Residential and General Contractor Licensing went into effect in the state of Georgia on July 1, 2008. Building contractors were either issued a grandfathered license last year based on their experience and knowlege or had to take and pass a 2 part written examination to receive a license. Anyone who applies for a building permit in Georgia must now show proof of holding a valid building contractors license. If you hire a building contractor to build a new home, do a renovation or addition to your home or even build a deck you should ask them for a copy of their license, as well as insurance and workman’s compensation information. Go to the GA Secretary of State website for more information or to look up a contractor’s license at the official site for the Georgia Licensing Board.