Ask the Contractors
Board …
Experts Answer Common Home Improvement Questions
By Bert Sandman, Chair
California Contractors State License Board
Sacramento: Do you have questions about hiring and
managing building contractors? The California Contractors
State License Board (CSLB) has answers. For more
information, or to check out a contractor’s
license, bond and workers’ compensation insurance
information, visit the CSLB Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov.
Q: I have sought out bids from three different contractors
to repair a large deck in my backyard. They all
seem legitimate, but one said I didn’t need
a written contract, he said oral contracts are upheld
in California. Is this true? Do I need one in writing?
A: Home improvement contracts are a tool to make
sure that contractors and consumers agree on the
work to be performed —how it will be done,
when it will be done, what materials will be used,
and how much it will cost. A well-written contract
is also a tool that helps ensure enforcement of
the agreement, if necessary. Like most other tools,
a contract should be top quality and well constructed,
with all its working parts. New contract requirements
took effect on January 1, 2006.
A written contract outlining the work to be preformed
is needed if the cost of the job is equal to or
more than $500, including labor and materials. Also,
always visit the CSLB’s Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov
to verify a contractor’s license. You can
also download a copy of Terms of Agreement –
A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts from
the CSLB website. This free publication offers detailed
information for homeowners and contractors about
the requirements of home improvement contracts.
Unless the contract is negotiated at the contractor's
place of business, the buyer qualifies for the three-day
right to cancel.
Q: I signed a contract yesterday to have some storm
damage repaired. However, right after I did, a friend
recommended a contractor to me who I feel more comfortable
hiring. Can I cancel the contract with the first
contractor?
A: Yes, you can cancel the contract. In the contract,
the contractor was required to include a “Notice
of Right to Cancel” form, which states the
consumer may cancel the contract within three business
days of signing it, without penalty. Locate the
document and then present it to your contractor.
If there isn’t a cancellation form, call your
contractor and ask for one. You should be aware
that you qualify for this three-day right to cancel
unless you sign the contract at the contractor’s
place of business. Plus, the three days includes
Saturdays, but not Sundays or some holidays, so
don’t wait until the last minute.
Q: I have determined my roof needs repairs before
winter hits. What is the best way to find a quality
and affordable contractor to do the work?
A: The CSLB suggests asking friends and family to
refer you to contractors they have used in the past.
You can also contact a professional roofer’s
association in the area to refer you to a contractor,
as most hold their members to very high standards
of work.
A local builder’s exchange is also another
resource you may choose to utilize. Get at least
three bids before choosing a contractor and always
verify a contractor’s license through the
CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov. For more information
on how to hire and manage a roofing contractor,
download or order your free copy of Tips for Hiring
a Roofing Contractor: A Consumer's Rights &
Responsibilities.
(Bert Sandman is the Chair of the Contractors State
License Board. The CSLB operates under the umbrella
of the California Department of Consumer Affairs,
licensing and regulating California’s 292,000
contractors. The CSLB investigates 20,000 complaints
against contractors annually. In fiscal year 2004-05,
the CSLB helped consumers get more than $36 million
in restitution.)
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