

Full Story Here: OC Register

Introducing the RMO Agency Team…

Eyal, Gal, Veronika, Angelika, Cher, Cossetty, Wendy, Cecy, Petra, and Jessica. We are the team that will take your career in construction to the next level. Whether you need your license or are looking to make extra income as an RMO, we can help.

Why do it alone when you can have an experienced team behind you!

Here’s a glimpse of our recent RMO luncheon and all the fun we have with our clients. We enjoy getting together and hearing stories from our RMOs about their success with their contractors, what they learn, and how they always strive to get better at their RMO positions.

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) worked with the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) and Rebuilding Together Sacramento on providing essential home repairs for a deserving elderly veteran Tuesday, December 5.

This was part of NASCLA’s third Annual Mission, which focused on providing essential home repairs for a deserving U.S. veteran in Sacramento. Following his spouse’s passing, the veteran who is in his early 80s faced challenges in maintaining his residence. This led to an unsafe living environment causing the homeowner to be displaced. NASCLA partnered with Rebuilding Together Sacramento, who stepped in to assist with the restoration of the home to ensure the veteran’s safe return to a comfortable living environment.

NASCLA made a $10,000 contribution to the project in addition to providing a team of 15 volunteers who spent the day providing services to rehabilitate the home. NASCLA’s commitment goes beyond licensing agencies and extends to the residential and building communities we serve.

“NASCLA is proud of the impactful work we’re doing for our third Annual Mission with Rebuilding Together Sacramento, focusing on a veteran’s home. It’s more than construction; it’s about restoring dignity, rebuilding dreams, and honoring those who’ve served. Together, we’re not just renovating houses; we’re making a lasting difference in lives,” said David Fogt, NASCLA President and Registrar of the Contractors State License Board, and Angie Whitaker, NASCLA Executive Director.

NASCLA promotes best practices and license uniformity for agencies that regulate the construction industry. Comprising state licensing boards and agencies across the United States, NASCLA works to establish and maintain high standards for contractor licensing and regulation, fostering public safety and consumer protection.

Rebuilding Together Sacramento, a nonprofit organization dedicated to repairing homes, revitalizing communities, and rebuilding lives, played a crucial role in coordinating and executing the project.

“Volunteers serve as the backbone of Rebuilding Together Sacramento; they enable us to help more homeowners and families in need every year,” said Trysh O’Connor, Rebuild Program Manager. “Their dedication and volunteer time make it possible for us to offer our services free of charge, allowing us to make an impact on the lives of those facing challenges within their own homes. Through their selfless contributions, our volunteers not only repair homes but also rebuild communities.”

As a result of NASCLA’s third Annual Mission, this veteran will be able to return to a safe and secure home. Images from the project can be seen below.

For more information on NASCLA’s Annual Missions, please visit www.nascla.org/page/annualmission. To learn more about Rebuilding Together Sacramento, please visit www.rebuildingtogethersacramento.org.

For more information about CSLB, please visit the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov or contact CSLB toll-free at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). For ongoing information and updates from CSLB, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About CSLB: CSLB operates under the umbrella of the Department of Consumer Affairs and licenses and regulates about 285,000 contractors in California.

Source:CSLB

During this time of giving thanks, we would like to take the this time to thank all of our contractors and RMOs. We love what we do and we want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. We love knowing that what we do helps build careers and livelihoods and we do not take that lightly. 

We would also like to reflect on the fact that not only are we helping build careers, but the people we help, pay it forward. From the RMO sharing their knowledge with the new generation of tradesmen to the licensed contractor building homes and workplaces for our communities, we know what we do with you ripples out and makes a positive difference in this world.

Again, we love what we do, we love to see knowledge passed down, companies succeed, communities built, but all this starts with you and we would like to thank you. It’s one of those things, where maybe it’s not said often enough, but it’s always in our minds and reflected in our work.

So again, from everyone on our team, thank you.

