California Contractors Board Warns Wildfire Victims Against Unlicensed Repairs

State regulators advise careful vetting of contractors as Southern California communities face reconstruction
Published on Jan 18, 2025

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is urging Southern California wildfire victims to exercise caution when hiring contractors for post-disaster rebuilding efforts. Operating under the Department of Consumer Affairs, the CSLB oversees approximately 285,000 licensed contractors and aims to prevent unqualified or unlicensed contractors from exploiting vulnerable homeowners who need urgent repairs.

“After a disaster, homeowners are vulnerable to scams and poor workmanship,” said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “Licensed contractors have proven qualifications that help ensure they can perform safe and reliable work.”

The board emphasizes that all repair or construction work valued at $1,000 or more must be performed by licensed contractors. Homeowners should not rush into repairs, regardless of urgency, and should work closely with local building departments to understand the rebuilding process. Contractors must display their license numbers on all advertisements, contracts, and business cards. Verification can be done through CSLB’s Find My Licensed Contractor tool and by checking the contractor’s pocket license.

CSLB warns that unlicensed contractors typically lack workers’ compensation insurance and necessary skills, putting homeowners at significant financial and safety risk. The board advises getting three bids, checking references, and obtaining written contracts. Homeowners should be wary of unusually low bids and avoid signing over insurance payment checks to contractors.

To protect themselves, homeowners should limit down payments to 10 percent or $1,000 (whichever is less), avoid cash payments, and only pay for work as it is satisfactorily completed. CSLB recommends maintaining a comprehensive job file containing all project papers, correspondence, and payment records.

The board’s Disaster Help Center offers free publications including “Debris Removal and Construction Scams,” “Rebuilding After a Disaster,” and “What You Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor.” Homeowners seeking assistance can contact CSLB’s Disaster Hotline at 800-962-1125 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or reach the main office at 800-321-CSLB (2752). Additional wildfire recovery resources are available through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services website.

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