Tag Archives: Painting

CSLB Bulletin: CSLB and Partners Sting 15 for Contracting Without Licenses

CSLB and Partners Sting 15 for Contracting Without Licenses

 SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) teamed up with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and La Habra Police Department for a two-day sting operation in La Habra where 15 individuals received notices to appear in court for contracting without a license and other, related charges.

On June 29-30, 2011, members of CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) posed as owners of a home (June 29) and a business (June 30) and sought bids from suspected unlicensed operators for painting, concrete, drywall, cabinet installation, and flooring. Those who bid more than the legal threshold of $500 for labor and materials received notices to appear in court for violating California contracting laws.

Some of the suspects will also face charges for failure to carry workers’ compensation insurance, soliciting an excessive down payment, and illegal advertising. State law requires contractors to have workers’ compensation coverage for all employees. Contractors are also prohibited from soliciting a down payment larger than $1,000 or 10 percent of the project, whichever is less. There is an exception for about two dozen contractors who purchase special bonds for consumer protection and may ask for larger down payments. The law also requires contractors to put their license number in all advertisements. Those who are not state-licensed and work on projects valued at less than $500 must state that they are not licensed in their ads.

The first suspect caught contracting without a license was on parole for drug crimes. During the second day of the operation a licensed contractor arrived at the commercial building. He thanked CSLB for conducting the sting and for other enforcement efforts aimed at unlicensed, uninsured individuals who he says are cutting into his business.

“CSLB routinely conducts operations like this one in La Habra as part of its mission to protect the state’s consumers and the integrity of the construction industry,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “Many of the complaints received by the board after a project has gone awry could have been avoided had homeowners taken a few minutes to check the license first, and followed CSLB’s Ten Tips available in English and several other languages.”

CSLB Press Release: Repeat Offender Caught in CSLB Tehama County Undercover Sting

Revoked licensee could face 90 days in jail after continuing to disregard law

SACRAMENTO – Tuesday, February 8, 2011, was not a good day for Randy Wade Dueck. The 50-year-old from Red Bluff was again caught contracting without a license and arrested during an undercover operation conducted by the Contractors State License Board’s (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT), this time in downtown Red Bluff.  The sting was conducted in cooperation with the Tehama County District Attorney’s Office and California Department of Industrial Relations.

            SWIFT investigators posed as owners of a commercial property near the Sacramento River, seeking painting, flooring, and tile work. A total of eight unlicensed operators who bid more than $500 for labor and materials were arrested and received a Notice to Appear (NTA) in Tehama County Superior Court to face misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license (Business & Professions Code 7028). Six will face an additional charge for illegal advertising (Business & Professions Code 7027.1). A ninth person was not arrested, but did receive a $3,000 citation from the Department of Industrial Relations for employing two people without having workers’ compensation insurance (Labor Code 3722).

“We cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure the people you hire to work in and around your home are properly license by the state of California,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands.  “It’s a level of protection that can keep you from becoming a victim of fraud.”

Dueck is no stranger to CSLB investigators.  His painting license (#589514) was revoked in 1995 after failing to comply with terms of two administrative citations and failing to pay back claims against his license bond. Dueck was cited by CSLB in 2000 after a consumer complaint and also failed to pay the $1,500 citation.  Last April, Dueck was arrested in an undercover sting and plead guilty to a charge of contracting without a license.  He was on probation at the time of his arrest this week and even told the undercover investigator before he was arrested that he was nervous about being caught again.

CSLB will ask the Tehama County District Attorney’s Office to charge Dueck for violating Business & Professions Code 7028c, which raises the penalties for a second offense of contracting without a license to a $5,000 fine and 90 days in jail.

California law requires all home improvement jobs valued at more than $500 to be undertaken by a licensed contractor. Contractors also must place their state license number in all advertisements. Unlicensed individuals may advertise and accept jobs valued at less than $500, but their ads must state that they are not a licensed contractor. State law also requires those selling home improvement services for licensed contractors to register with CSLB.

