Resources
California Sate Contractors Board
The CSLB protects consumers by licensing, enforcing license laws, and educating the public about dealing with contractors in California’s construction industry. There are more than 316,000 licensed contractors in the state, in 43 different licensing classifications. The CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) works to eliminate the underground economy by taking legal action against unlicensed contractors working in California. Undercover sting and sweep operations are conducted weekly around the state.
Consumers can verify a contractor’s license status free of charge on this website. You can also call CSLB, toll-free: (800)321-CSLB (2752). Contractors working on a job from debris removal to a complete remodel totaling $500 or more for labor and materials must be licensed by the CSLB. To become licensed a contractor must pass a licensing examination, verify at least four years of journey-level experience, carry a license bond, and pass a criminal background check.
The CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips when dealing with a building contractor:
- Hire only a licensed qualified contractor
- Verify the contractor’s license by checking on-line or phone
- Do not rush into decisions and hire the first contractor who comes along
- Make a down payment no more than 10% of the project price or $1,000 whichever is less
- Do not pay cash or allow payments to exceed the progress of the job
- Check references and always obtain a written contract
- If the contractor has employees, verify that they carry worker’s compensation.
Better Business Bureau Website
The BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. The Bureau accomplishes this mission by:
- Creating a community of trustworthy businesses
- Setting standards for marketplace trust
- Encouraging and supporting the best practices
- Celebrating marketplace role models
- Denouncing substandard marketplace behavior
They exist so consumers and businesses alike have an unbiased source to guide them on matters of trust. They provide educational information and expert advice that is free of charge and is easily accessible such as the ability to search a local business on their website.
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only national association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. NARI's focuses on professional conduct with continuing education as well as training, and ethical treatment. Members consist only of remodeling professionals who have met a stringent criteria for 5 consecutive years with experience in all aspects of construction and pledged to the highest standards of NARI's Code of Ethics.
NARI certification is a challenging process which requires extensive knowledge where even experienced and skilled professionals find the screening and testing process formidable. Therefore, homeowners can have confidence and security in the NARI certified remodeling contractor. They uphold constant review from the NARI Certification Board and must continue to prove their technical skills, expertise in business management, association involvement, and community service hours served.
Most Certification candidates participate in a 8-12 week study group in preparation for a written exam.
Successful completion of a comprehensive written examination covering critical subject areas such as:
- ‘Big Business’ management practices
- Knowledge of building codes and construction laws, plans, and specifications
- Proper and safe use of equipment, safety, and standards of practice
- Technical skills and many other building specialties
- Once awarded certification, NARI certified remodeling professionals must meet annual recertification requirements involving continuing education and participation in industry related programs.
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