A guide to selecting a qualified roof contractor

The first big rain of the season is a reminder that it’s time for homeowners to tackle troublesome leaks overhead or assess the wear and tear on a roof.

But beware of unscrupulous contractors, cautions the Contractors State License Board.

Avoid rushing to make repairs and hiring someone without taking the time to determine if he is a licensed qualified contractor.

Any roofer performing work priced at $500 or more (labor and materials) must be licensed by the state board, which operates under the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

The board, which licenses 278,000 contractors in the state, offers more advice in a free booklet, “New Tips for Hiring a Roofing Contractor: A Consumer’s Rights & Responsibilities.” It explains how to find contractors, screen them to verify their current license status and determine if there are any legal actions against them.

This information as well as the booklet are available by visiting www.cslb.ca.gov or calling (800) 321-2752.