Steven Keefe, Broker/Owner
Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty 
Arrowhead Home Loans, Inc.
www.mountainmoves.com
steve@mountainupdate.com
909.336.2131
If your home has been damaged in the latest fire, make sure that you use a licensed contractor to make any necessary repairs or rebuild.
Don't get conned by unscrupulous or unlicensed contractors.
Before you hire a contractor or sign a contract for property repair or rebuilding, the California State License Board offers the following advice:
- When making repairs, beware of unscrupulous or unlicensed contractors.
- Don't rush to make repairs, no matter how badly they are needed.
- Don't just hire the first contractor who comes along.
- Don't be victimized by someone making a door-to-door presentation, offering to do repair jobs or home improvement on the spot, and requiring a cash deposit.
- Even on the smallest job, you must get proof the person you are dealing with has a contractor's license in the trade for which you need to have work done.
- Get a written contract that contains all the details of the job to be performed.
Hire Only Licensed Contractors
Ask to see the contractor's "pocket license," together with other identification. If the person claims to be representing a contractor, but can't show you the contractor's license or home improvement salesperson registration card, call the contractor and find out if the person is authorized to act on behalf of the contractor.
Get The Contractors License Number
Then log onto the internet at www.cslb.ca.gov to verify the license and any action taken against that license.
Get At Least 3 Bids
Check all references of otehr work the contractor had done in the area. The mountain is a small place. It is simple to check contractors out. No matter how "nice" the guy is, check him out.
Get All Contracts in Writing
Make sure everything is in writing and make sure you understand the terms before you sign anything. If it is in the contract, you can expect that it will be done. If it isn't in writing, you can't expect to get what you think you are paying for.
Avoid Payment Pitfalls
By law, a downpayment on a home improvement contract can not exceed 10% of the contract price or $1,000 whichever is less.
- Don't let payments get ahead of the work.
- Keep records of all payments
- Don't pay cash
- Don't make final payment until you are satisfied with the job and the county has signed off.
Send me an email at steve@cbskyridge.com if you would like a copy of the San Bernardino Mountain's Association of Building Contractors membership directory which contains contact information for the most reputable service providers in our community.
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