SACRAMENTO- Contractors State License Board (CSLB) investigators put another small dent in the monstrous underground economy that exists in California by conducting two undercover stings June 14-16, 2016.

“CSLB investigators work this state from north to south and east to west,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “Through citations and arrests, they are making it very clear that contractors should be licensed by the State of California and should carry workers comp if they have employees.   This levels the field for contractors who follow the letter of the law.”

On June 14, investigators posed as homeowners at a single-family house near the Tahoe Paradise Golf Course in El Dorado County.  They  invited unlicensed contractors to place bids on projects like interior painting and tile installation.  During the operation,  investigators cited 10 suspects after they placed bids of more than $500.00.  It is against California law to contract for home improvement or construction jobs valued at $500.00 or more for labor and materials without a state issued contractor license.

Investigators conducted a similar operation in Hesperia in Southern California on June 16, 2016.  They invited suspected unlicensed contractors to place bids on concrete work, stucco, flooring and painting.  Investigators cited seven for contracting without a license.

“Homeowners have to be savvy and stand up to the people they are looking to hire for home improvement projects,” said Barcelona.  “These people can be forceful and intimidating in their approaches and homeowners need to ask questions and investigate.  CSLB investigators conduct these stings on a regular basis and publicize them, and even that doesn’t stop these workers who contract without a license.”