When the issue of licensing is discussed
among contractors, the air is
often filled with charges and countercharges
about whether licensing works,
and who benefits the most. It's an
important debate, because most states
have either instituted licensing in one
form or another, or are considering
doing so.
According to a 1987 survey conducted
by the National Association of
Home Builders, 32 states now require
registration or licensure of building
contractors. In addition, in states that
do not have statewide licensing laws,
licensing is required by many local
jurisdictions. Most state legislatures
discussed the issue during their 1988
legislative sessions, with deliberation of
bills to initiate licensing or to strengthen
existing requirements.
The advantages and disadvantages of
licensing are difficult to measure,