Tag Archives: Construction

Solar Server reports Construction resumes on 250 MW California Valley Solar Ranch

On November 2nd, 2011 SunPower Corporation (San Jose, California, U.S.) announced an agreement with environmental and land use organizations to settle and dismiss a lawsuit against the 250 MW California Valley Solar Ranch (CVSR) solar photovoltaic (PV) project.
Following this announcement, Bechtel Corporation (San Francisco, California, U.S.) reported that it has received Full Notice to Proceed on construction of the CVSR. Bechtel began working on the site in August 2011, and construction is scheduled to last roughly two years.
“Upon completion, the California Valley Solar Ranch will produce clean, renewable energy to meet the power needs of approximately 100,000 homes,” said Bechtel Renewable Power Division President Ian Copeland. “Equally important, it will be built with minimal impact to the land and habitat.”
“We are honored that SunPower Corporation selected Bechtel to deliver this world-class, large-scale solar facility that will advance the renewable energy industry.”

SunPower limits use of site to 50 years
Under the agreement with North County Watch (Templeton, California, U.S.) and Carrizo Commons (San Luis Obispo, California, U.S.), SunPower has agreed to limit the use of the site to 50 years, and to decommission the plant and restore habitat at the site within that time frame.
The company has also agreed to provide for enhanced communication and collaboration regarding mitigation and monitoring activities during the construction of the project, as well as funding of research for endangered species.
SunPower had previously committed to preserve more than 36 square kilometers of grasslands in the area.

SunPower to advertise at Orchard Supply Hardware
Also on November 2nd, 2011 SunPower announced that it will offer PV systems via informational displays at Orchard Supply Hardware (OHS, San Jose, California, U.S.) stores in California, as well as on the company’s web site.

LA Times reports: KB Home hopes building green turns luxury condo sales red hot

By Tiffany Hsu, Los Angeles Times

May 17, 2011

KB Home, a major home builder, is hoping energy saving, eco-friendly features will help drive sales of luxury condos.

When it opens Tuesday, the company’s Primera Terra residential development in Playa Vista will include a host of green essentials: A white “cool roof” to deflect sunlight and heat, electric vehicle charging stations in the garage and storage space for bicycles.

The condo complex with 52 units also has its own community garden. Each condo has a tankless water heater and hi-tech showerheads that save as many as 2,700 gallons a year.

Residents can save more than 40% on their energy bill compared with a typical new home of comparable size, executives said. Condo owners can monitor energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and electricity costs through their computer, iPad or iPhone using a device connected to each unit’s electrical panel.

The construction was also environmental friendly, company executives said. More than 95% of the waste generated during construction was recycled. Builders used nontoxic paints and carpeting.

KB Home said Primera Terra is among the largest residential communities in the state to be awarded Platinum certification — the top rating from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, program.

The complex is among the first of its kind to land the certificate without including solar panels in the design, executives said.

In February, KB Home launched its Energy Performance Guide, a label included with all model homes that displays the new property’s expected energy efficiency and estimated electricity bill.

Contractors State License Services hosts Open House statewide in recognition of Earth Day and Green Construction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

http://www.contractorslicensingschools.com/

 Contractors State License Services hosts Open House statewide in recognition of Earth Day and Green Construction.

 Contractors State License Services (CSLS) will be hosting an open house at all school locations throughout California on April 29th, 2011 in recognition of Earth Day and Green Construction.  A variety of speakers and vendors offering construction related information; green products and construction business services are scheduled at 20 plus locations throughout the state. CSLS and strategic partners are working together to educate Contractors and Construction workers on available services and products that can help them take advantage of value-added green offerings that they can integrate into their construction business. “Green construction starts with getting your contractor’s license so assisting students and graduates to get connected in this growing part of the industry is a wonderful opportunity for Contractors”, says David Mizener, CSLS CEO.

At many of the Contractors State License Services school locations Green industry experts, speakers and vendors will participate including American Home Inspection Training (AHIT), Home Depot, HD Supply, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Global HVAC/Ruud, Lowes, Harbor Freight Tools, Jem Industrial Coatings, CBIA Insurance Services, Ewaste Recycler, Contractor Manager, Deep Blue Pool Service, Corp 911 and Solar Seminars.

