Consumer Info
Contractor Hiring Information
Californians spend over $39 billion on
residential construction each year. Unfortunately, most
consumers spend less time and care in selecting a
contractor than they do is selecting a car.
Some steps a consumer should take
when deciding to use a contractor include:
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 is
greater than $499.99 then a valid California Contractors
License is required. There are
different license categories in which the contractor
is to work under.
If you do NOT use a LICENSED
contractor or if the contractor does not have a “valid”
California contractor’s license, the Contractors’ Board
may not be able to assist you with resolving a
complaint, the only remedy may be through Civil Court.
This is 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:
10 tips for making sure your
contractor measures up!
- Hire only licensed contractors
- Check contractor’s license number
at (800) 321-2752 or
www.cslb.ca.gov
- Get three references, review past
work
- Get at least three bids
- Get a written contract and don’t
sign anything until you completely understand the
terms
- Pay 10% down, or $1000.00,
whichever is less
- Don’t let payments get ahead of
work. Keep records of payments
- Don’t make final payment until
you're satisfied with the job
- Don’t pay cash
- Keep a job file of all papers
relating to your project
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