Over $10 billion is spent by Californians on construction and remodeling homes each year. Unfortunately, most consumers don’t spend enough time and care in planning a costly home improvement project. Some steps a consumer should take when deciding to use a contractor include:
- 10 Tips from the CSLB
- Selecting a licensed and qualified contractor
- Negotiating a clear contract
- Preventing disputes with the contractor
- Resolving disputes with the contractor when they arise
Make sure the contractor has Workers’ Compensation and Liability Insurance because if a worker is injured on your property and the contractor does not have insurance, you will be the one who will have to pick up the medical bills and rehabilitation if necessary. Don’t let your homeowners insurance become your contractors'.
One of the best ways to select a licensed contractor is to seek out personal referrals from friends and/or family members who have had similar work done that you want completed. If the work you are considering exceeds the amount of $499.99 then a valid California Contractors License is required for one of the 42 different license categories in which the contractor is to work. If you do NOT use LICENSED contractor or if the contractor does not have a a “valid” California Contractors License, the Contractor Board may not be able to assist you with resolving the complaint, the only remedy may be through Civil Court. Just another GREAT reason to use only Licensed Contractors. You may look up contractors to verify if they have a valid license through the California State License Board by:
