California Owner/Builder Fix/Flip

[David Jarvi]

I'm researching what it means to be an Owner/Builder in CALIFORNIA and came across this website:

http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Building_Official...

• 1) Owner/builders NEED a contractor license if they "Intend" to sell   (no time given) (4 property max yr)
• 2) Owner/builders DON'T NEED a license IF they IMPROVE a property and then complete the work sometime after residing in it for 12 months. 
• 3) Owner/builders DON'T NEED a license IF they build a NEW HOUSE and live in for 12 months after (2 per 3 yrs)

It seems like if a landlord wants to improve properties he/she owns, it is ILLEGAL unless

• non-permitted work (like painting, flooring, fences no higher than 6 feet, etc.. I believe)
• have lived in any of those houses for 1yr, or currently living in the property for 1 yr)

The real question I guess, is what is permitted v. non-permitted work RE: local city/county/state codes

Moral of the story for ME: finding a good contractor is as important as finding a good deal.