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Contractors State License Board issues rebuilding guidance for homeowners in declared disaster areas
Summary
State contractor board advised homeowners in disaster-declared areas to verify contractor licenses and classifications, obtain at least three bids, insist on fixed-price contracts, avoid cash payments and check for government-funded debris-removal programs; the board reiterated that unlicensed contracting in declared disaster zones is a serious犯罪.
The Contractors State License Board provided guidance for homeowners rebuilding in state- or federally-declared disaster areas, advising verification of contractor licenses, limits on down payments, fixed-price contracts and careful recordkeeping.
A staff member from the Contractors State License Board said homeowners should confirm a contractor has an active license and the authorized classification for the work. "Contractors may not ask for more than 10 percent of the total project cost or $1,000, whichever is less," the staff member said, and payments "may not exceed the value of work performed or materials delivered." The presentation warned that contracting without a license in a declared disaster area is a serious crime.
The board urged homeowners to contact their city or county building department or environmental health department for information about permits, demolition and debris removal. The staff member recommended checking for government-funded debris-removal programs and referenced FastFacts on the agency website for details.
To reduce the risk of scams or overcharging, the board recommended getting at least three written bids from licensed contractors, asking for references and reviewing past projects. The staff member said homeowners should learn typical material and labor costs to avoid paying excessive prices.
The board emphasized contract protections: reconstruction contracts should be fixed-price contracts rather than time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements. "A fixed price protects you from additional costs if material prices rise," the staff member said. The presentation also advised that both parties sign the contract, never pay in cash, and verify that the contractor has obtained required permits. Homeowners were told they may choose to pay an architect directly for plans and permit fees if they want confirmation those costs have been paid.
For more information, the staff member pointed listeners to the Contractors State License Board website and FastFacts pages available at CSLB.ca.gov.
