And what, pray tell, did you expect?
The problem is not the government. Or the contractors. It's the customers.
Like it or not, some folks see licensing, etc., as but underhanded attempts by politically connected groups to line their pockets. They see permits as letting 'big brother' get his foot in the door. And they worship at the alter of 'cheap.'
Some of it is perception. Another ECN member, as a test, set up a 'shadow' operation. By day, he was "Mr. Licensed Contractor," everything on the up & up. By night, he was "doing side work - don't tell the boss." By day, nice service truck. By night, beat-up mini-truck.
The results? By day, he had no trouble catching up on his sleep. The phone hardly ever rang. By night, more work than he could handle. The irony was that he deliberately charged / quoted 10% more for the 'side jobs.'
The last laugh was also his ... as he is a sole proprietor, and IS in fact licensed, bonded, etc. If, heaven forbid, a job goes bad .... he's got his tail covered. If some predator tries to stiff him, assuming he has no license ... well, he's ready to sue, ask for, and collect triple damages. License, Your Honor? Sure ... he never asked! Doom on him!
