CHECKLIST FOR HOMEOWNERS HOME IMPROVEMENT
Pursuant to California Business & Professions Code § 7159.3
(SB 2029), home improvement contractors must provide this notice.
Check Out Your Contractor
Did you contact the Contractor State License Board (CSLB) to check
the status of the contractors license? Contact the CSLB at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) or visit our web site:
www.csbl.ca.gov
Did you get at least 3 local references from the contractors you are
considering? Did you call them?
Building Permits – will the contractor get a permit before the work starts?
Check Out the Contract
Did you read and do you understand your contract?
Does the 3-day right to cancel a contract apply to you? Contact the CSLB if you don’t know.
Does the contract tell you when work will start and end?
Does the contract include a detailed description of the work to be done,
the material to be used and equipment to be installed? This description should include brand names, model numbers,
quantities and colors. Specific descriptions now will prevent disputes
later.
Are you required to pay a down payment? If you are, the down payment should never be more than 10% of the
contract price or $1,000, whichever is less.
Is there a schedule of payments? If there is a schedule of payments, you should pay only as work is
completed and not before. There are some exceptions – contact the
CSLB to find out what they are.
Did your contractor give you a “Notice to Owner” document, a warning
notice describing liens
and ways to prevent them? Even If you pay your contractor, a lien can be placed on your home by
unpaid laborers, subcontractors, or material suppliers. A lien result in
you paying twice or, in some cases, losing your home in a foreclosure.
Check the “Notice to Owner” for ways to protect yourself.
Did you know changes or additions to your contract must all be in
writing? Putting changes in writing reduces the possibility of later disputes.
1) Does your pluming material have a long-term, proven performance
record?
2) Is it impermeable; can it block contaminants from penetrating its walls?
3) Can the joints withstand rapid pressure and temperature changes?
4) Will it perform well in all weather; is it easily thawed, if necessary?
5) Does it resist punctures and abrasions, and not embrittle with age?
6) Can it inhibit the breeding of harmful germs?
7) Will it not burn, or give off smoke or toxic fumes when exposed to fire?
8) Will it withstand the weather and the sun's ultraviolet rays in outdoor
applications?
9) It is virtually maintenance-free; does it have a low lifetime cost of
ownership?
10) Will it add to your
home's resale value?
11) Does it have nationwide approval of building inspectors and engineers?
12) Does it have inherent quality and value, or it is it false economy?