Construction professionals build the world around us and we would like to show appreciation and give thanks to all the tradesmen out there. They create everything from our homes and office buildings to shopping malls and roadways, they construct and maintain our access to running water and electricity, and renovate our homes and sometimes it’s easy to take it all for granted.

Even though their amazing, skilled work surrounds us every single day, too often we barely even notice it is there. While we interact with the fruits of construction every day, we rarely take the time to consider the skills and knowledge that went into it.

These skilled craft professionals work behind the scenes, quietly and generally without credit, they are constructing our world. Too often they are overlooked and underappreciated. It’s time to take a moment, appreciate, and give thanks for what they do for everyone. Without the tradesmen of the construction field, where would our community be?

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

In this edition of RMO World, we wanted to take a little time to share our wonderful team with you.

Our team of professionals is dedicated to your success in a way that no other agency can even offer. Not only does our team know the construction industry, but we are also driven to see you succeed!

RMO Agency has been doing this since 2006 and we have grown immensely over the years both with our knowledge and the resources we provide to you. We have adapted to the times and changed to address the needs of the construction community. We have spent many years building this agency and are proud of our accomplishments today and the success stories we helped create!

We are not just a group of people who happen to work at the same company. We are a team and a community. Our foundation principle is building relationships and that starts from the ground up with us. We enjoy working together, we enjoy playing together and we have built our community around that same principle.

Other agencies providing RMO services will just be there to introduce you and help with paperwork and then you are left on your own. We stay with you throughout the duration of our program! Why go it alone when you can have a team behind you?

Whether you need help with a new license or are considering becoming an RMO, our team is here for you and we’re just a call/text/email away. If you are already in our community, you know we are telling the truth, and we are grateful for you! 🙂 If you are not, we would love to welcome you in.

Join the RMO Agency community, and get the right team behind you.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law bill SB630, legislation from state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would boost consumer protection by improving oversight and training of California’s nearly 300,000 licensed contractors.

“Ensuring contractors work in a safe, competent, and professional manner is at the heart of our commitment to Californians,” Sen. Dodd said. “A way to do that is through better communication and education, as well as clear pathways for improvement when things go wrong. This new law will advance these principles among the licensed trades to strengthen an industry that is essential as we continue to build out our state.”

The California Contractors State License Board regulates 44 types of contractors including builders, plumbers, electricians and painters. To ensure compliance with performance and safety standards, the board can impose remedial training or payment of restitution to consumers. However, completion of these requirements does not always happen in a timely manner. Sen. Dodd’s proposal, Sen. Bill 630, would streamline this probationary process, ensuring contractors meet licensing obligations with fewer delays.

Additionally, SB 630 would help CSLB save money currently spent on mailing contractors tens of thousands of educational bulletins and documents by requiring submission of an email address with license applications so that communications can be sent electronically.

The Roman Colosseum is one of the most famous and iconic buildings in human history, let’s take a look at some of the facts of this amazing structure.

At 620 feet long and 513 feet wide, the Colosseum in Rome was easily the largest amphitheater around when it was in its prime. Like other large structures of the time, the Colosseum was not built into the side of a hill instead, it was a fully freestanding stadium with a foundation of concrete and stone that could provide seating for 50,000 visitors in multiple seating configurations and levels. On top of that, the Colosseum’s 80 awning-covered arches lead visitors into an arena that was so well-engineered that it could even be flooded with water to support aquatic events.

It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world, despite its age. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD under his successor and heir, Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian. The three emperors who were patrons of the work are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named the Flavian Amphitheatre

The name Colosseum is believed to be derived from a colossal statue of Nero on the model of the Colossus of Rhodes. The giant bronze sculpture of Nero as a solar deity was moved to its position beside the amphitheatre by the emperor Hadrian (r. 117–138). The word colosseum is a neuter Latin noun formed from the adjective colosseus, meaning “gigantic” or “colossean”. By the year 1000 the Latin name “Colosseum” had been coined to refer to the amphitheatre from the nearby “Colossus Solis”.