Before You Hire a "Contractor"
We've touched on this subject before, but it's always good to have a reminder about how to protect yourself when hiring someone to work in your home. There are many people out there performing contractor jobs (including painting) without a valid contractor's license. Make sure you protect yourself from potential liabilities by hiring only licensed contractors for jobs over $500. The Shasta Builders Exchange recently published the below tips after several people were arrested in an undercover sting of unlicensed contractors working in Yolo County:CSLB (Contractors State License Board) urges consumers to follow these helpful tips before hiring anyone to do work on their home or property:
- Hire only licensed contractors and ask to see their license and a photo ID to verify their identity.
- Always check the license number on CSLB’s website at www.cslb.ca.gov or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com to make sure the license is in good standing.
- Don’t pay more than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment. There is an exception for about two dozen licensees who carry special bonds to protect consumers. These exceptions are noted on CSLB’s website.
- Don’t pay in cash, and don’t let payments get ahead of the work.
- Get at least three bids, check references, and get a written contract.
The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. More information and publications about hiring contractors are available on the CSLB website or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752). You can also sign up for CSLB email alerts at www.cslb.ca.gov. CSLB licenses and regulates California’s more than 300,000 contractors, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States.
