GUERNEVILLE, CA – JANUARY 11: A resident paddles his kayak through floodwaters in Guerneville. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
California had a weather event last week. And whatever the forecasters called it—Atmospheric River, Pineapple Express, La Niña—it meant that a lot of water came crashing down on California, causing floods, mudslides, avalanches, and other water-related havoc on a state that has, in the past 5 years, experienced historically low levels of precipitation.
And just when homeowners are starting to see things dry up a bit, the rain is back again this week to serve up another round of chaos.
Don’t get Californians wrong—we are grateful that the drought may be over.
Unfortunately, there are others who are grateful for the weather for another reason—they wait for disasters like this to con homeowners into giving them money. They promise a quick solution to help disaster victims clean up, then take the money and run.
A tree lands on a house in Forestville on January 9. (Photo: ABC7/Laura Anthony)
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is warning homeowners not to take the bait. Check a contractor’s license number online at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752). Here are a few tips from CSLB to help keep you out of a scam:
- Get at least three bids.
- Make sure all project expectations are in writing and only sign the contract if you completely understand the terms. Never sign a blank contract!
- Confirm that the contractor has workers’ compensation insurance for employees.
- Never pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less. Don’t pay in cash.
- Don’t let payments get ahead of the work.
- Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the job.
- Your contractor must notify you of your right to cancel within three days of signing a contract
There is another group of criminals posing as door-to-door home repair contractors who operate all year long. These scammers, which CSLB refers to as“traveling contractors,” rip off homeowners with painting, paving, and roofing scams. Fortunately for consumers, they are usually easy to spot—if you know what to look for. Check out CSLB’s Traveling Contractor Scams tip sheet for a list of red flags.
Another thing to remember: If you’re going through your insurance provider for repairs, the provider may require that you use a certain contractor, so make sure to call first and find out.
