Things homeowners should know

What do you get when you hire a contractor that is licensed and insured in the state of California?

1. They are licensed in the state of California to do residential and commercial work.
2. All licensed contractors are required to be bonded, and carry workmen’s compensation and
   general liability insurance.
3. What does this mean to you, the homeowner? It means that if an employee of a contractor is
   injured working on your house or project, sprained or broken ankle, accidentally cuts off a
   finger, falls of a ladder or scaffold, an eye injury from sand, stucco, paint or other foreign
   objects, the contractors insurance will take care of the claim.
4. If the quality of the stucco or plastering job is not to industrial standards, you the homeowner
   can file a claim against their bond.
   

What do you get when you hire a contractor who is not licensed and insured?

1. If an employee of an uninsured contractor is injured working on your house or project, you the
   homeowner are responsible for
   the claim. You are responsible for all medical and or hospital bills and lost wages, even if the
   employee is an illegal alien.
2. Persons or company may not be familiar with local codes and laws pertaining to the trade practices
   and product guarantees by manufacturers of the products being used. Quality of work and installation
   may also be sub standard.
    

You the homeowner are responsible to make sure the contractor you are hiring is licensed and their license is
in good standing with the state contractors license board. You are also responsible to ask for proof of workers
compensation and general liability insurance. It is also your responsibility to ask for a material and labor lien
release, otherwise if a material company or an employee has not been paid, they may file a lien against your
property.

San Diego Lath and Plasters Association: 619-464-7681
State of California Contractors License Board: www.cslb.ca.gov