State Recognition
According to the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site, 14 states do not have licensing requirements for remodelers. In those states in particular, certification can play a role in upgrading the profession in the public eye. The 36 states that do require licensing give continuing education credit for pre-qualified courses. According to Mike Weiss, who created the National Association of Home Builders’ Professional Remodeler’s Experience Profile (PREP), “It takes action to get courses accepted [by the states]. But we are seeing some reciprocity, and we are making significant progress toward having a designation meet requirements for licensing education, for both remodelers and builders.”
Each state’s licensing requirements are different. Florida has one of the toughest license laws in the country. To renew a license in Florida, which is required every two years, you need 14 hours of continuing education in courses relevant to the skills of a builder or remodeler. The state recognizes many of the NAHB’s courses. However, only courses in technical aspects, business management, workplace safety, or workers’ compensation are recognized. Specifically, to qualify for credit for the remodeler, the entity giving courses must be a licensed provider with Florida’s construction licensing board, and the course itself must be approved.
In comparison, Minnesota remodelers need seven hours of continuing education; Oregon has a state test but no continuing education requirement.
New York does not require a builder or remodeler to be licensed, says Kristin Legere, director of public relations for the New York State Builder Association. But, she says, the state “has consumer protections through a home improvement contract law and the warranty law for new homes. We still promote the NAHB’s program through its University of Housing and find it to be beneficial. It sets remodelers apart from their competition.”