[Editor’s Note: Following the devastating Eaton Fire that destroyed over 9,000 local homes, Pasadena Now is publishing expert guidance on how to select reputable contractors. Written by area resident and businessman Chris Behr, a local construction expert with 50 years of experience, we are publishing his insights for its timely public service value in helping fire victims avoid construction fraud. While the author includes his own company among recommended contractors, additional qualified local contractors who meet these vetting criteria are encouraged to contact editor@pasadenanow.com for consideration in future coverage.]
REGRET…. REFLECT…. REGROUP…. REBUILD…. RESTART
In my now 50 years in the residential construction business, I have never seen such a tragic loss to so many homeowners caused by these horrific fires. Many homeowners sadly may not be able to rebuild due to circumstances including insurance issues, age, health, financial limitations, and other life-changing factors. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who so badly need all the help they can get to rebuild their homes and lives.
Important Tips for Vetting General Contractors and Avoiding “Pop-Up” Builders
After a disaster, unqualified contractors often try to take advantage of homeowners. While many reputable builders are available, following this checklist will help ensure you hire a trusted professional.
ESSENTIAL CONTRACTOR VETTING CHECKLIST
These crucial steps must be followed to ensure your chosen general contractor is properly qualified:
- Verify California State Contractor’s License
- Review online at: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/
OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/ CheckLicense.aspx - Confirm active status, good standing, and B1 license
- Verify the license is not “Workers Compensation Exempt” (a red flag indicating no employees)
- Insurance Verification
- Obtain proof of at least $1,000,000 general liability insurance
- Contact the insurance provider directly to confirm active status
- Establish Local Presence
- Confirm contractor has an established office or is a local Los Angeles County homeowner
- Be wary of contractors with only a PO box address
- Contract Protection
- Require use of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Contract forms
- Avoid contractors using custom contracts that may not equally protect the interest of both parties
- Be sure contract has a start date and a completion date with a standard completion date penalty clause included.
- Reference Checks
- Contact at least 2 past and 2 current clients
- Visit at least one active jobsite
- Verify with lumber yard that the contractor has no outstanding invoices due.
- Financial Safeguards
- Limit deposits to $1,000 maximum under specific circumstances only
- Pay only for completed work per strict contract schedule
- Require lien releases for all payments
- Verify contractor uses only licensed, insured subcontractors ($500,000 minimum liability coverage)
- Obtain written warranty policy
LOCAL RESOURCES
The following list represents an initial sampling of established local businesses. This list is not comprehensive and inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by Pasadena Now. Homeowners are encouraged to thoroughly vet any contractor using the checklist above.
For those planning to rebuild, I reached out to some of the most trusted and long-established professionals in the local construction industry—contractors, architects, and subcontractors who have been in the business for decades.
I asked if they would be willing to be part of a growing list of pre-vetted, highly skilled, and fairly priced professionals. These individuals are always in demand due to their strong reputations but understand the increased need following the fires. I’m sharing this list because I’ve seen too many unqualified “pop-up” builders take advantage of vulnerable homeowners.
Behr Building Inc. is one of many qualified contractors taking on fire-related rebuilding projects in the coming years. Below is a list of reputable industry professionals, which I will continue to update as I vet more local builders.
General Contractors:
• Greg Frame Construction, contact: Greg Frame 818-652-7303 gframe40@aol.com
• Anderson Construction, contact: Matt Anderson 818-266-8559 andersonconstruction1954@
• RT Abbott, contact: Roy Abbott 310-409-7040 royt.abbott@outlook.com
• Abel Builders, contact: Bill Abel 818-790-3022 abelbuilders@gmail.com
• Behr Building Inc., contact partners/owners: Jeff Baker, Kurt Knechtel or John Mills 818-952-2516 kurt@behrconstruction.com
Architects and Design:
• CA Stoddard and Associates AIA, contact: Craig Stoddard 818-249-8386 stoddville@aol.com
• Franco Noravian and Associates AIA, contact: Rita Noravian 818-247-5815
• John Schmidt, contact: John Schmidt 818-395-2104 jschmidtdesigns@gmail.com
• De Angelis Design, contact: Dave De Angelis 818-298-9871 deangelisdesignsinc.com
• Troeddson and Associates, contact: Anders Troeddson 323-254-4525 catroedsson@sbcglobal.net
Landscape design/build:
• Terraform, contact: Phil Castiglia 818-535-0848 philip@tfland.com
• Jon Pride Designs, contact: Jon Pride 626-399-8330 jon@
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR FIRE VICTIMS
Here are key resources for Pasadena wildfire victims, with verified contacts from official sources:
California Contractors State License Board
Website: www.cslb.ca.gov
Pasadena Building & Safety Department
- Jesse De Anda, Building Official
Phone: (626) 744-7063
Email: jdeanda@cityofpasadena.net
Construction Fraud Reporting
- CSLB Hotline: 1-800-321-2752
- Pasadena Fraud Hotline: (626) 744-7448
For urgent contractor scams on active job sites, file a report with the CA Contractors Board SWIFT Team: CSLB SWIFT Referral Form
About the Author: Chris Behr founded Behr Construction Inc. in La Cañada/Flintridge in 1975. He serves as an expert witness in construction-related cases and, with his wife Linda, operates the Oso Libre Por Vida charitable foundation supporting fire victims. While his company is included in the resource list above, this article is provided as a public service to help fire victims protect themselves during rebuilding. Opinions expressed are the author’s own. For questions about this checklist, Chris can be reached at (805) 712-4147.
Disclaimer: This article includes recommendations for specific businesses, including the author’s own company, Behr Building Inc. While these recommendations come from an experienced industry professional, Pasadena Now has not independently verified the qualifications of the listed businesses and publication of this list does not constitute an endorsement by Pasadena Now.
