DC General Contractor flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

DC contractor license expiration

DC contractor licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal requires continuing education and payment of fees before the expiration date to avoid a lapse.

DC general contractor bond

A DC general contractor license requires a $25,000 surety bond filed with DLCP. The bond protects consumers from certain violations of the licensing law.

Home improvement contract threshold

In DC, home improvement contracts for $300 or more must be written and signed. The contract must include the license number, scope, dates, and cancellation notice.

Three-day cancellation right

DC home improvement buyers may cancel a contract within three business days of signing. The contractor must give written notice of this right at signing.

Wage payment frequency

DC's Wage Payment Act requires employers to pay wages at least twice per month. The final paycheck is due on the next regular payday after separation.

Workplace Fraud Amendment Act

DC law presumes workers are employees unless the employer proves the ABC test. Misclassification can trigger penalties, back wages, and license suspension.

Prompt Payment Act timing

DC's Prompt Payment Act requires owners to pay prime contractors within 15 days of a proper invoice. Primes must pay subs within 7 days of receipt.

DC minimum wage indexing

DC's Minimum Wage Revision Act indexes the minimum wage annually to inflation. The Living Wage Act sets higher rates for covered government contracts.

License number display rule

DC licensed contractors must display their license number on advertisements, contracts, permits, and business vehicles. Failure to display is a fineable violation.

DLCP licensing authority

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), formerly DCRA, issues and enforces DC contractor licenses and investigates consumer complaints against contractors.

DC continuing education requirement

DC contractors must complete 8 hours of continuing education per two-year license cycle. The coursework includes DC-specific code and business topics.

DC Construction Codes basis

DC adopts the International Code Council family of codes with local amendments. The DC Green Building Act applies to projects over 50,000 square feet.

Concrete 28-day strength

Concrete compressive strength is verified at 28 days per ACI 318. Standard cylinders are tested at 7 and 28 days; residential slabs typically require 2,500 psi minimum.

Joist notching limits

IRC limits joist notching to one-sixth of the member depth. Boring is limited to one-third of depth and never within 2 inches of top or bottom edges.

Egress window dimensions

Emergency escape windows require 5.7 square feet net clear opening. Minimum dimensions are 24 inches high by 20 inches wide with a 44-inch maximum sill height.

OSHA Focus Four hazards

The Focus Four are falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrical hazards. They cause the majority of construction fatalities and are the focus of OSHA training.

Fall protection trigger height

OSHA requires fall protection in construction at 6 feet or more. Acceptable systems include guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.

Stair riser and tread limits

IRC limits riser height to 7.75 inches and requires tread depth of at least 10 inches. Headroom must be at least 6 feet 8 inches.

Handrail height range

IRC requires handrails on at least one side of stairs, with height between 34 and 38 inches measured vertically from the stair nosing.

GFCI protection locations

GFCI protection is required in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors, and within 6 feet of sinks. It protects against shock from ground faults.

AFCI protection scope

AFCI protection is required for most 120-volt branch circuits in dwelling units under current NEC editions. It detects arc faults that can start fires.

Trap arm slope

Plumbing trap arms for pipes 2 inches or smaller must slope at least 1/4 inch per foot. Larger pipes may slope at 1/8 inch per foot.

Water closet clearances

Water closets require at least 15 inches of center-to-side clearance and 21 inches of clearance in front. These dimensions ensure usable and code-compliant fixtures.

Trench protective system rule

Trenches 5 feet or deeper require a protective system unless entirely in stable rock. A competent person must inspect daily and after rain.

Competent person definition

A competent person is capable of identifying hazards and authorized to take prompt corrective action. OSHA requires one for excavations and scaffolding.

Scaffold guardrail requirements

Scaffolds over 10 feet require guardrails and toeboards. The top rail is installed between 38 and 45 inches above the platform.

Ladder angle rule

Extension ladders must be set at a 4:1 ratio, meaning 1 foot of base offset for every 4 feet of working height. Ladders must extend 3 feet above the landing.

Concrete formwork removal

Formwork for structural members may be removed when concrete has attained sufficient strength. Typically, slab forms are removed at 7 days and beam forms at 14 days.

Damp-proofing versus waterproofing

Damp-proofing resists moisture vapor and is applied to foundation walls. Waterproofing resists hydrostatic pressure and is required where groundwater is present.

Fire-resistance rating assembly

Fire-resistance ratings are expressed in hours and verified by tested assemblies. Common ratings are 1-hour and 2-hour walls, floors, and shaft enclosures.

Energy code envelope requirement

The IECC sets minimum insulation R-values and window U-factors. DC amends the IECC and enforces envelope, HVAC, and lighting efficiency requirements.

Site plan review submission

DC permit applications require a site plan, construction drawings, and a plat. Plans must be sealed by a licensed architect or engineer for commercial work.