Business, Licensing, and Project Management
This domain tests whether you can run low-voltage work as a compliant business: holding the right New Mexico license and qualifier, pulling permits before work starts, and controlling scope, changes, and closeout documentation.
Core rules
- Electrical contracting in New Mexico is licensed through the Construction Industries Division of the Regulation and Licensing Department. The license rests on a qualifying party who passes the examination and carries the responsibility for code compliance. Confirm which classification covers your scope, including any low-voltage or specialty endorsement, before signing a contract.
- Work generally requires a permit and inspections at rough-in and final. Concealed work must be inspected before it is covered; document with photos and a signed inspection card.
- Contract documents control: drawings, specifications, addenda, and the general conditions define scope. Submittals and shop drawings are reviewed for compliance, not for scope expansion.
- Changes require written authorization. Price them from labor hours, material, and markup, and log the schedule impact.
- Closeout includes as-builts, panel and device schedules, O&M manuals, test reports, and commissioning records. Retainage and lien rights are governed by the contract and New Mexico lien law; serve notices on time.
Worked example
A change order adds 12 devices. At 1.5 labor hours each, that is 18 hours at $85 per hour, or $1,530, plus $540 material, totaling $2,070. Applying 15% overhead gives $2,380.50; applying 10% profit on top gives $2,618.55. Present the labor rate, hours, markup basis, and schedule impact with the request so the owner can evaluate it.
Traps that cost marks
Starting before the permit is issued; accepting verbal change direction; and failing to photograph concealed work before the rough-in inspection.