Consumer Protection Guides

In this section you will find many guides and information about critical areas of negotiating contracts and dealing with contractors when engaging in home remodeling or having construction work done. The information in these guides is to be used as a "Self Help" free service and is not to be used to substitute legal advice from an attorney. Rules, regulations and general information is forever changing and it is the responsibility of the user of information we supply to verify it before using it. Rules and regulation differ from county to county in California.

• 10 Things You Should Know

 Find out the 10 most important things to know before hiring a contractor. There are more than 10 and we do list 8 additional great things to know, but this list will get you on the right track before you start interviewing contractors. Always start with a license check and then... READ MORE

• How To Hire A Contractor

 Finding a great contractor can be a daunting experience. If you know what questions to ask and how to interview a contractor, your chances of having a wonderful remodeling experience greatly improves. We offer the consumer a free booklet about... READ MORE

• Owner/Builder - What Are The Risks?

 This could possibly be the biggest mistake of your life. One of the largest rumors in the construction industry is that "If I do my job Owner/Builder, I will save a lot of money"! This can be so far from the truth and can really get you into a lot of trouble. The State recognized owner/builders as employers and will hold them responsible for... READ MORE

• Building Permits

 Our building permit section will not only help you decide if you need a permit, but will also give you the link of the building department for your city, town or county in California. We have a list of all building departments in California. You will need a permit is you are going to... READ MORE

• Background Check A Contractor

 Doing a background check on the contractors that you may want to hire can be the most important thing you can do. Any good and legal contractor will gladly offer you their information because they want you to weed out the illegal low-ballers and unscrupulous... READ MORE

• Unlicensed Contractors - WARNING!

 Many times, home owners will hire unlicensed contractors whether willing or not knowing and they end up in real trouble... real fast! When you hire an unlicensed contract you have now just made your home and bank account vulnerable to... READ MORE

• 20 Day Preliminary Notice

 If you hire a legitimate contractor, he will most likely have several merchant account and will use subcontractors. In this event you should be receiving in the mail many certified notices and these are called Twenty Day Preliminary Lien Notices. When you receive these you should immediately... READ MORE

• Lien Release Forms

 If you don't understand or know what lien releases are, you better find out before you start paying your contractor. If your prime contractor does not pay his bill, YOU WILL!  When you execute lien releases it protects you legally from any further... READ MORE