Question: Is it true that I don’t...

Question: Is it true that I don’t have to pay for work by an unlicensed contractor, or a licensed contractor if we only have an oral agreement?

Answer: State law requires that all home-improvement contracts be in writing and follow federal and state requirements as to form. While in theory you might not be liable for paying a person who is unlicensed or a contractor with whom you have no formal agreement, courts have often decided that you have to pay to avoid obtaining “unjust enrichment.”

To be safe, I suggest that you sign a contract form that complies with the law. Its provisions include that the contractor be licensed by the registrar of contractors, that the client has the right to cancel the contract anytime before midnight of the third business day of the transaction, and a notice informing the owner of possible problems that might occur under the mechanics lien law of California.

Also, it is illegal for a contractor to receive a payment of more than 10% before starting the work.

Copies of the contract can be purchased from the American Building Contractors Assn. Its phone number is 818/401-0071.

Q: What is the best way to preserve redwood?

A: There is no way to preserve the distinct look of fresh redwood, but the wood itself can be preserved with clear coatings containing paraffin in either mineral spirit or oil base that will act as a water repellent.