Four Pre-Construction Tests You Should Never Skip in California Public Construction
Before any shovel hits the ground, every California public construction project must clear four critical checkpoints. Think of them as your pre-construction stress test. Skip one, and you may face delays, compliance issues, or even costly rework. Here’s a quick rundown:
Test 1: Type of Project
Is it a Public Work or Maintenance?
Public Works (PCC §22002(c)) are new builds or improvements.
Maintenance (PCC §20114/§20115; §22002(d)) covers routine, recurring upkeep—but not adding new features.
Getting this wrong could put your project on the wrong procurement track.
Test 2: Permits / DSA
Non-K-12 projects: check whether permits are required.
K-12 projects: determine if DSA approval is needed, or whether the work qualifies as exempt (per DSA IR A-22).
Missing this step can stall your timeline fast.
Test 3: Prevailing Wage & DIR
Calculate your project value (labor + materials + overhead/contingency).
Prevailing Wage: Required for projects ≥ $1,000.
DIR Registration: Contractors must be registered with the DIR.
Project Registration: Needed if the project is >$25,000 (Public Works) or >$15,000 (Maintenance).
Compliance here keeps you out of hot water with state labor laws.
Test 4: Procurement Path
This is where costs and rules meet.
Non-CUPCCAA agencies: Follow your agency’s bid limits and methods.
CUPCCAA agencies: Recalculate project value (labor + materials + 30% overhead + contingency) and match it to the right threshold:
Under $75k → proposals or force account
$75k–$220k → informal bid
Over $220k → formal bid
Run through these four tests at the start of every project. It’s a simple way to safeguard compliance, control risk, and set up your construction team for success.
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