Don’t get Scammed!
In the aftermath of the LA County wildfires, many homeowners are facing the daunting task of rebuilding and repairing their properties. Unfortunately, times like these can also attract unlicensed contractors and home repair scammers looking to take advantage of people in need. Before you hire a contractor, learn how California’s laws protect you and what steps you should take to avoid getting scammed.
What the Law Requires
California has strict laws about who can do repair work:
- Contractors must have a license if they charge $1,000 or more
- You must get a written contract if the work costs more than $500
- Contractors can only ask for a down payment of $1,000 or 10% of the total cost, whichever is less
How to Choose a Contractor Wisely
After disasters, some contractors try to take advantage of homeowners who want to rebuild quickly. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Get price estimates from at least three contractors
- Ask each contractor to show you their license
- Look for contractors who have fixed fire damage before
- Write down everything you agree to
- Don’t feel rushed into making a decision
Before Hiring Anyone:
- Look up their license at cslb.ca.gov
- Or call 800-321-2752 to verify their license
Before Making Final Payment
- Make sure the contractor completes all work, pays their workers, and passes inspection.
If you think a contractor is trying to scam you, file a complaint with the Contractors State License Board, make an appointment to speak with a DCBA Counselor for free, one-on-one assistance, or call us at 800-593-8222.