Since 2005, state law has required criminal background checks for anyone applying for a new license or adding a license classification. California law also requires contractors to have workers’ compensation coverage for all of their employees to protect homeowners from liability.  License bond information is available when checking the status of a contractor license.

CSLB urges all California consumers to follow these tips before hiring a home improvement contractor:

  • Verify the contractor’s license online at www.cslb.ca.gov, or via CSLB’s automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
  • Ask to see a photo identification to verify the contractor’s identity.
  • Don’t pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.  There is an exception to this rule for about two dozen contractors who purchase special bonds and are noted on CSLB’s website.
  • Don’t pay in cash, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work.
  • Get at least three bids and insist on a written contract before your project begins.

           

            The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.  More information and publications about hiring contractors are available on the CSLB website or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752).  You can also sign up for CSLB e-mail alerts, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  CSLB licenses and regulates California’s more than 300,000 contractors, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States.  In fiscal year 2009-10, CSLB helped recover nearly $42 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

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CSLB Press Release on Ridgecrest Undercover Sting

CSLB Identifies Phony Contractors in Ridgecrest Undercover Sting
Undercover operation nets eight for contracting without a license and related violations

 

SACRAMENTO – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) wants consumers in smaller communities and rural areas of the state to know that they’re especially vulnerable to becoming victimized by unlicensed contractors. Last week CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) investigators teamed with the Kern County Sheriffs and District Attorney Offices, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement to conduct a sting in the city of Ridgecrest.

The operation, conducted on February 3, 2011, led to the arrest of eight suspected unlicensed operators.  CSLB investigators posed as homeowners and invited suspected phony contractors to a newly constructed home near Pearson Park.  Investigators asked for bids that included landscaping, fencing, and painting.  If the bid totaled more than $500 in labor and materials and the suspect was not state-licensed, they were arrested.  Eight were given a Notice to Appear (NTA) in court to face misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license; some also face charges of illegal advertising, and soliciting an excessive down payment, also misdemeanors.  All eight will face a charge of failing to secure workers’ compensation insurance for employees.  They are scheduled to appear in Kern County Superior Court in Ridgecrest on March 29, 2011.

“This sting is a perfect example of why homeowners need to make sure the contractor they hire is properly licensed and insured.  It only takes a minute to check information on the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands.  “If someone working on your property is injured and is not covered by workers’ compensation insurance, they could turn around and sue you for their medical bills.”

By law, anyone performing home improvement services that total more than $500 in material and labor must be licensed by the state of California.  Contractors must include their CSLB license number in all advertisements and contracts.  Those who are not licensed can only perform jobs valued at $500 or less.  Their ad must state that they are not licensed.

CSLB received critical support for this operation from one of its legitimate licensed contractors. Four of the eight arrested during last week’s sting operation were the result of leads from that licensee.

Licensees face the difficult task of competing against those who break the law by operating in the multi-billion dollar underground economy.  In addition, the loss of tax revenue takes money away from schools and law enforcement. 

“Homeowners should also know that they have little recourse against an unlicensed operator if something goes wrong with a project,” added Sands.  “That’s especially true if you give them a big down payment and they never show up to start the job.”  CSLB offers a variety of free services, including mediation and arbitration, for consumers who have a problem with their licensed contractor.

CSLB urges all California consumers to follow these tips before hiring a home improvement contractor:

  • Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door.
  • Verify the contractor’s license online at www.cslb.ca.gov or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com, or via CSLB’s automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
  • Ask to see a photo identification to verify the contractor’s identity.
  • Don’t pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.  There is an exception to this rule for about two dozen contractors who purchase special bonds and are noted on CSLB’s website.
  • Don’t pay in cash, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work.
  • Get at least three bids and insist on a written contract before your project begins.

Thousands of Jobs! TOSGA Presents Seminars on How You Can Connect with Private & Goverment Jobs!

