Nota del editor: esta alerta para el consumidor fue proporcionada por la Junta Estatal de Licencias para Contratistas (CSLB). Para registrarse y recibir más alertas como esta, visite el sitio web https://www.cslb.ca.gov.
Mientras los incendios forestales afectan a las comunidades del sur de California, la Junta Estatal de Licencias de Contratistas (CSLB, por sus siglas en inglés) urge a los propietarios de viviendas a contratar contratistas autorizados para
cualquier proyecto de reparación o construcción que cueste $1,000 o más, incluyendo mano de obra y materiales.
La prioridad de CSLB después de los desastres es proteger a los consumidores de contratistas sin licencia o inescrupulosos que pueden intentar aprovecharse de las personas que necesitan reparaciones o limpieza urgentes.
“Después de un desastre, los propietarios de viviendas son vulnerables a estafas y mano de obra deficiente,” dijo el registrador de CSLB, David Fogt. “Los contratistas autorizados tienen calificaciones comprobadas que ayudan a garantizar que puedan realizar un trabajo seguro y confiable.”
Protéjase: contrate contratistas autorizados
Los propietarios de viviendas pueden utilizar la herramienta encuentra mi contratista autorizado de CSLB para encontrar contratistas autorizados en su área. Antes de contratar a alguien, confirme el número de licencia del contratista en el sitio web de CSLB y revise su licencia de bolsillo para verificar que el contratista que representa a la empresa figure como personal en la licencia.
La contratación de contratistas sin licencia pone a los propietarios en un riesgo significativo, ya que generalmente no tienen seguro de compensación para trabajadores ni tienen las habilidades necesarias para hacer el trabajo.
Recursos para propietarios de viviendas
CSLB ofrece una sección dedicada al centro de ayuda en caso de desastre en su sitio web con publicaciones gratuitas, como:
• “Estafas en la eliminación de escombros y la construcción”
• “Reconstrucción después de un desastre”
• “Lo que debe saber antes de contratar a un contratista”
Estos materiales pueden ayudar a los propietarios de viviendas a tomar decisiones informadas sobre la contratación de contratistas y evitar estafas. Para obtener asistencia adicional, la línea directa de CSLB para desastres está disponible en el 800-962-1125 de lunes a viernes, de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m., o los propietarios de viviendas pueden llamar a la línea principal al 800-321-CSLB (2752).
Para más información sobre los esfuerzos de recuperación de incendios forestales del estado, visite el sitio web de la Oficina de Servicios de Emergencia del Gobernador de California (Cal OES, por sus siglas en inglés).
Consejos para contratar a un contratista
No se apresure a realizar reparaciones o limpiezas, sin importar cuáles necesarias sean.
No firma ningún cheque de pago de su compañía de seguros. Trabaje con el departamento de construcción local para asegurarse de comprender el proceso de reconstrucción y aprovechar todos los servicios que pueden brindar.
Contrate únicamente a contratistas con licencia de California. Solicite que le muestren la licencia. El número de licencia debe figurar en todos los anuncios, contratos y tarjetas de presentación.
Obtenga tres ofertas, verifique las referencias y obtenga un contrato escrito. No acepte necesariamente la oferta más baja, especialmente si es mucho menor que otras ofertas.
No se apresure a tomar decisiones y no contrate al primer contratista que aparezca.
No pague más del 10 por ciento de anticipo o $1,000, cualquier sea menor.
No pague en efectivo y no permita que los pagos se adelanten al trabajo. Pague únicamente por el trabajo a medida que lo vaya completando a su entera satisfacción.
Mantenga un archivo de trabajo con todos los documentos del proyecto, incluyendo la correspondencia y copias de todos los pagos.
Evite haciendo el pago final hasta que esté satisfecho con el trabajo.
Para más información, visite el sitio web de CSLB en o comuníquese con nosotros en Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, y YouTube.
Editor’s note: this consumer alert was provided by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Visit the CSLB website at https://www.cslb.ca.gov to sign up to receive additional consumer alerts.
As wildfires are impacting communities in Southern California, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is urging homeowners to hire licensed contractors for any repair or construction projects costing $1,000 or more, including labor and materials.
