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State board handles home repair complaints, helps consumers evaluate contractors
Hiring a contractor can be a complicated, and expensive, proposition -- especially if you've never done so before. The first thing you should know is that while there are many reputable contractors in California there are also some very bad apples.
One of the first places you should go when needing a contractor is the Web site of the California State Contractors' License Board (CSLB). Their mission is to protect consumers and keep tabs on complaints against contractors.
On their Web site you can find educational materials about hiring contractors and the construction process. Examples of some of the materials available include: Ten Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up; A Checklist for Prescreening Contractors, and What Seniors Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor.
You can also check the status of a contractor's license, find other important Contractors License Law information and, if necessary, file a complaint.
It's worth your time, to get several bids when planning a project that will require a contractor and then research the ones you are interested in on the CSLB Web site at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/. When you get to the site, click on the CONSUMERS heading.
Spending the time up front may save you a lot of money and frustration if the job you contract for isn't done properly.
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