THINKING ABOUT BUYING A POOL?
Every day California homeowners fall prey to unlicensed, illegal contractors who promise to build their home swimming pools at prices far below what legitimate licensed pool contractors have quoted them. Without checking with the Contractors State License Board's Web site to see if these "contractors" have active, legal swimming pool contractor licenses, they write their first checks.
And that's when their nightmares begin. What SPEC Board Chairman and Mission Pools of Escondido President said in this TV news story could save you a great deal of money and even more agony!
ALWAYS CHECK WWW.CSLB.CA.GOV TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE DEALING WITH A LEGALLY LICENSED CONTRACTOR!
SPEC Says
I
don't care how well you swim ... You're not getting in the pool without me!
Adult Supervision is not an Option!
"Know
where children are at all times.
When they are supposed to be near the pool, make sure that there is at
least one adult undistracted by anything around him or her whose sole
job it is to keep an eye on the kids.
Owner/builders take note!
A word of caution from
the
Contractors State License Board
|
for your project to hire licensed knowledgeable tradespersons, the contractor becomes responsible for all phases of construction. ---------------------------------- |
Anyone who talks you into being your
own general contractor, or Your responsibilities may include such things as state and federal taxes, workers' compensation insurance, and other legal liabilities. You may be required to hire various subcontractors for your project, scheduling their work and supervising the job. If a worker is injured while working on your property, you could be asked to pay for injuries and rehabilitation through your homeowner's insurance policy. By signing a building permit application as an owner/builder, you assume full responsibility for all phases of your project and its integrity. Hiring an unlicensed consultant
to manage the project does not save Unless you are very experienced in
construction, it is best to leave these matters to your licensed
contractor. |
CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD P.O. BOX 26000, SACRAMENTO, CA 95826 (800) 321-CSLB FAX (916) 255-1395
www.cslb.ca.gov
UNLICENSED
CONTRACTOR ARRESTED AFTER HOMEOWNERS BILKED
SACRAMENTO---A
man suspected of ripping off at least five homeowners for more than $45,000 in
damages was arrested in a sting operation June 1 by the Contractors State
License Board (CSLB). William Ralph
Barrientos was cited earlier on two separate occasions by the CSLB for
contracting without a license and illegally using other contractor's names and
license numbers without their knowledge.
The
sting took place in Elk Grove with help from Elk Grove Police.
CSLB investigators posed as new homeowners.
Mr. Barrientos was arrested without incident after bidding in excess $500
for a job, which constitutes as contracting without a license.
He was also arrested for burglary - which is entering with intent to
steal. CSLB investigators are in the
process of identifying other potential victims.
So far, they have found homeowners in Elk Grove and El Dorado Hills that
have had to repair damage caused by shoddy workmanship attributed to Mr.
Barrientos.
"Homeowners
need to watch out for phony contractors," said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands.
"They can do a lot of damage. That
is why it is so important to make sure the person hired for home improvement
projects has a valid license by checking them out with the Board."
Consumers
can verify a contractor's license status 24 hours a day using the CSLB's Web
site at www.cslb.ca.gov or toll-free automated telephone system at (800)
321-CSLB (2752). They can also report contractors or unlicensed activity to the
Board by filling in the online complaint form or by calling the CSLB number to
request a form by mail. For hot tips
download and fax the form at: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/services/forms.asp#HOTLEAD.
By law,
all contractors who perform work that totals $500 or more (labor and materials)
must be licensed by the CSLB. Because
many unlicensed operators don't comply with the workers compensation laws, they
often submit lower bids on jobs. But, if one of their workers is injured on the
job, the homeowner could be considered liable.
And, if a deal goes bad with an unlicensed contractor, the homeowner has
very few options.
The
CSLB and this association urges consumers to follow these tips when dealing with
a contractor:
 |
Hire
only licensed contractors and ask to see the license. |
|
Don't
hire the first contractor who comes along. |
|
Be
especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement |
|
Don't
rush into repairs, no matter how badly they're needed. |
|
Verify
the contractor's license at www.cslb.ca.gov or (800) 321-CSLB. |
|
Don't
pay more than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment. |
|
Don't
pay cash, and don't let the payments get ahead of the work |
|
Get
three bids, check references, and get a written contract |
The
Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California
Department of Consumer Affairs. The CSLB licenses and regulates
The
California Spa and Pool Industry Education Council (SPEC) actively assists the
Contractors Board by investigating unlicensed pool and spa contractor complaints
for official action. Reputable
licensed contractors know that every illegal contractor and owner-builder
consultant damages the entire industry's reputation for quality
workmanship and performance. Worse,
such operators carry no Workers' Compensation Insurance as law requires
leaving homeowners legally liable for any injuries incurred by workers on their
projects.
#
# #
TIPS 
Energy
Conservation Tips Water
Evaporation Chart Drowning
Prevention Tips
Statute of Limitation
Support
SPEC!
