HANDYMAN 
Two licensed roofing contractors advertised themselves as unlicensed contractors
A Contractors State License Board (CSLB) sting netted 16 suspects for unlicensed contracting and related violations in Big Bear City on July 22, 2010, and CSLB is warning homeowners to take precautions when hiring people for home improvement projects. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs and District Attorney’s Office, along with the California Department of Insurance, assisted CSLB in this operation.
Members of CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) posed as homeowners and invited suspected unlicensed operators to bid on painting, landscaping, concrete, and tile projects. If the suspects bid more than $500 for a job and did not have a license, they received a notice to appear (NTA) in San Bernardino County Superior Court to face misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license and related violations. California Business & Professions Code (B&P) requires a state contractor license for home improvement jobs valued at $500 or more in labor and materials. Fifteen of the 16 also face charges of illegal advertising, and six of them will answer to charges of soliciting an excessive down payment.
B&P Code requires contractors to include their license number in all advertisements. Those without licenses are permitted to do work valued at less than $500, but must state that they are not licensed in their ads. B&P Code also prohibits contractors from soliciting a down payment greater than 10 percent of the total contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. There is an exception to the down payment provision for about two dozen contractors who purchase special consumer protection bonds and are noted on the CSLB website.
In addition to contracting without a license, illegal advertising, and soliciting an excessive down payment, Oscar Quinonez Gutierrez, of San Bernardino, faces misdemeanor charges for attempting to use a license not issued to him. Nikolas James Strich, of Irwin Lake, and Bradley Steven Slovick, of Lucerne Valley, were booked on outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court.
Two licensed roofing contractors advertised themselves as unlicensed contractors and showed up to at sting to bid on a deck project. They received warning letters for contracting for a home improvement project outside of their specialty classification and illegal advertising.
CSLB recommends that consumers always get at least three project bids from licensed professionals and check out the contractor license on CSLB’s website to be sure it is in good standing. “Homeowners should also be aware that if they do hire somebody without a license, there is a tremendous risk,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “These scammers do not carry workers’ compensation insurance and the property owner could be liable if the illegal operator or their employees are injured during the project.”
CSLB urges consumers to remember the following tips when hiring a contractor:
- Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door.
- Verify the contractor license by checking online at www.cslb.ca.gov, or via CSLB’s automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
- Ask to see a photo identification to make sure you’re dealing with the correct person.
- Don’t pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. There is an exception to this for about two dozen contractors who have special bonds for consumer protection that are noted on the CSLB website.
- Don’t pay in cash, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work.
- Check references, and get at least three bids and a written contract before your project begins.
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