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CSLB Press Release - 04/03/2002

Homeowners "Spring" Into Home Improvement

Remodeling Season Brings Warning From State Board


SACRAMENTO — Springtime is peak home remodeling season, and the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) wants to make sure that consumers know their rights and responsibilities when making home improvements.

Home remodeling is a top consumer complaint industry, and a recent survey shows that Californians aren't familiar with their remodeling and repair rights. As spring gets underway, thousands of homeowners will be searching for contractors to help them with their home remodeling projects. And the CSLB has the tools to make the home improvement process easier and safer for California consumers.

A representative from the CSLB is available for an interview to discuss consumers' rights, common pitfalls and to offer your listeners some useful tips on hiring and managing contractors. Helpful advice that can be shared with your listeners include:

  • Steps to take when looking for, hiring and managing a contractor
  • How to find out if a contractor is licensed or not
  • Action consumers can take when they've had a problem with a contractor
  • Common complaints that people have regarding home improvements
  • Where to go to get additional information

The CSLB urges all home improvement consumers to order free publications and check contractors' licenses online at www.cslb.ca.gov or toll-free at (800) 321-CSLB. The CSLB, which operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses 278,000 contractors in California and investigates 25,000 complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors every year.