The Board of Directors urges all owners to refrain from having work done to the home by unlicensed contractors. While it may be tempting to hire a ‘friend of a friend’ or someone from the internet that does not have a license, the consequences could be very serious. According to the Contractors License Board, “Those who operate without a state-issued license harm the public, tarnish the respectability of the construction industry, and undermine California’s financial foundation by operating in the underground economy.”

Unlicensed contractors who do not meet licensing standards can pose significant risks to homeowners. They may lack the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the job correctly, which could result in subpar work, structural issues, or safety hazards. In some cases, unlicensed contractors may even take the property owner’s money and disappear without completing the work.

Hiring an unlicensed contractor can also have legal consequences. California law prohibits unlicensed contractors from advertising their services or performing any construction work that requires a license. Property owners who hire unlicensed contractors could face fines, legal fees, and even be held liable for injuries sustained by workers on their property. To protect yourself and your property, it is essential to hire a licensed contractor for any construction work that exceeds $500 in value.

When a homeowner hires an unlicensed contractor, they can also be held liable for any negligence caused by that contractor. If someone were to be hurt while you are employing the unlicensed contractor, you could ultimately be liable for any damage caused to others, and to the association common area (such as illegal dumping fees and costs to repair damage/staining the concrete and plant material). While the Association does not have the resources to track the use of licensed contractors on private property, the Board urges you to be aware that the cheapest contractor available could be the one that will cost the most in the long run!