For home improvement projects to be done to correct building code and with proper legal protections, hire an actively licensed contractor. Learn how to spot and avoid “imposters!”

Watch Out for Impostor Contractors – Ask for a License

Although some homeowners have entrusted home renovation and remodeling work to a handyman, this is the incorrect person for that type and scope of residential construction. Typical handyman services involve just one person and can include minor repairs and basic home maintenance. For example, a handyman can install a light fixture or undertake a minor repair, such as fixing a leaky faucet. Per the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), a handyman’s work, being unlicensed, is limited to less than $1000, including labor, materials, and all other items on the project.

Today, a bathroom remodel can include construction renovations, plumbing, and electrical work, well exceeding the $1000 handyman project limit. A bathroom remodel of this type – involving structural, electrical, and plumbing changes – will require a building permit. While a general contractor is capable of pulling a building permit, a handyman cannot. 

To ensure your residential construction project is done to current building code and that you have proper legal protections provided to you through the California Department of Consumer Affairs, CSLB, you will need an actively licensed general contractor.

Those contractors engaged in doing actual and legitimate remodel work – whether a single bathroom or kitchen, to a whole house remodel or accessory addition – must be actively licensed specialty or general contractors who have met and fulfilled the licensing requirements of the CSLB. 

Home improvement projects that impact the structure – such as adding square footage to your kitchen or replacing your tub with a walk-in shower – require experienced construction professionals with the proper licenses and insurance coverage. According to the CSLB website, “At the request of the building industry, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) was established in 1929 to help raise construction standards through state regulation and, thereby, protect consumers.”

Unlicensed contractors can face fines, misdemeanor charges, or even jail time. But they are typically not caught unless the homeowner first suffers some kind of harm. Don’t put yourself in the position of being harmed! Should you run into an unlicensed contractor, report them to the CSLB to ensure no other homeowner has to suffer.

This blog is part 9 of an important 10-part series that encourages homeowners to “Beware of Imposters.” This special blog series is focused on helping California homeowners identify and avoid unlicensed contractors, who we refer to as “imposters.” 

Find the Right Contractor for Your Home Remodel (Beware of Imposters Part 1 of 10)

Finding the Right Contractor for Your Home Improvement Project (Beware of Imposters Part 2 of 10)

Helping Homeowners to Find the Right Contractor (Beware of Imposters Part 3 of 10)

Finding the Right Contractor for Your Home Construction Project (Part 4 of 10)

Finding the Right Home Improvement Contractor (Part 5 of 10)

Beware Imposters Masquerading as Competent Licensed Contractors (Part 6 of 10)

Beware Imposters: Surface Beauty ≠ Safe or Building Code Compliant (Part 7 of 10)

Safeguard Your Home Investment: Contract with a Licensed Contractor (Part 8 of 10)

If you’re ready to begin your residential construction project, then call actively licensed (license #: 928715) and respectfully reliable Ed Neir Construction today at (707) 999-5878 (or text 408-368-7162) for a free estimate.