SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE VICTIMS
Handyman Connection is providing the following information to all disaster
victims and is free to disseminate. We hope that you will take the time to
do good research at what may be an emotional time. For comments, replies,
and additions, contact us at hc4804@handymanconnection.com or 714-288-0077
or 949-588-8881.
AFTER A DISASTER DON'T GET SCAMMED
Some out-of-state contractors and unlicensed California contractors want to
help with rebuilding in disaster areas. However, it is illegal and
punishable as a felony to perform contracting work in a declared disaster
area without a California contractor's license.
Punishment may include a fine of up to $10,000 or up to 16 months in state
prison.
Check out your Contractor's License at:
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/
Contractors Board Hotline for Disaster Victims Only
1-800-962-1125
You can find the full text of the Home Improvement Contract Law update here.
It includes complete information on the "Seven Day Right to Cancel Notice"
Check out your contractor rating at:
http://welcome.bbb.org/
Other useful links:
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
P.O. Box 419047
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9047
(916) 845-8510 or www.oes.ca.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
www.fema.gov or 1-800-621-FEMA
Regional Office (Region IX)
1111 Broadway, Suite 1200
Oakland, CA 94607
Main Office (510) 627-7100
Some other CSLB publications to ask for that may help you avoid problems before they occur:
"What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor"
Provides information about hiring and working with contractors.
"Terms of Agreement - A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts"
Information about what to look for in a home improvement contract.
"Preventing Mechanic's Liens"
A guide to make sure subcontractors and suppliers are fully paid.
For a free copy of these publications, log onto the Internet
at: www.cslb.ca.gov or call 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
Other tips from the CSLB
It is an unfortunate fact that unscrupulous individuals will try and make a profit on another's misfortune. Don't let these individuals take advantage
of you during this vulnerable time.
Before you hire a contractor or sign any documents for repairs, the California Contractors State License Board offers the following basic
advice:
-Don't rush into repairs, no matter how badly they are needed;
-Get at least three bids. Don't hire the first contractor who comes along;
-Watch out for door-to-door offers of repair services and flyers or business
cards that are left on your doorstep;
-Ask friends, family and associates for recommendations about contractors they have hired;
-Never hand over a cash deposit;
-Even for the smallest job, get proof that the person you are dealing with
has a contractor's license for the type of work that needs to be done; and
-Get a written contract that details every aspect of the work to be done.
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