CSLB’s priority after disasters is to safeguard consumers from unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors who may seek to take advantage of people who need urgent repairs or cleanup.
“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.”
Protect Yourself – Hire Licensed Contractors
Homeowners can use CSLB’s Find My Licensed Contractor tool to find licensed contractors in their area. Before hiring anyone, confirm the contractor’s license number on the CSLB website and check their pocket license to verify that the contractor representing the business is listed as personnel on the license.
Hiring unlicensed contractors puts homeowners at significant risk, as they usually don’t carry workers’ compensation insurance or have the skills necessary to perform the work.
Resources for Homeowners
CSLB offers a dedicated Disaster Help Center section on its website with free publications, such as:
• “Debris Removal and Construction Scams”
• “Rebuilding After a Disaster”
• “What You Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor”
These materials can help homeowners make informed decisions about hiring contractors and avoiding scams. For additional assistance, CSLB’s Disaster Hotline is available at 800-962-1125 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or homeowners can call the main line at 800-321-CSLB (2752).
For more information about the state’s wildfire recovery efforts, visit the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) website.
Tips for Hiring a Contractor
Don’t rush into repairs or cleanup, no matter how badly they’re needed. Don’t sign over any payment checks from your insurance company.
Work with your local building department to make sure you understand the rebuilding process and take advantage of all services they can provide.
Hire only California-licensed contractors. Ask to see the license. The license number must be on all ads, contracts, and business cards.
Get three bids, check references, and get a written contract. Don’t necessarily take the lowest bid, especially if it’s much less than other bids.
Don’t rush into decisions and don’t hire the first contractor who comes along.
Don’t pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000 — whichever is less.
Don’t pay cash, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work. Only pay for work as it is completed to your satisfaction.
Keep a job file of all project papers, including correspondence and copies of all payments.
Avoid making the final payment until you’re satisfied with the job.
For more information, visit CSLB’s website, or connect with us on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Optometrists and opticians don’t work at the Halloween store.
That’s what you should keep in mind this Halloween holiday season.
As alluring as the dazzling designs of a cosmetic contact lens may appear, they are not worth the potential long-term damage to your eye if they aren’t dispensed professionally. The California State Board of Optometry wants you to be aware that costume lenses purchased over the counter without a prescription from an unlicensed source are illegal and may harm your eyes or eyesight.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the potential risks associated with non-prescription, decorative lenses include:
- Corneal abrasions (a cut or scratch to the top layer of your eyeball)
- Corneal ulcers
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Allergic reactions like itchy, watery red eyes
- Infection
- Decreased vision
- Blindness
Halloween lovers may want to enhance their costume with cool contacts. But if your pair of contact lenses didn’t come from a licensed-Board optometrist or optician, they aren’t just illegal, they’re unsafe and can cause irreparable damage to your vision. And there’s no costume worth paying that price for.
To verify the license of an optometrist or contact lens dispenser, licensed by the California State Board of Optometry, or an ophthalmologist licensed by the Medical Board of California, visit DCA’s License Search Page.
Los contratistas no pueden solicitar pago por trabajo no terminado o materiales no entregado
Excepto por un pago inicial limitado, es ilegal que un contratista cobre el pago por el trabajo que aún no se ha completado o por los materiales que aún no se han entregado.
Esto se aplica a proyectos de mejoras para el hogar. Cubre casi cualquier trabajo en una residencia, incluyendo la construcción de una unidad de vivienda accesoria (ADU, por sus siglas en inglés).
Pago inicial antes de comenzar el trabajo
Si hay un pago inicial, no puede exceder los $1,000 o el 10 por ciento del precio del contrato.
Consejo: No pague más de $1,000 de anticipo sobre el precio de cualquier contrato.
Si el precio es menos de $10,000, no pague más del 10 por ciento de ese precio como pago inicial.
Pagos progresivos
A veces, el contratista solicita un pago total al finalizar. En otras ocasiones, el contratista podrá solicitar uno o más pagos parciales antes de finalizar la obra.
