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Four Pre-Construction Tests You Should Never Skip in California Public Construction

  • Writer: Joanne Branch
    Joanne Branch
  • Sep 30
  • 1 min read

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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