For this event topics of discussion will cover Zero VOC Paint products, Green insulation, Energy Audit Training, Solar Installation, Sustainable building, Energy Tax Rebates for consumers, Energy efficient appliances, Tankless water heaters, Greenscaping including native landscaping, and much more.  CSLS will also present information on the recently required EPA-Renovation, Repair and Painting certification. Promotions, giveaways and special offers will also be part of this statewide event. Schedules and presenters vary by location. For details on individual school events interested contractors can contact the corporate offices at Contractor State License Services 800-331-4691.

  About CSLS (http://contractorslicensingschools.com/) @contractorslic  #Contractors#License

Contractors State License Services (CSLS) is the largest school in California devoted to the Construction professional. For over 25 years, CSLS has helped its students pass the exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California, licensing more students than any other school. In fact, 1 in 3 applicants to the California State Licensing Board (CSLB) have used CSLS to successfully pass the exam. Contractors State License Services offers licensing classes for all types of contractor licenses, including: General Engineering Contractor | General Building Contractor | Specialty Contractor | Insulation and Acoustical Contractor | Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor | Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor | Concrete Contractor | Drywall Contractor | Electrical Contractor | Elevator Contractor | Landscaping Contractor | Warm-Air Heating | Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor, and many others. Contractors State License Services also provides CSLS Contractors with Business Development Services to assist in every aspect of sustaining a strong Construction Business. These include Bonds, Corporation Services, DBA’s, Application Processing, Fingerprint Services, Home Inspection training courses, BPI Energy Audit training courses, NAPCEP Solar PV Photovoltaic Installer training courses, Locksmithing training courses, and Insurance Services.

###

Avoid the Pinch…CSLB Fee Increase coming soon!

CSLB Fee Increase avoid it with a Contractors License now

July is steadily approaching which means fee increases from the CSLB for a Contractors License associated fees is also approaching sooner than you think. Start now in a qualified Contractors Licensing program such as the In School Law & Trade program with CSLS and avoid the pinch.  Details from the CSLB outlined to give you an idea of how enrolling now can save you from the big pinch.

Office of Administrative Law Approves CSLB Fee Increase

New fee schedule begins July 1, 2011

SACRAMENTO – Contractors State License Board (CSLB) application, licensing and registration fees transition to a new schedule on July 1, 2011, following action taken by the state Office of Administrative Law (OAL) in 2010. CSLB fees had remained the same since 1993. OAL approved increases that would represent the statutory maximum that was set by the Legislature in 2002 in response to the Enforcement Monitor report that called for increased resources for CSLB’s enforcement program.  The increase will help assure that CSLB is able to uphold its mandated protection of California consumers and the integrity of the construction industry.

 
Fee Current Amount New Amount  Increase % Increase
Application for Original Contractor License $250.00 $300.00 $50.00 20%
Application to Add a Supplemental Classification or to Replace the Responsible Managing Officer or Employee on an Existing License $50.00 $75.00 $25.00 50%
Rescheduling an Examination $50.00 $60.00 $10.00 20%
Initial License Fee $150.00 $180.00 $30.00 20%
Renewal – Contractor License (Biennial) $300.00 $360.00 $60.00 20%
Renewal – 4-Year Inactive License $150.00 $180.00 $30.00 20%
Reactivate Contractor License $300.00 $360.00 $60.00 20%
Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) Registration Fee $50.00 $75.00 $25.00 50%
Asbestos Certification Fee $50.00 $75.00 $25.00 50%
Hazardous Substance Removal Certificate $50.00 $75.00 $25.00 50%
Delinquent Renewal – Contactor License /1 $150.00 $180.00 $30.00 20%
Delinquent Renewal – 4-Year Inactive License /1 $75.00 $90.00 $15.00 20%
Delinquent Renewal – HIS Registration /1 $25.00 $37.50 $12.50 50%

/1 Delinquent renewal fees are not included in the proposed regulation because B&P Code Section 7137 (f) sets the delinquency fee as a percentage of the applicable renewal fee: “The delinquency fee is an amount equal to 50 percent of the renewal fee, if the license is renewed after its expiration.”

LA Times reports: Japan quake jolts retrofitting demand in Southland

Companies report a surge in calls from homeowners after the earthquake and tsunami. The work can be expensive, and prices can vary widely.

By Shan Li, Los Angeles Times
March 16, 2011

Like many construction businesses, Jonathan Weinstein’s company suffered during the economic downturn. Then, on Friday, the phones hardly stopped ringing.

