Check out contractors first

I read your article concerning unlicensed construction scams in the Sept. 21 Moorpark Acorn. Unfortunately scams happen all too often, giving legitimate contractors a bad name.

There are many great laws in California to protect homeowners and businesses alike from unscrupulous contractors. Unfortunately, most people don't know about them, and the few bad apple contractors, like in any profession, give the rest of the barrel a bad name.

The scam listed in your article (the old "pay us up front and we'll provide a wonderful service for you" trick) is illegal in California. California State License Law clearly requires contractors to request only a 10 percent deposit or $1,000 deposit, whichever is less.

If you're building a $400,000 home addition, can a contractor charge you $50,000 down? No, they can charge you only $1,000. That's it. Do contractors charge more than they are allowed to by law? All the time.

Whenever you plan to hire a contractor, check them out first at the California Contractors State License Board. Every contractor proposing work for you must be licensed in California if the scope of work is worth more than $500. It's simple.

Go to the CSLB website (www.cslb.ca.gov) or call them at (800) 321-CSLB (2752). Just type in the contractor's name or license number.

You shouldn't have to ask a contractor for his or her license number. By law, it is required to be printed on all of their marketing material- business cards, letterhead, truck signage, etc. If it's not, they're not legitimate contractors.

Also any contractor who has non-owner employees is required by law to pay worker's compensation insurance. Ask him or her for a copy of the policy to verify coverage. A legitimate contractor will be more than happy to show you a copy.

Ask your contractor for a copy of his or her general liability insurance policy. Do they have it? You have a right to require them to list you as additionally insured for the duration of your project. It shouldn't cost you more than $50 to $100 more for your project for that additional assurance. If there's an accident or a construction problem on your property, do you want it to be your problem or the contractor's?

The Contractors State License Board also has checklists for questions to ask contractors too. But remember, nothing beats a referral from a friend who previously had a great experience with a contractor, and always, always, always ask for references- and then call them. David K. Bagwell Moorpark