Contractors State License Board Helps Fire Victims
Protects homeowners trying to rebuild
Friday, October 26, 2007
The California Contractors State License Board is taking an aggressive stand against illegal contractors in the southern California fire zones.
CSLB staff is working at disaster assistance centers and in the burned neighborhoods, offering help and advice to fire victims and coordinating enforcement efforts with other local, state and federal agencies. “We have learned from past experience that it helps to take a proactive approach in disaster zones,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “We do everything we can to help disaster victims while letting the illegal operators know they’re being watched.”
The CSLB is warning residents to beware of unscrupulous or unlicensed operators who will try to take advantage of their situation. The board is also warning illegal operators that they face serious prison time if caught working or trying to get contracting work over $500 in a declared disaster area.
Homeowners are receiving information on how to protect themselves by using CSLB’s resources to check a contractor’s license status and history, and by following a series of important tips. “Avoid the urge to rush into repairs with the first contractor you meet, especially if they just show up without an invitation,” said Sands. “Spend just a few minutes checking the contractor out with CSLB to make sure they’re licensed.”
The CSLB is also reminding contractors who want to get work in the disaster area that they must hold a valid California contractors license, in the appropriate classification, in order to perform most work on homes and other structures damaged or destroyed by the wildfires. They must have the proper business license to work in the fire zone. Some out-of-state contractors and unlicensed operators may want to help with rebuilding. However, it is illegal and punishable as a felony to perform contracting work in a state or federally declared disaster area without a valid California contractor’s license. Punishment may include a fine of up to $10,000 or up to 16 months in state prison. In the days and weeks ahead, CSLB will partner with local, state and other government agencies to conduct enforcement stings and sweeps in and around the disaster areas.
Contractors working on any job—from debris removal to roof repair to rebuilding—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 and pass a criminal background check. California contractors must carry a license bond, and provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. A homeowner could be at risk if workers who aren’t covered have an accident while on their property.
Homeowners should look closely at any paperwork or contracts they are handed. A standard home improvement contract is required to have a 7-day “Right-To-Cancel” notification for repairs or restoration of residential structures in an area for which a state of emergency has been declared. It is also important to note that repairs cannot be broken up into smaller projects to avoid the $500 threshold for licensing.
Consumers can verify a contractor’s license status through the CSLB’s Website or through its toll-free automated telephone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). Find out if the contractor’s license is active and in the right classification for the work to be done. Consumers can also see if there are any legal complaints against the contractor, if the business name and address are correct, and if there is workers’ compensation insurance coverage for employees. Consumers can download tips and publications on topics like disaster scams, hiring a contractor and home improvement contracts from the CSLB Website.
The CSLB has also activated its Disaster Hotline. The line is open for disaster victims to call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1-800-962-1125.
The CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips when dealing with a building contractor:
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French Home
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Japanese art of Wabi Sabi, or finding beauty in imperfection, is given a French twist in this lavishly illustrated book. Author Josephine Ryan is a London antiques dealer and stylist who shares her knack for decorating with the often less-than-perfect items found in French antiques and brocante shops.
She reminds us of the other tenet of wabi sabi, the impermanence of things. Here a tattered chair brings the texture of age to a smooth new wall, a foxed mirror fragment creates an air of smoky mystery, and a rust-spattered bench matches the autumn leaves swirling around a courtyard. And it’s not just objects, but homes themselves that are celebrated: the graceful imperfection of a rough stone wall, the irregular lines of handmade tiles, and the comforting traces of years, sometimes centuries, of use on floors or counters.
The French make it look easy, the seemingly effortless blending of old and new. Ryan shows us how we can begin to develop the self-assurance that informs this more relaxed attitude toward decorating. The book contains sections on elements such as textiles, ceramics, color, lighting and furniture, and on rooms, including work spaces. She includes a chapter on sourcing antiques with tips on attending auctions and how to find the right dealers. And there’s lots of solid information on the history of French furnishings.
You’ll see the local flea market with a whole new eye once you’ve read this book.
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California Native Plants for the Garden
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Here’s a book we can all use. The title is a bit misleading—this is an authoritative reference not only to plants, but to landscape design and maintenance, including, watering, pruning, and pest control.
Filled with wonderful color photographs of individual plants, it’s a resource for neophytes and experts alike. The authors provide crucial details on plant siting, color, seasonal appearance and a lot more. If you’ve been considering forsaking the English country garden for one that’s more authentic to our region (and one that’s more ecologically sound), this book could just tip the scales. It’s a volume you’ll return to again and again.