Weinstein Retrofitting Systems Inc., based in Van Nuys, specializes in earthquake retrofitting for homes.

“Whenever there’s a big disaster anywhere in the world, it puts safety in the front and center of people’s minds,” said Weinstein, vice president of the family-owned company. The firm has had a threefold increase in phone calls since the disastrous earthquake hit Japan, he said. Some callers were merely anxious, others frantic.

“People feel compelled to do something,” Weinstein said.

Jacqueline Boucher, who is in escrow on a duplex in Mid-City, is among those who called the company. She had set aside $10,000 for window treatments and other cosmetic niceties. Then she watched whole Japanese fishing villages crumble like plastic toys and called Weinstein’s company.

Earthquake preparedness “just went to No. 1 on my priority list,” said Boucher, 40, who works as a clerk for the city of Los Angeles. “It’s not like it wasn’t a priority before. But now I believe one is coming, and it’ll be bad.”

Across earthquake-prone Southern California, other retrofit companies also saw a huge jump in calls.

Stern’s Construction Inc. in Woodland Hills hadn’t gotten such a high volume of inquiries since 1994. That was the year of the Northridge earthquake, which caused more than 60 deaths and 5,000 injuries, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“In 1994 every business saw a huge boom,” company owner Terry Stern said. “We were doing 1,500 houses a year.”

There have been numerous other massive quakes since then, such as in Haiti last year. But the temblor in Japan especially struck a nerve.

“The average person might not be able to tell you exactly where Haiti is,” said Mike Goldberg, owner of White Castle Construction in Los Angeles. “But people can really identify with Japan. They probably drive a Japanese car. It’s more real to them and it really hits home.”

Owners of commercial buildings did not, for the most part, join in the frenzy to get retrofitted, said Steven Saunders, president of Saunders Commercial Seismic Retrofit in Costa Mesa.

“These are people with large properties, and they tend to be far more rational than individual homeowners,” Saunders said. “They have a schedule for when to do repairs or to retrofit their buildings. They can’t be scared and decide to do these projects in a week.”

Some homeowners who contacted Goldberg’s business were definitely in panic mode. He said a Los Angeles woman, who was out of town on vacation, harangued her sister into swinging by his office to drop off a deposit in $100 bills. It was an attempt to secure an early place in line for retrofitting.

Retrofitting homes can be expensive, and prices can vary widely. Companies send workers into crawl spaces under houses to strengthen foundations with concrete, if needed, and bolt down wooden frames.

Reinforcing homes with metal rods or brackets, the minimum required for stability, typically costs a minimum of about $3,000, according to several construction companies. A cracked foundation or other serious problem could ratchet up the price several times that amount.

That demand after the Northridge earthquake tapered off as memories of the event faded.

Goldberg’s company did get a small upsurge in retrofitting business during the recession from people wanting to protect their most valuable possession — their homes.

“They were basically saying, ‘I can’t tell you definitely I’m going to have a job soon, but I can tell you if I lose my house in a quake I am really up the creek,” Goldberg said.

Still, even in affluent neighborhoods such as Hancock Park and Beverly Hills, there are numerous unretrofitted homes built before stringent safety requirements, Stern said. He referred to these buildings as an “untapped market.”

Eric Scott, 27, bought a home in Granada Hills in 2008 that an inspector’s report described as “partially retrofitted.” It didn’t bother him, however, because the house had sustained no damage as a result of the 1994 earthquake centered in nearby Northridge.

“I never even read the report to figure out what ‘partially retrofitted’ meant,” Scott said. “I was excited to do other things, like buy new furniture.”

Then, he watched the near-constant coverage of what happened in Japan.

“It was very in your face and very tragic,” Scott said. “The first thought that came to my head immediately was I’ve got to get my house fixed. Now.”

shan.li@latimes.com

CARLSBAD: Kelly Elementary hero construction workers get scholarships

Kelly Construction workers receiving information on CSLS Programs

Five men working at Kelly during shooting to get $1,000 for classes

By STACY BRANDT – sbrandt@nctimes.com | Posted: Saturday, January 8, 2011 6:00 am

The construction workers who tackled a gunman at Kelly Elementary School in October will be able to further their own education soon with some help from a statewide contractors training program.

