Tuesday, July 8, 2025
77.2 F
Roseville

Napa Earthquake Victims Urged to Hire Licensed Contractors

SourceCSLB

Sacramento, Calif.- The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is urging residents of Napa Valley and surrounding areas to only hire California-licensed contractors if they experienced damage to their homes, outbuildings, or businesses following this morning’s 6.1 magnitude earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

“Unfortunately, unlicensed-and sometimes unscrupulous-people show up shortly after natural disasters and try to take advantage of victims at a vulnerable time,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “Now, more than ever, homeowners need to be cautious about hiring reputable people to repair their property. It only takes a few minutes to check the status of a contractor license on CSLB’s Web site or by calling our toll-free telephone system.”

By checking CSLB’s Web site, or by calling CSLB’s automated assistance line at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752), property owners can find the licensing background of their contractor and have access to publications and videos that explain consumer rights and best practices when hiring a contractor. This includes post-earthquake work ranging from repairing damaged homes and buildings, debris removal, hot water heater replacement, and mobile homes that have shifted off their support systems. Starting Monday morning, CSLB’s special Disaster Hotline will be staffed Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 1-800-962-1125.

“After going through the fear and then the ordeal of property damage after these earthquakes, the last thing people need is to be victimized a second time by unlicensed or unscrupulous scammers,” said Sands. “Unlicensed contractors should know that they could face felony charges if they’re caught contracting in this disaster area.” Punishment for a felony charge may include up to 16 months in state prison, and a fine of up to $10,000 (Business & Professions Code 7028.16).

Sweep and undercover enforcement operations are already being planned in the quake-affected areas in Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties. In addition to the potential felony charge, misdemeanor charges are also possible. Those carry up to $5,000 in penalties and/or up to 90 days in county jail. Subsequent convictions carry even stronger penalties, including a mandatory 90 days in jail. 

CSLB licensees have a minimum of four years of journey-level experience in the trade for which they are licensed, and have passed tests related to their craft and California contracting law. CSLB licensees are also required to have workers’ compensation insurance for employees (and themselves if they are Roofing (C-39) contractors) to ensure the homeowner is not financially liable in the event of a work-related injury on their property.

Earthquake victims can verify the status of a contractor’s license on the CSLB Web site or by calling the toll-free automated line: 800-321-CSLB (2752). Helpful publications in English and Spanish and other languages can be ordered or downloaded from the Web site, such as What You Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor, with tips on hiring and working with home improvement contractors, and After a Disaster, Don’t Get Scammed. CSLB’s video Rebuilding After a Natural Disaster, is also available for viewing in the Disaster Help Center on CSLB’s Web site.

CSLB urges earthquake victims to follow these guidelines before hiring a contractor

  • Don’t hire the first contractor who comes along
  • Don’t rush into repairs, no matter how badly they’re needed
  • Hire only licensed contractors and ask to see their license and a photo ID to ensure they are who they say they are
  • Always check the license number on CSLB’s Web site and contact the business directly if you have any questions
  • Don’t pay more than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment.  There is an exception for about two dozen licensees who carry special bonds to protect consumers.  These exceptions are noted on CSLB’s Web site
  • Don’t pay in cash, and don’t let payments get ahead of the work; and
  • Get at least three bids, check references, and get a written contract 

CSLB also reminds residents to make sure their contractor gets all the necessary permits and required inspections from city or county building department for any construction, reconstruction, or installation of air conditioners, heaters, or water heaters.

The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. More information and publications about hiring contractors are available on CSLB’s website or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752). You also can sign up for CSLB email alerts. CSLB licenses and regulates almost 290,000 contractors in California, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States. In fiscal year 2013-14, CSLB helped recover nearly $51 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

Mendocino 2025

Fleming's Roseville

New Summer Menu!

🍎 Gravenstein Apple Fair

Trending

Range Rover a powerful Plug-in Hybrid SUV

Roseville, Calif.- It doesn't take long to discover the 2025 Range Rover plug-in hybrid is a highly sophisticated SUV that typifies a luxury brand.

Jaguar Rocklin

Visit Jaguar Rocklin, to shop from a wide selection of Jaguar luxury sedans, sports cars, and SUVs. We also offer Jaguar financing, parts & service.

See’s Candies on Douglas Blvd in Roseville

See's Candies chocolate shop at 1825 Douglas Blvd in Roseville is Now Open for online orders & pick up.

7′ Yen Sushi in Roseville

7 Yen Sushi brings an artfully crafted Japanese cuisine to Roseville, California. Their menu caters to a variety of sushi, ramen, and vegan options.

Hidden Epidemic: Clinical depression and its far-reaching causes

Sacramento, Calif. - Depression significantly impacts the lives of at least 10% of the U.S. population. If the same percentage applies to Davis, approximately 6,600 residents in our town suffer from clinical depression.

Topics

Range Rover a powerful Plug-in Hybrid SUV

Roseville, Calif.- It doesn't take long to discover the 2025 Range Rover plug-in hybrid is a highly sophisticated SUV that typifies a luxury brand.

Jaguar Rocklin

Visit Jaguar Rocklin, to shop from a wide selection of Jaguar luxury sedans, sports cars, and SUVs. We also offer Jaguar financing, parts & service.

See’s Candies on Douglas Blvd in Roseville

See's Candies chocolate shop at 1825 Douglas Blvd in Roseville is Now Open for online orders & pick up.

7′ Yen Sushi in Roseville

7 Yen Sushi brings an artfully crafted Japanese cuisine to Roseville, California. Their menu caters to a variety of sushi, ramen, and vegan options.

Hidden Epidemic: Clinical depression and its far-reaching causes

Sacramento, Calif. - Depression significantly impacts the lives of at least 10% of the U.S. population. If the same percentage applies to Davis, approximately 6,600 residents in our town suffer from clinical depression.

Rose Cafe’ & Bagel in Roseville

Rose Cafe' & Bagel in west Roseville bagel and coffee shop.

Winsted Apartments in Rocklin

Winsted at Sunset West offers 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments in Rocklin, CA! Fantastic amenities + Great location near Fountains at Roseville.

Round Pizza and Wings

Round Pizza & Wings serves a variety of pizzas and an over-the-top experience from the moment you walk in. Located in Roseville, CA.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

Mobley Pest Services in Roseville serving the community and region for over 20 years

Roseville, Calif.- Fully licensed and bonded, Mobley Pest Services in Roseville has been providing reliable pest control services for well over 20 years. Serving residents and businesses in the greater Placer and Sacramento region, Mobley Pest Services is locally owned and operated in Roseville.

Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center emphasizes the use of prevention and natural therapeutics

Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center is a professional primary care natural medicine committed to helping all people reach their full potential – mind, body and spirit.

Making a Splash in Roseville at Steve Wallen Swim School

Roseville, Calif. - Steve Wallen Swim School in Roseville teaches swim lessons and water safety for infants, kids, and adults of all skill levels.