Consejo: Tenga cuidado con los pagos de “planes” o “permisos” antes de que comience el trabajo. Pídale al contratista una contabilidad del costo de los planos o comuníquese con el ingeniero o arquitecto que los redactó para confirmar el costo y que fueron pagados. Llame o visite el sitio web del departamento de construcción para confirmar los costos del permiso.
Si se le solicita que realice pagos antes de que se complete el proyecto, los pagos deben enumerarse en dólares y centavos y hacer referencia específica a la cantidad de trabajo o servicios realizados y los materiales y equipos suministrados.
Consejo: El trabajo, servicio, material o equipo descrito en el cronograma de pago parcial debe realizarse o suministrarse antes de que el contratista pueda cobrar su pago parcial.
Si no se le proporciona un cronograma de pagos o cree que el contratista solicitó o aceptó un pago que excede el valor del trabajo realizado o del material entregado, presente una queja ante CSLB.
Obtenga más información y/o presente una queja en el sitio web de CSLB:
- Presenta una queja
- Términos del acuerdo: una guía para el consumidor sobre contratos de mejoras para el hogar
- ¿No está satisfecho con su contratista en su proyecto de mejoras para el hogar? ¡Lee esto!
Editor’s note: this consumer alert was provided by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Visit the CSLB website at https://www.cslb.ca.gov to sign up to receive additional consumer alerts.
Contractors Cannot Request Payment for Work Not Completed or Materials Not Delivered.
Except for a limited down payment, it is against the law for a contractor to collect payment for work not yet completed, or for materials not yet delivered.
This applies to home improvement projects. It covers just about any work at a residence, including construction of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
Down Payment Before Work is Started
If there is a down payment, it cannot exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price.
Tip: Do not pay more than $1,000 down on any contract price.
If the price is less than $10,000, do not pay more than 10 percent of that price as a down payment.
Progress Payments
Sometimes the contractor asks for one total payment upon completion. Other times, the contractor may request one or more progress payments before the work is completed.
Tip: Be careful about payments for “plans” or “permits” before the work starts. Ask the contractor for an accounting of the cost of the plans or contact the engineer or architect who drafted them to confirm the cost and that they were paid. Call or go to the building department’s website to confirm permit costs.
If you are asked to make payment(s) before the project is completed, the payments must be listed in dollars and cents and specifically reference the amount of work or services performed and materials and equipment supplied.
Tip: The work, service, material, or equipment described in the progress payment schedule must be performed or supplied before the contractor can collect your progress payment.
If you are not provided with a payment schedule or believe the contractor requested or accepted payment that exceeds the value of the work performed or material delivered, file a complaint with CSLB.
Learn more and/or file a complaint on CSLB’s website:
- File a Complaint
- Terms of Agreement: A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts
- Unhappy With Your Contractor On Your Home Improvement Project? Read this!
The California State Athletic Commission is holding a special meeting on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM. To view the agenda and instructions on how to participate or observe the meeting, please click here.
July is Military Consumer Protection Month, an annual event which aims to educate and empower service members, veterans and their families with consumer resources to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals and help them make informed decisions.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs’ (DCA) is committed to consumer protection, encouraging consumers to learn about the resources that DCA provides to help them be more informed consumers. From our Get to Know DCA booklet (also available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese), here are five things you need to know about DCA.
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Get to know DCA! DCA consists of 36 boards and bureaus that issue 3.4 million licenses in 280 license types—all to protect California’s 40 million consumers. - Look for the license! A license means the person or company you are working with has met state standards to practice within their profession. Before doing business, always verify the license at DCA’s website: https://search.dca.ca.gov.
- Knowledge is power! Every board and bureau website features consumer resources that are available to you 24/7. DCA also has an online consumer resources flyer available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese providing an overview of key DCA resources and ways you can be an informed and empowered consumer.
- Participation is encouraged! DCA boards and bureaus hold regular public meetings where you can learn more about the regulatory process and make your voice heard. Meetings are often broadcast online, so check DCA’s Live Meetings page for livestream information, and view past meeting recordings on DCA’s YouTube page. You can also help be part of California’s consumer protection efforts by serving as a board or advisory committee member.
- Connect with DCA! Follow DCA and its boards and bureaus on social media, and call the Consumer Information Center for assistance in more than 200 languages, as needed.
