Advice from the CA Contractors State License Board,/i>

Home improvement and repair projects have provided scam artists opportunities to make money from other people’s loss and suffering. Don’t rush into the repairs, no matter how badly they are needed. Don’t hire the first contractor who comes along.

Don’t be victimized by someone making a door-to-door presentation, offering to do repair jobs or home improvement on-the-spot and requiring a cash deposit. An enterprising contractor may take the door-to-door sales approach; however, even on the smallest job, you must get proof that the person you are dealing with has a contractor’s license in the trade for which you expect to have the work done. Get a written contract that contains all the details of the job to be performed.

Ask to see the contractor’s “pocket license” or Home Improvement Sales (HIS) registration. All contractors are issued pocket licenses which show the type of trade for which they are licensed and the expiration date of the license. Ask to see some additional form of identification so you know who you are dealing with. If the person says he or she is representing a contractor, but can’t show you a contractor’s license or HIS registration, then call the contractor and find out if the person you are dealing with is authorized to act on behalf of the contractor.

Get at least three bids and ask for references of work the contractor has completed in the local area.

Contact the people provided as references by the bidding contractor and ask questions that will help you decide whether the contractor you are considering hiring will satisfy your needs. This takes time, but saves money and aggravation in the long run.

Don’t pay cash, don’t let the payments get ahead of the work completed and don’t pay the full cost of the job up-front.

Under state law, when under-taking a home improvement or repair job, contractors cannot ask for a deposit of more than 10% of the total cost of the job or $1,000, whichever is less... unless the contractor provides a bond, approved bond equivalent, or approved joint control ensuring completion of your contract. Any such bond is in addition to the bond required of all contractors for licensure.

Require a written contract with the con-tractor’s license number on it and don’t sign until you fully understand the terms. Remember, if it’s in the contract, you can expect to have it done. If it’s not there, even with a verbal promise, you may not get what you think you are paying for.

When you call the Contractors State License Board to check on the contractor, be prepared with the contractor’s name, license number, and business address.

Deal only with licensed contractors. Consumers have very little, if any, recourse against unlicensed contractors.

For questions and more information call: CSLB Toll-Free (800) 321-CSLB or visit the CSLB website www.cslb.ca.gov