State Agency Offers Free Guide on How to Hire a Contractor

“What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor,” a 34-page booklet prepared by the Contractors State License Board, is available free from the state Department of Consumer Affairs.

The publication covers a wide range of problems that may be encountered in hiring and working with contractors. Legal considerations, including liens, arbitration procedures and instruction in how to file a consumer complaint with the state are provided.

Advice on how to check a contractor’s references, how to write a contract with a contractor and the inspection procedure during construction are described in detail.

The booklet may be ordered from the Contractors State License Board’s Southern Regional Office, 14714 Carmenita Road, Suite 400, Norwalk, Calif. 92701. The board licenses and regulates contractors in 41 license classifications.