Contractors State License Services, a private vocational school, has offered the men —- Mario Contreras, Steven Kane, Carlos Partida, Toby Wiest and Edward Dominguez —- free tuition and materials for one of its courses, up to $1,000.

Most of the men said they want to study to get a state contractors license and the scholarship would cover the cost of that course, or another course offered by the school.

The men, who work for San Diego-based Randall Construction, said the offer was appreciated, especially because they haven’t had steady work since the job at Kelly Elementary ended in October. Becoming licensed contractors will help them get more work or branch out on their own, they said.

The class to prepare them for taking the contractors test can take anywhere from six weeks to four months to finish, depending on how quickly they do the work.

In the end, the school will help them get their license, set up a business name and help process paperwork, said Alex Avelar, state license consultant for the Van Nuys-based school.

The five men were pouring concrete at the school the day 41-year-old Brendan O’Rourke allegedly opened fire on children in the playground. Contreras and Kane chased after the gunman on foot while Partida clipped him with his truck.

Kane returned to work the same day with Dominguez and Wiest, while Partida and Contreras took a few days off. Partida said he wanted to collect his thoughts before returning to work, and Contreras was nursing his hand, which he broke during the scuffle.

The school offered the scholarships to reward the workers for their heroism, said Cyndi Beaver, marketing coordinator at the school.

“It was an opportunity for us to kind of give back,” she said.

O’Rourke allegedly shot two second-grade girls in the arm before the men chased him out of the playground. Both children recovered and returned to school quickly, school officials said.

Kane said he was overwhelmed initially by all of the attention the men got after the incident, but now it feels as if it happened long ago. More importantly, he said, he’s thankful that nobody was more seriously hurt.

Call staff writer Stacy Brandt at 760-901-4009 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              760-901-4009      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

San Diego Tribune Reports on CSLS Scholarship for local heroes

Free tuition offered to Kelly school heroes

By Aaron Burgin

Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 6:13 p.m.

SAN MARCOS — The Kelly Elementary School construction-worker heroes are going back to school, and the school is picking up the tab.

Carlos Partida, Eddie Dominguez, Steven Kane, Mario Contreras and Toby Wiest helped subdue Brendan Liam O’Rourke, who is accused of opening fire at Kelly Elementary School in Carlsbad in October, wounding two second-grade girls. The workers chased after him after he stopped to reload. Partida knocked him to the ground with a truck and helped hold him until police arrived.

Contreras suffered a broken hand when he punched O’Rourke.

Van Nuys-based Contractors State License Services, a private vocational school in San Marcos, is giving $1,000 scholarships to each man. The scholarships will pay for the workers to take one course, such as for contractor’s license examination preparation, blue print reading or contract estimating.

The school stepped in to offer the scholarships after learning about the heroics displayed by the workers, which garnered national attention. Days before the shooting, the school offered Victor Perez, a Fresno construction worker who rescued an 8-year-old girl who had been kidnapped, a similar scholarship.

“We were kind of on a hero thing,” Cyndi Beaver, the school’s marketing coordinator, said Thursday during a ceremony. “We just wanted to acknowledge our heroes in the construction industry.”

The timing of the scholarships couldn’t have been better, the men said. They are all currently unemployed. For most of them, the contract at Kelly Elementary, a renovation of the school’s kitchen, was their last job.

“We’re looking,” Partida said. “There’s just not much out there right now.”

Four of the five men said they would use the scholarship to get their Class B state contractor’s license, which would enable them to find more work or potentially start a business themselves.

The men say they have been overwhelmed by the adulation they have received.

“We still get the ‘you’re a hero’ response,” Kane said. “It’s been really nice.”

www.MakeMeAContractor.com 

CSLS San Marcos Location

CSLS San Diego Location

California County News reports a bit of good news for the CA Construction Industry!

