The repeated winter storms that have been washing over the Central Valley have left considerable damage in their path. But before you begin your storm clean-up preparations, the BBB urges you to use caution when planning any repairs.
“All clean-up and repair projects should begin with a careful assessment of what you can and cannot do yourself,” said Blair Looney, CEO of the BBB. “Downed power lines, piles of wet slippery leaves and loose gutters or tiles are just a few of the hazards facing both businesses and home-dwellers.”
If you have broken tree limbs in the location of power lines, it might be wise to first have your local utility company investigate to make sure there aren’t any power hazards in the way of removing the limbs and debris.
Look before you position your ladder to look at gutters or roofs. Be sure the ground is dry and clean under the ladder to ensure the best possible stability for safe climbing. Don’t use gutters as a hand-hold to help you in your climb. Avoid reaching farther than the end of your arm.
Before beginning your repairs, make a total assessment of what needs to be done and then prioritize your projects. If you need to hire someone to help you, free work quotes are available from the BBB’s Request-A-Quote program at bbb.org.
If you decide to hire a handyman to help make needed repairs, be sure to check before you make any agreements. If the repairs will cost more than $500, the repairman must be licensed with the California State Licensing Board (www.cslb.ca.gov) to ensure they’re knowledgeable in their field, bonded and have the proper insurance coverage, if required. Be sure to check both the license and the BBB Business Review for the company to make sure they are reliable.
It’s also a good idea to check on the company or individual if the repairs are under $500 to see if there are outstanding complaints.
The BBB warns consumers of consequences that may linger when using a non-licensed contractor. Non-licensed contractors do not meet the state requirements. They don’t register with the state, making it easier for them to get away with messy jobs or not completing your project.
These companies have no Contractor’s Bond. Without a bond, consumers are responsible for supplies the contractor neglects to pay for. Suppliers may even place a lien on the consumer’s home until the balance of on the supply account has been paid.
Non-licensed contractors do not participate in California’s Workers Compensation system. If a worker is injured on the consumer’s property, the consumer is responsible for unpaid medical bills. A lien may also be placed on the consumer’s home if they refuse to pay the medical expenses.
Remember, contractors are allowed to collect only 10 percent or $1,000 (whichever is less) of the total contract as a deposit.
This is also the season when advertising flyers for general clean-up and hauling advertising ‘the lowest prices in town’ start appearing in mailboxes, screen doors and on porches. Again, you need to remember the $500 rule and ask for references that you actually check before putting your home in a stranger’s hands.