Safe Home Repairs

California’s devastating storms have caused accidents, flooding, mudslides, erosion and property damage to homes and businesses across the state. After suffering property damage, it is time to think about getting your repairs done. The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to offer some recommendations to help you make safe repair choices to protect your family, your employees and your property.

ONE The best way to protect your family, employees and property is to hire a licensed contractor. An unlicensed contractor is already breaking the law and there are many unscrupulous individuals who pose as contractors with the intent of stealing, defrauding or hurting the owner. There is a reason they don’t have a license or can’t get one.

TWO  A licensed contractor with employees is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect you from liability in case one of their workers is injured on your property. If you hire an unlicensed person, you may be financially responsible if injuries, fire, or other property damage results. Licensed contractors are also required to disclose whether or not they carry liability insurance.

THREE Licensed contractors in California must demonstrate at least 4 years of experience/education in the trade for which they are licensed, be fingerprinted and have an FBI background check. If your project costs more than $500 the contractor must be licensed by the California State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB provides information about a contractor’s license, worker’s compensation status as well as pending and prior legal actions. 

FOUR Don’t rush into repairs no matter how badly they may be needed. Be sure to get at least 3 competitive bids, check licenses and ask for recommendations. Be suspicious if the contractor does not want to give you adequate time to make a decision. Some unscrupulous individuals use scare tactics to force a quick decision on the part of the owner who often agrees to overpriced or unnecessary work. 

Contractors cannot ask for a deposit of more than 10% of the total cost of the job or $1000 whichever is less. Do not pay cash and do not pay up front for supplies and additional workers. Be suspicious of those going door to door offering cheap work for cash.

SIX Require a written contract and be sureto understand it before you sign it. It is also not a bad idea to have someone else review it as well. Homeowners have a three day right to cancel when signing a Home Improvement Contract. A Service and Repair contract is different and waives that right. Be sure you are signing the right document. 

SEVEN Do not let your payments get ahead of your work and keep a file of all papers relating to your project. Pay by check so you have documentation of payment.

EIGHT Soil erosion can happen slowly or it can happen very quickly in a heavy rain. The exact measures needed for your property are based on your soil type, slope grade, home/office location, weather, water availability etc. Also areas exposed by fire can open the door for invasive species and weeds. In some areas erosion control materials or mechanical control measures may need to be applied. Contact your local CalTrans office or local forest service for guidelines in your area. 

NINE Water flow is an important factor of any property protection plan. Never underestimate the power of storm water and debris. Evaluating the area and planning for additional storm events in the near term is a critical first step to protecting your property and improper or inadequate measures can aggravate potential problems. If you need help with erosion control, water removal, mold and other items that have the potential for long term, serious damage and liability, be sure to hire a licensed professional who is an expert in that field. 

TEN  For future reference, it is also a good idea to keep records and photos of your property as part of your home or business inventory list for insurance purposes.

For more information about hiring a licensed professional, to check the status of a contractor or report an unlicensed contractor visit the State License Board at www.cslb.ca.gov or call1-800-321-CSLB (2752).