CSLB Press Release - 12/03/12 Contractors State License Board Reminds Storm Victims to Check the License First Before Making Repairs

CSLB Press Release - 12/03/12

Contractors State License Board Reminds Storm Victims to Check the License First Before Making Repairs

SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is urging California home owners to be vigilant when it comes to contracting for cleanup or repairs from this weekend's heavy rain and high winds. Sometimes what appears to be the cheapest solution to repair flood damage, remove a fallen tree, fix a downed fence, or patch a leaky roof may not be the best choice.

"Anyone who needs to repair post-storm damage should be looking for a legitimate, qualified tradesperson — especially in an urgent situation," said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. "A licensed contractor who is skilled in the specific trade you're seeking is insured and bonded, and is not likely to leave you in the lurch when it comes to properly completing the job at a fair price."

Consumers can use CSLB's online resources, available on www.cslb.ca.gov or CheckTheLicenseFirst.com, to review the license status of a contractor they plan to hire, and to get tips on the best approach to home repair projects. Any construction job valued at $500 or more in labor and materials must be done by a state-licensed contractor. California Business and Professions (B&P) Code requires licensees to carry workers' compensation insurance coverage for their employees, and to be bonded.

For tree trimming and removal jobs where the tree is 15 feet or higher and the job is more than $500, the contractor must be state-licensed. The B&P Code allows a gardener who does not have a state license to work on incidental tree pruning if the tree is less than 15 feet and the job costs less than $500.

State law requires all Roofing (C-39) contractors to carry workers' compensation insurance, even if they do not have employees, to ensure that consumers are protected in the event of an accident or injury on the homeowner's property.

CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips when soliciting bids from any home improvement contractor:

• Hire only licensed contractors, and ask to see the license and photo identification.
• Don't rush into repairs, no matter how badly they're needed.
• Be careful when using online bulletin boards like craigslist.org. Unlicensed operators may try to mislead you into thinking they are licensed.
• Don't pay more than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment.
• Don't pay in cash, and don't let the payments get ahead of the work.
• Get at least three bids, check references, and get a written contract.
• Contact CSLB if you have a complaint against a contractor.

The Contractors State License Board licenses and regulates California's 300,000 contractors, operating under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. It is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States. In fiscal year 2011-12, CSLB helped recover nearly $36 million in ordered restitution for consumers. More information and publications about hiring contractors are available on CSLB's website or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752). You also can sign up to receive automatic CSLB email alerts.

From Durability & Design-Architect to be Tried in Fatal Fire

Violating code requirements can get you put on trial...for involuntary manslaughter. 

A German architect who designed and oversaw construction of a luxury residence where a veteran Los Angeles firefighter perished in a 2011 blaze has been ordered to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter.

Gerhard Albert Becker, 48, allegedly evaded building codes when he installed indoors a fireplace that had been designed for outside use only, according to authorities. Prosecutors say the decision to install the fireplace ultimately led to the death of firefighter Glenn Allen, 61.

Read the Rest Here http://www.durabilityanddesign.com/news/?fuseaction=view&id=8794&nl_versionid=2591

The Regenesis Report (National Edition) December 2012

The Regenesis Report (National Edition) December 2012 is now available.  Go to www.Regenesis.net thenSubscriber Login.

IN THIS EDITION

The Shakedown. Dealing with a disgruntled member.
Ask the HOA Expert. Another compelling series of Q&A.
Know an ARC? The essentials of an Architectural Review Committee.
Debogging.  How to correct drainage in turf areas.
Paradigm Shift. How a reserve study improves your life.
Fall Lawn Order.  Preparing your landscaping for the winter.
I Am A Corporal. A short lesson about being a servant leader.
Proclamation of Thanksgiving.  How it became a national holiday.
Forgive & Forget.  Seven ways to live in harmony.
Stain Removal Guide. Mud: Place large iron-on NASCAR patch over stain. Apply heat for 60 seconds. 

ADVERTISERS  
The Regenesis Report reaches over 10,000 homeowner association boards and managers nationwide each month.  
For advertiser information, see www.regenesis.net/advertise.htm

DO YOU BELONG TO A SELF MANAGED HOA? 
Regenesis.net is specifically designed to assist self managed HOAs with complex management issues.   
Besides the personalized Ask the HOA Expert™ service, there is a vast number of self-help resources…all for only $99/year.   
For details, see www.Regenesis.net/SubscriberInformation.htm

Richard L. Thompson
The HOA Expert™

CSLB Industry Bulletin - 11/20/2012 CSLB Issues Industry Alert Regarding Scam Targeting Licensees and Applicants

CSLB Issues Industry Alert Regarding Scam Targeting Licensees and Applicants

At least one unscrupulous company using public information to rip off dozens of businesses

SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is issuing an Industry Alert to all licensees about to renew current licenses or anyone who has either applied for a CSLB license, or plans to apply.

PRESS RELEASE FROM CSLB

Be careful if anyone contacts you claiming to be from CSLB, or asks for credit card information over the phone for you to renew your license, get continuing education credit, or take a licensing exam. This is a scam!

"We've discovered at least one unscrupulous company that's using information from CSLB's website to contact licensees or applicants to mislead and scam them," CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. "The caller leads the licensee or applicant to believe he or she needs to pay money over the phone to get continuing education credit, renew a license or to schedule a licensing exam."

CSLB staff will never ask for credit card information over the phone, nor will they process any payment over the phone. CSLB fees are only payable through the mail by check or at CSLB headquarters by cash, check, or credit card. There are no continuing education requirements to renew a CSLB license. A list of all license fees is available on CSLB's website.

Business and Professions Code section 7080.5 requires CSLB to make public the name and address of every accepted application for a license, on the day following acceptance, at CSLB's office in Sacramento. Since technology now permits the electronic posting of these lists, CSLB makes them available on its website. These lists are used by many legitimate companies, including bond companies and license assistance companies.

At this point CSLB will continue to post the applicant lists on its website, but the process could change if applicants continue to be preyed upon by unscrupulous companies.

Need Advice on Decks? Get the Value You Deserve

An unsolicited opinion from a tile expert at JohnBridge.com

"It sounds like Bill Leys gave you value for your money." bbcamp

This from the statement made on the forum page located here. http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/archive/index.php/t-98631.html

"I paid Bill Leys with The Deck Expert some money for advice and he said to remove the siding so the waterproof membrane can run up the wall and the door is probably too low for tile." BalconyNewb

Need advice on decks? $25.00 could save you thousands and a lot of heartache. 

DeckExpert.com's First Webinar a Hit With APRA's Professional Reserve Analysts

It was a fun morning earlier today giving my first webinar to professional reserve analysts that are members of the Association of Professional Reserve Analysts (APRA). 

Starting on the various walking deck systems that are on the market that are sold to HOA's, I led the class through the 5 basic types of deck coating materials, followed by what red flags to look for during site inspections. 

Following that was a session discussing best building practices for assembling decks sub-structure and the deck coating system. 

Book your custom seminar or webinar with us now. Get training on decks and waterproofing methods, for reserve studies and general maintenance and care. 

Call us today at 805-545-8300.