Ever wondered how to obtain the coveted Governement Contracts for your Contractors business or simply know how to gain more jobs? Look no more! Contractors State License Services is hosting another set of FREE seminars presented by TOSGA Global Alliance strategic Partner of CSLS. TOSGA offers services that assist small and minority businesses in connecting with Private and Government Sector jobs specifically for Contractors. There are thousands of construction jobs available in a variety of trades such as roofing, electrical, plumbing, painting, HVAC, concrete/paving and more!
Learn how you as licensed contractor can connect and bid on these profitable construction jobs. Presentations are filling quickly. Contact a location near you to reserve a seat!

LOCATION DATE TIME CALL
South District
San Diego Feb 3, 5:30pm-6:30pm 619-283-2011
San Marcos Feb 2, 5:30pm-6:30pm 760-744-4334
Riverside Feb 2, 6:00pm-7:00pm 951-781-6161
Central District
Van Nuys Feb 3 6:00pm-7:00pm 818-901-6330
Northern District
Concord Feb 2, 6:00pm-7:00pm 925-686-8393
Modesto Feb 3, 6:00pm-7:00pm 209-526-8091
Sacramento Feb 17, 5:30pm-6:00pm 916-363-2784
San Jose Feb 15, 5:30pm-6:00pm 408-247-1242
Or visit the CSLS website for more details and directions http://www.contractorslicensingschools.com/contractor-education-events.cfm

CSLB Sting Snatches Nine Illegal Operators in Glendora

Important CSLB Bulletin:
SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) caught nine people for violating state home improvement contracting laws during an undercover sting on December 13, 2010. SWIFT was assisted by the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’a Office.

During the sting operation at a Glendora home, SWIFT investigators posed as homeowners seeking bids for painting, fencing, flooring, and cabinetry projects. Suspects who bid more than $500 for labor and materials received a notice to appear (NTA) in court. “Homeowners need to be fully aware of who they are letting into their homes,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “This operation illustrates the importance of spending a couple of minutes on CSLB website to check the license before you hire a contractor to ensure you aren’t putting your family or your home at risk.”
California law requires all home improvement jobs valued at more than $500 to be undertaken by a licensed contractor. Contractors also must place their state license number in all advertisements. Unlicensed individuals may advertise and accept jobs valued at less than $500, but their ads must state that they are not a licensed contractor. State law prohibits solicitation of a down payment that is greater than 10 percent of the projects value or $1,000, whichever is less, for home improvement contracts. There is an exception for about two dozen licensed contractors who purchase special consumer protection bonds and are noted on CSLB’s website. State law also requires those selling home improvement services for licensed contractors to register with CSLB.
Since 2005, state law has required criminal background checks for anyone applying for a new license or adding a license classification. California law also requires contractors to have workers compensation coverage for all of their employees to protect homeowners from liability.

Lead paint poisoning affects over one million children today according to the Environmental Protection Agency

Lead paint poisoning affects over one million children today according to the Environmental Protection Agency.  “Adverse health effects include learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and speech delays. If not done in a lead-safe manner, renovations and repair activities that disturb lead-based paint can expose children, as well as adults, to harmful levels of lead dust.” Simply said, it can cause exposure to lead and result in serious health consequences, especially for young children.

Because of the potential harmful levels of lead dust the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe work practices aimed at preventing lead poisoning in children. The new federal Lead-Based Renovation, Repair and Painting requirements may be applicable to you as a Contractor! Failure to comply with the new requirements is a violation of the law. Further, penalties are significant. Those firms found to be non-compliant may be liable for civil penalties of up to $32,000 per violation.

The bottom line, the EPA Certified Renovator certification is a national requirement as of April 22, 2010 for anyone renovating, repairing and/or painting a pre-1978 home or child-occupied facility. –http://MakeMeAContractor.com

As a result Contractors must obtain the EPA Certified Renovator certification under Section 402 or TSCA. The EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Certification course teaches the participant how to comply with the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and the HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule. Additionally, the certification will teach Contractors how to perform lead-safe work practices safely and effectively. A successful completion of this course designates the participant an EPA Certified Renovator and therefore compliancy with the law.  Only an EPA approved vendor such as Contractors State License Services must provide lead-safe construction education programs.

Who should be concerned– All General Contractors, Renovation Contractors, Property Manager, Painters, Plumbers, Carpenters, and Electricians.