In addition to protecting military members, DCA recognizes that U.S. military members and their families possess valuable professional and occupational skills that are highly sought by California employers and consumers. The successful transition from military to civilian life or to a military base in California from another state is heavily reliant on DCA’s efforts assisting military members and their families with obtaining professional licensure.
For more information about the benefits offered by DCA, including expedited license application processing, renewal waivers, temporary licensure for spouses or domestic partners, and federal professional license portability and state registration, visit www.dca.ca.gov/military.
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Additional Resources from the California Department of Veterans Affairs
Courtesy of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), here is a list of government agencies and the role they play in educating and empowering military consumers.
CalTAP – CalVet’s California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP) offers free virtual webinars on financial topics throughout the year. You can see their webinar schedule online. In addition, CalTAP offers helpful resources for financial literacy and benefit protection as part of their core curriculum.
California Office of the Attorney General – The California Attorney General’s Office website is a great resource, as it is chock-full of helpful information.
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section investigates and prosecutes businesses that engage in deceptive practices targeting members of the armed forces, their families, and our veterans. The office works closely with law enforcement agencies, military legal assistance attorneys, and financial counselors throughout California. You can report misconduct by a business by submitting a complaint to the office.
Federal Trade Commission – The Federal Trade Commission’s Military Consumer website is a treasure trove of information, with a wide variety of financial readiness tools. Resources include tips on avoiding scams, best practices for keeping your personal information safe and secure, and how to monitor your credit reports. You may also submit a complaint to the Commission.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office of Servicemember Affairs has some unique resources, including detailed information about the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and Military Lending Act. Many servicemembers and veterans may not be familiar with these two acts, so please review the material here to learn more about your rights.
If you have a case of fraud regarding consumer financial products or services, you can submit a complaint to the Bureau.
Department of Defense Military OneSource – For active duty servicemembers, the Department of Defense’s Military OneSource website has a number of financial and consumer resources. The “Protecting Your Finances” section includes a variety of tips and best practices, especially for those who are just getting started with personal finances.
The Contractors State License Board is holding a special board meeting on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 8:30 A.M. Please click the image below to view the agenda and instructions to attend.
Click to view the agenda at the Contractors State License Board website.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is hosting a live webinar on May 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM (PST) to share information about military licensing resources. During the webinar, attendees will learn about licensing resources available to members of the military and their spouses or domestic partners. The webinar will also feature a demonstration of the Federal Professional License Portal and State Registration process and a Q&A.
Date: May 29, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM (PST)
How to Join:
https://dca-meetings.webex.com/dca-meetings/j.php?MTID=m6b0c7152f3d1ef5d140ea54f34b68f44
Webinar number: 2487 421 4865; Webinar password: Military
Join by phone: 1-415-655-0001 US Toll; Access code: 248 742 14865; Passcode: 64548279
Please visit the DCA Military Resources webinar event page for more details. If you have any questions you’d like to submit ahead of the event, send us an email with your question.
Spring cleaning is a great time to clear out unused medications sitting in the medicine cabinet. To safely dispose unused, expired, or unwanted medications, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring its 26th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event is Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Old or unused prescription medications can be dangerous, even deadly, when they land in the wrong hands. Keep your home safe by removing all unneeded medications. Disposing of medications by flushing them down the toilet or tossing them in the trash poses hazards to the environment.
Consumers can safely dispose medications throughout California and the United States by dropping off medications at participating local agencies; click here for the collection site locator. Disposal sites will accept prescription medications in pill or patch forms, including controlled substances, but no liquids, sharps or needles.
Personal information should be blocked out on prescription bottles, or medications may be emptied from bottles into bins provided at the collection sites. The service is free and anonymous.
If you miss National Drug Take Back Day, prescriptions can be dropped off all year long at California pharmacies. Pharmacies offer two types of drug take back services; on-site collection bins and/or envelopes for mailing back medications.
The California State Board of Pharmacy has a list of pharmacy drug collection bins throughout the state. Click here to find a nearby location.
Auto-injectors such as EpiPens and other sharps and needles are not accepted; check the California Department of Public Health for a list of sites that accept home-generated sharps.
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