Back in Business? Construction Jobs in CA See Largest Increase Among All States for Oct-Nov.
California’s construction jobs were particularly hit hard by the recession and the poor economy. But there is good news to be had, as the industry has posted a job gain of 7,800 positions over October and November. In fact, such a job gain has helped to boost the state’s overall employment levels and California has posted a construction increase that topped all other states during the same time period. The Associated General Contractors of America released the analysis and Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, stated that “It is encouraging that the number of states adding jobs year-over-year was higher in November than at any time since February 2008. However, the data also make clear that these gains are as spotty as they are tenuous.” Notably, while California had positive gains, it also had the largest 12-month drop—36,900 jobs, or 6.4 percent. A press released about the association’s analysis states:
“In all, 36 states lost construction jobs over the past 12 months, while construction employment was unchanged in Massachusetts. Association officials cautioned that construction employment figures were likely to fluctuate and possibly drop over the coming months as many stimulus-funded projects begin to wind down and private-sector demand remains weak. They added that newly passed legislation that prevented steep tax increases, including for many small construction firms, will help boost overall economic activity and could drive new demand for construction later next year. ‘The tax bill is a step in the right direction because it will revitalize the economy and help boost private-sector construction demand,’ said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. ‘But Congress still needs to act on long-delayed infrastructure bills and provide businesses with relief from an increasingly costly regulatory burden.’”

Important CSLB Bulletin: New Year Brings New Protection for California Homeowners

SACRAMENTO — New California construction laws and regulations passed during the 2009-2010 legislative session take effect January 1, 2011.

A key consumer protection law regarding mechanics liens (a claim on property that could force its foreclosure and sale to satisfy unpaid contractor or supplier debts) becomes effective on January 1, 2011. The result of Contractors State License Board (CSLB)-sponsored Assembly Bill 457 (Monning), the new law, signed in 2009, requires contractors, subcontractors or materials suppliers who intend to file a mechanics lien to serve aNotice of Mechanics Lien on the property owner. In addition to the notice, the person serving the mechanics lien must also provide a proof of service affidavit or the lien will be unenforceable. Mechanics liens are recorded with the county. Many times homeowners are unaware that a lien has even been placed on their property. Awareness of a lien is important because even if a mechanics lien is not used to foreclose on the property, its presence on the title can potentially prevent borrowing against, refinancing or selling the property.

“AB 457 provides vital protection for California property owners, plus, CSLB provides many resources and tips that consumers can easily review before a construction contract is signed to avoid the possibility of a mechanics lien altogether,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands

A CSLB-sponsored bill passed this year provides a valuable tool to help combat the states underground economy. Senate Bill 1254 (Leno) will enable CSLB to issue a stop work order to any licensed or unlicensed contractor who fails to carry workers compensation insurance coverage for all of his or her employees. The new law gives CSLB unprecedented authority in allowing the Boards enforcement representatives to more effectively stop unlicensed, uninsured activity, and aid in the states efforts to ensure a level playing field for licensees who follow workers compensation laws. A stop order takes effect immediately and can be appealed. Employees who lose pay due to a work stoppage will be entitled to up to 10 days pay for time lost. Failure to comply with a stop work order will be a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Following are additional construction-related laws that take effect January 1, 2011, unless otherwise noted:

Other Workers Compensation
SB 313 (DeSaulnier) Labor Code Section 3722 amended
This bill, signed in 2009, increases the potential penalty for failure to have a workers compensation policy from $1,000 to $1,500 for each employee not covered. Fines are administered by the director of the Department of Industrial Relations. (Amended Stats 2009 ch 640 § 1)

AB 2305 (Knight) Business and Professions Code Section 7125 and Insurance Code Section 11665 amended
The bill extends the requirement for C-39 Roofing contractors to carry a workers compensation policy, even if he or she has no employees until 2013. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 423 §1, 2 and 3)

Environmental
AB 1343 (Huffman) Public Resources Code Chapter 5 added to Part 7, Division 30
Effective April 1, 2012, contractor outreach and education will begin regarding recycling of architectural paint. Implementation of this recycling program could include an assessment on the future sale of paint. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 420 § 1 and 2)

AB 2398 (John A. PÃrez) Public Resources Code Section Chapter 20 added to Part 3, Division 30 and Section 42980 repealed
Beginning on July 1, 2011, carpet manufacturers must charge an additional one-half cent sales tax per square yard of product purchased to pay for a carpet recycling program. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 681 § 1 and 2)

Criminal
AB 2372 (Ammiano) Penal Code Section 487 amended
This law changes the threshold from $400 to $950 to charge the crime of grand theft for stealing money, labor, real or personal property. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 693 § 1 and 2)

CSLB/Consumer Protection Boards
SB 294 (Negrete McLeod) Business and Professions Code Sections 7000.5 and 7011 amended
This bill extends CSLBs existence as a consumer protection board from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2012. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 695 §37 and 38)

