Legal & Construction Reference Board
A contractor's field guide to licensing, lien law, utilities, safety, permits, and contract law — covering every state in the US.
Advisory Reference Only — Not Legal Advice
This information is provided for general reference purposes only. Laws, regulations, and code requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the applicable state agency, and consult a licensed attorney in the relevant jurisdiction before making legal or compliance decisions. J. Worden & Sons makes no representations regarding accuracy or completeness.
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Contractor Licensing
License classes, bonding requirements, reciprocity agreements, and CE hours for all 50 states.
Construction Law
Mechanics lien laws, prompt payment rules, contract statutes of limitations, and right-to-cure laws.
Utilities & 811
One-call center rules, notice periods, tolerance zones, utility depth clearances, and dig penalties.
Safety & OSHA
State OSHA plans, trenching supplements, fall protection rules, and heat illness prevention.
Contract Law
Statutes of repose, arbitration enforceability, anti-indemnity statutes, and no-damages-for-delay rules.
Prevailing Wage
State prevailing wage laws, coverage thresholds, certified payroll rules, and apprenticeship requirements.
Environmental Permits
NPDES stormwater permits, SWPPP requirements, land disturbance thresholds, and wetland setbacks.
Building Codes & Permits
IBC / NEC / IFC edition years by state, ADA supplements, third-party inspection rules.
Roads & Paving Regs
DOT specs, Superpave mix designs, compaction density standards, and HMA temperature requirements.
Compare States
Pick any 2–3 states and compare licensing, lien laws, utilities, safety, permits, and more side by side.
Legal Strategy Advisor
Score your state's negotiation strength, identify your strongest legal position, and get dispute-specific strategy for liens, payment, and contract breach.
Contractor Ranker
Rank contractor bids by price, licensing tier, bonding, and experience. Plus: find the best base license state and strongest lien jurisdiction.
Need Project-Specific Guidance?
This advisory board is a starting point. For project compliance, contact J. Worden & Sons or consult a licensed attorney in your state.