Fact; 250,000 Un-licensed Contractors in California perform over 20 billion dollars in home improvement contracts per year. Over 50% of the work performed does not meet UBC or local building codes, (universal building codes).
Ø 75% do not apply for a building or construction permit. (The remaining 25% get the homeowner to apply for a building permit thereby putting all the liability and responsibility for the project into the homeowner's hands).
Ø There are over 100,000 unlicensed contractors injured on homeowners' property annually. Many sue the homeowner ("employer") for injuries caused on a worksite.
Ø Over 50% of homeowners experience minor to major problems with the quality of work performed or performance of the un-licensed contractor. Three (3) times the amount of licensed contractors.
Ø Many home improvements performed by un-licensed contractors actually lower the value of the homeowners property due to the low quality of work performed.
Ø Over 40% of homeowners do not get what they contracted for or paid for. Millions of dollars every year are paid to un-licensed contractors who never even start or perform the job hired to complete. Again three (3) times that of licensed contractors.
Ø 100% of all homeowners who hire un-licensed contractors have no recourse against the individual or company if the project goes awry, or defects are found.
Ø There are ten (10) times more injuries from defects on jobs provided by un-licensed contractors then that of licensed contractors. While no exact data on deaths is available, construction defect related deaths can be traced to faulty or negligent work that did not meet minimum Universal Building Codes.
Ø In the event of damage or injury from construction defects or gross negligence from work provided by un-licensed contractors, homeowners who hire them may be held responsible for criminal as well as civil liabilities for emergency services, rescue, or injury to 3rd parties, property or individual, resultant from the work provided by the un-licensed contractor.
("State law requires anyone who contracts to do construction work to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in the license category in which the contractor is going to be working-if the total price of the job is $500 or more (including labor and materials).
• Licensed contractors are regulated by laws designed to protect the public.
• Licensed contractors are required to maintain a performance bond, workers compensation insurance for all employees, and liability insurance.
• Licensed contractors are required to guarantee their work in writing for a period set forth by law. Ground up construction is guaranteed for up to 10 years from completion date for defects in construction or workmanship.
So; When you need a "Handyman", Who ya gonna Call?
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