SB 392 (Florez) Business and Professions Code Sections 7025, 7028.5, 7029, 7065, 7065.1, 7065.5, 7068, 7068.1, ;7068.2, 7069, 7071, 7071.1, 7071.8, 7071.9, 7071.11, 7071.17, 7072.5, 7075.1, 7076, 7076.2, 7085.6, 7090, 7090.1, 7096, 7121, 7121.1, 7121.5, 7121.6, 7122, 7122.1, 7122.2, 7122.5, 7137, 7138, 7152, 7159 and 7159.10 and 7071.6.5 and 7071.19 added; Corporations Code Section 22037amended
This bill authorizes the issuance of a contractor license to a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) beginning January 1, 2012. Prior to passage of this law, LLCs were not able to be licensed in California. The LLC would be required to maintain liability insurance of between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000 and post a $100,000 surety bond, in addition to the $12,500 bond already required of all licensees. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 §1 through 43)

SB 1491 (Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development) Business and Professions Code Sections 7028.6, 7028.7, 7028.9 and 7058.5 amended
This bill requires that a citation for acting as a contractor or salesperson without a license or registration be issued within four years, or 18 months of a complaint for the violation, whichever is later. The bill also allows for contractors applying for an original license to complete and return the required open book exam about asbestos electronically. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 415 §17,18 and 19)

AB 1659 (Huber) Government Code Section 9147.7 added
This law abolishes the Joint Committee on Boards, Commissions and Consumer Protection and replaces it with the Joint Sunset Review Committee. CSLBs sunset review process remains unchanged. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 666 § 1)

AB 2130 (Huber) Business and Professions Code Section 22 amended and Section 101.1 and Division 1.2 repealed
This law is a companion bill to AB 1659, replacing the Joint Committee on Boards, Commissions and Consumer Protection and replacing it with the Joint Sunset Review Committee. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 670 § 1 through 3)

AB 2500 (Hagman) Business and Professions Code Section 114 amended and Section114.5 repealed
The bill amends current law allowing people licensed by Department of Consumer Affairs boards and bureaus to reinstate their license without examination or penalty if serving in the California National Guard or United States Military during a period of war. The new law repeals the section defining war and extends the reinstatement provision for licensees who can prove they were serving on active, military duty. Requests must come not more than one year after discharge or the end of active duty. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 389 §1 and 2)

Changes to existing regulations that would increase contractor licensing fees (PDF) received final approval from the Office of Administrative Law, effective December 18, 2010. Fee increases begin on July 1, 2011 for those applying for or changing their contractor license. Renewal fees for licenses that expire on or after July 1, 2011, will also be increased. CSLB fees have remained at their current level since 1993, and the additional revenue will assure CSLB upholds its mandated protection of California consumers and the integrity of the construction industry

Important CSLB Bulletin: Contractors State License Board Encourages Vigilance as Winter Storms Hit State

SACRAMENTO — In the wake of heavy rain, mudslides, flooding and their aftermath, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) reminds California property owners to stay vigilant when it comes to contracting for clean-up or repairs. Sometimes what appears to be the cheapest solution to remove a fallen tree, fix a downed fence, or patch a leaky roof may not be the wisest choice.

Consumers can use CSLB™s online resources to check the license status of the contractor they plan to hire, and to get tips on home repair and improvement choices. Any construction job valued at $500 or more in labor and materials must be done by a state-licensed contractor. California Business & Professions Code requires all licensees to carry workers compensation insurance coverage for their employees and to purchase a contractor license bond.

Now that Governor Schwarzenegger has declared a State of Emergency in several coastal, Central Valley, and Southern California counties, anyone caught contracting without a California contractor license can potentially be charged with a felony and subject to up to $10,000 in fines and three years in state prison (Business and Professions Code section 7028.16). In areas that are not state or federally-declared disaster areas, penalties are generally misdemeanors.

“A state-licensed contractor is the right choice when looking for a legitimate, qualified home repairperson”especially in an urgent situation,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “A CSLB-licensed contractor who is skilled in the specific trade you are seeking is not likely to leave you in the lurch when it comes to properly completing the job at a fair price.”

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. Business & Professions Code allows a gardener to do incidental pruning on trees less than 15 feet and under a cost of $500 without a CSLB license.

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

• Hire only licensed contractors, and ask to see the license and photo identification to make sure the person is who they claim to be.
• Dont rush into repairs, no matter how badly they are needed.