There is undeniably a cost to government regulation; I'm paying it now. No, I'm not, my customers are.

Interesting. Moved from eliminating the trade portion of the exam but possible increasing the business portion, adding continuing ed, etc. CA requires a license for all over $500.. a limit that hasn't been adjusted in 20-30 years. Meanwhile, there's an "owner builder" exemption hole that gets used on most flips and many spec homes.

I read the defect case cited by the reporter. No relation to licensing issues, but definitely related to someone else hiring the contractor (not the home builder) who built the retaining wall and makes me wonder who graded the lot.

It's not particularly difficult to get a contractor's license here in Virginia. Having one doesn't guarantee a contractor is reliable or even knows what he/she is doing. While homeowners should ensure the contractor they select is licensed and insured, a lot more due diligence is required before hiring one.