What is the owner/builder exemption for homeowners?
The owner/builder exemption allows a property owner to act as a contractor when building or improving a residential structure on the owner’s property for the owner’s own occupancy. The owner/builder exemption does not apply when the structure that is built or improved is offered for sale or lease within one year of completion. As an owner/builder, you are exempt from contractor licensing requirements. However, all personnel working directly for you who are not properly licensed subcontractors must be your employees. Therefore, you are required to pay the appropriate state and federal taxes, comply with the requirements of workers compensation insurance, liability insurance, employment taxes, legal minimum wage, overtime hours, etc.
Swimming Pools — When financing and construction are carefully planned, a swimming pool can provide fun and recreation for you and your family while potentially adding to the value of your home. However, without careful planning, the process can be at best, complex and confusing. At worst, you may find yourself owing more money than you anticipated, with a pool that is either unfinished, structurally unsound, or, far from the product you wanted.
A well-designed swimming pool can be a very complex structure. Be specific and carefully plan every feature you want for your pool, know exactly how it should look when finished, what kind of equipment you want, and how much you plan to spend. Be aware that unusual ground conditions such as expansive soil or large rocks may increase costs. Also, many city and county building regulations require that proper fencing or walls be erected around swimming pools.
Never pay the full amount up front for your swimming pool. According to the law, you should not pay more than 10% or $1,000; whichever is less, to get your project started.