7057. (a) Except as provided in this section, a general building contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts, or to do or superintend the whole or any part thereof.
This does not include anyone who merely furnishes materials or supplies under Section 7045 without fabricating them into, or consuming them in the performance of the work of the general building contractor.
(b) A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a subcontract for a framing or carpentry project. However, a general building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any project involving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime contract requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work. A general building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification. The general building contractor may not count framing or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in order for the general building contractor to be able to take a prime contract or subcontract for a project involving other trades.
(c) No general building contractor shall contract for any project that includes the "C-16" Fire Protection classification as provided for in Section 7026.12 or the "C-57" Well Drilling classification as provided for in Section 13750.5 of the Water Code, unless the general building contractor holds the specialty license, or subcontracts with the appropriately licensed specialty contractor.
(Amended by Stats. 1997, Chapter 812 (SB 857).)
Content of the Examination
The General Building (B) Examination is divided into five major sections. These sections are:
1. Estimation, Plans, and Specifications (23%)
Scope of work and code compliance
Cost estimation for materials and labor
Design and construction error identification
Shop drawing and plans and specifications preparation
Field inspection performance
2. Framing and Structural Components (23%)
General framing
Roof framing
Seismic requirements
Siding and stucco
3. Safety (10%)
Work site safety
Personnel safety
Public safety
Environmental safety
4. Core Trades (28%)
Plumbing
Electrical
HVAC
Concrete
Earthwork and surveying
Insulation and acoustical
Roofing
5. Finish Trades (16%)
Painting
Tiling
Flooring
Cabinetry and millwork
Plaster, drywall and ceilings
Windows and doors
Fencing
*Percentages are approximate*
Sample Questions
The following questions are typical of the types of items that are on the examination. The correct answer is highlighted.
1. What is the MINIMUM width required for a residential shower door?
22 inches
24 inches
28 inches
30 inches
2. What is the volume of a cylinder if the diameter equals 2 feet and the length equals 4 feet?
8 cubic feet
12.56 cubic feet
25.12 cubic feet
50.24 cubic feet
3. High frequency vibration used to compact freshly poured concrete results in which of the following?
Higher lateral pressures
Faster curing time
Lower lateral pressures
Slower curing time
*All questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the field*
Resources
California Disabled Accessibility Guidebook.
International Conference of Building Officials Headquarters,
