When do I need a general contractor in Hawaii?

Typically when a job requires more than two specialty contractors, according to DPP. HRS §444-7 defines general building work as construction that needs more than two unrelated building trades or crafts.

What is a Class B contractor license in Hawaii?

A general building contractor license. DPP says a B license automatically holds a set of specialty licenses for work on the structure itself. Electrical and plumbing must still be done by licensed contractors.

Can I act as my own general contractor in Hawaii?

For a structure for your own use, under the owner-builder exemption, but not for your unit in an apartment building. You must register, supervise the work, hire licensed subcontractors and not sell or lease within one year.

Is Ward Design Center a licensed general contractor?

Yes. Ward Design Center (WDC LLC) holds Hawaii Class B contractor license CT-39936, which you can look up on the State's MyPVL license search.

General Contractor in Hawaii: When You Need One (Class B)

When does Hawaii require a general contractor?

Hawaii's contractor law divides contracting into three branches: general engineering, general building and specialty contracting. Under HRS §444-7, a general building contractor works on structures whose construction needs more than two unrelated building trades or crafts, or superintends the whole or any part of that work.

DPP puts it in practical terms: typically, a general contractor is required when more than two specialty contractors are required. A kitchen remodel with demolition, carpentry, tile, plumbing and electrical is past that line. So is a whole-home renovation, a room addition, an ADU or a new house.

A job limited to one trade, such as painting or floor covering, is specialty work under the same section. Once a project combines several trades, someone has to be licensed to run the whole job, and that is the general building contractor.

What do A, B and specialty licenses cover?

License	What it covers	Residential examples
A: General engineering	Fixed works that need specialized engineering knowledge, such as sewers, roads, grading and paving. DPP says an A license holds specialty licenses for sitework, not the structure itself.	Grading, trenching, paving
B: General building	Structures for shelter or enclosure that need more than two unrelated trades. DPP says a B license automatically holds a set of specialty licenses for work on the structure itself.	Whole-home renovations, additions, ADUs, new homes
Specialty	Work that needs special skill in one trade, such as electrical, drywall, painting, flooring, plumbing or roofing	A single trade hired on its own

A Class B license does not let one company do every trade itself. The specialty licenses it includes cover work on the structure, while electrical and plumbing work has its own licensing.

Who has to do the electrical and plumbing?

Licensed contractors. DPP states that all electrical and plumbing work must be performed by contractors licensed by the State of Hawaii, under HRS chapters 444 and 448E. On a general contractor's job, that means licensed electrical and plumbing contractors doing that part of the work, coordinated with the other trades.

At Ward Design Center, electrical and plumbing are done by licensed trade partners under our supervision.

Can I be my own general contractor?

Sometimes. The owner-builder exemption lets an owner or lessee act as their own general contractor on a structure for their own use, not for use or occupancy by the general public. DPP adds that it does not apply to your unit in an apartment building.

The terms are strict. Under HRS §444-9.1, you register for the exemption and sign a disclosure that you will supervise the construction yourself, hire licensed subcontractors and use licensed electrical and plumbing contractors. Unlicensed workers must be your employees, with tax withholding and workers' compensation. A sale or lease within one year of completion is presumed to break the exemption.

How do I check a contractor's license?

Search the State's MyPVL public license search by license number or by business or individual name. Make sure the name matches your contract, the license is current and its class fits the job. DPP points homeowners to the same search.

Our guide to checking an Oahu remodeling contractor covers what a written estimate and the general excise tax line should show. Complaints about licensed or unlicensed contractors go to the State's Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO), according to DPP.

In a home built before 1978, ask about lead as well. The EPA requires anyone paid to do work that disturbs painted surfaces in those homes to be certified in lead-safe work practices.

What should a general contractor handle on my project?

The permit application, and who books each inspection.
Scheduling the trades in the right order, with licensed electrical and plumbing work.
A written scope, a schedule and a change-order process, with changes agreed in writing before the work is done.
A payment schedule tied to the work, which matters if you are drawing on a HELOC.
Protecting the rest of the house while work is under way, and cleanup at the end.
One point of contact for you, and for the association if you live in a condo.

Ward Design Center's license

Ward Design Center (WDC LLC) holds Hawaii Class B general building contractor license CT-39936, which you can look up on MyPVL. We take whole-home renovations, room additions, ADUs and new homes from design through DPP permits to the build. Each project is quoted after a site visit; your written estimate is the price that counts. See general contracting on Oahu and whole-home renovation, read about general contracting in Kapolei and in Mililani, or request a free estimate.

Do You Need a General Contractor in Hawaii? Class B Licensing Explained