Handyman Insurance, Ask to see the Contractors Plastic Pocket License Card
CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips to help avoid being conned. Verify the contractor’s license at www.cslb.ca.gov, www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com or by calling 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
•Ask to see the contractor’s plastic pocket license card, and ask for photo identification to make sure it’s the same person.
•Don’t rush into repairs, no matter how badly they’re needed or just because you’ll get a “good deal” that day.
•Don’t pay more than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment. Solicitation of a down payment greater than this amount is a violation of the California Business and Professions Code. There is an exception for about two dozen contractors that purchase special bonds for consumer protection. These exceptions are noted on the CSLB website.
•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 e-mail alerts at www.cslb.ca.gov. The 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. In fiscal year 2008-09, CSLB helped recover nearly $36 million in ordered restitution for consumers.