Homeowner Guides
Free- Launching May 2025.
Scams, Red Flags, and Legal Protection.
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Top 5 scams targeting residential construction
Top Scams Homeowners Face When Hiring a Contractor in 2025
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Top 5 Red Flags to watch for when hiring a contractor
Spotting Warning Signs Can Save You From Costly Mistakes
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Top 10 Places to never hire a contractor from
This List Keeps Growing as More Sites Have to Figure Out Ways to Monetize
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hiring an unlicensed vs licensed contractor
How Much Does Hiring a Licensed Contractor Matter and Why?
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5 ways a licensed contractor can financially harm
Hiring a Licensed Contractor Comes with Different Risks that Every Needs to Know
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Does Your Contractor Have an "RMO"
RMO’s are Legal, but due to a Large Underground Industry of Renting One, you Must be Informed
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A REference Guide to What the CSLB Does and Does Not Protect You From
The CSLB (Contractor State Licensing Board) Is Limited in What it Oversees and You Need to Be Aware of This
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Do you Need To Report An Unlicensed or Licensed Professional?
To Immediately Report A Problem, Find the Right State/Federal Agencies
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Hiring a lawyer
Steps on What to Expect from the Legal Process, Cost, and Navigating it
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Why Contractors Keep on "Bad Acting"
Contractors Know How The Law Works and Which Loop Holes Keep Them in Business
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Mechanics Liens
Mechanics Liens 101: A Must Know to Protect Yourself and How Licensed Contractors Can Use Them to Harm Homeowners
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Loop Holes In The CSLB
We Will Explain Why the CSLB Website Falls Short in Helping You Properly Verify Your Contractor
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Does the DA, GA or Local Law Enforcement get involved?
Construction Cases Usually Fall Under “White Collar Crime” and Trends Going Unpunished. Contractor’s Know This
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My Contractor Has Multiple Licenses
In Our Opinion This Is One Big Red Flag and We Will Break It Down For You
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Does California Have a Restitution Fund?
Homeowners In California Do Not Have Access To A Restitution Fund As of 2024
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Request Your Contractor's History From The CSLB
How Accurate Is The Contractor’s History Report You Requested?
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Contractors Can Have Multiple Licenses
Have You Also Checked Your Contractor In The HIS CSLB Database?
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Solar Scams
How Did Solar Become One of The Biggest Construction Scams?
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How Many Name Changes Has Your Contractor Had?
In My Experience, Contractors Change Their Name For a Reason
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Important Facts: Contractor's Surety Bond
The Realities of Your Contractor’s Surety Bond
Contracts, Payments, and Permits.
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Construction Loans: what to look out for
My personal experience with ReNofi construction loans, predatory lending, and why many contractors now offer financing too
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Do you really need a permit for your project?
Understanding California Residential Permit Laws: Why They Matter
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How to Write Your Own Contractor-Proof Contract
I have found Contracts to Vary Greatly and You Need to Be Protected. Create a contract that ensures transparency and protects your interests
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What All Licensed Contractors Contracts Must Contain
Your Contract May Look Legal, But It Must Meet Specific Requirements and Follow a Proper Format
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Stage Payments Stage Payments Demystified: What the Law Says vs. Reality
Learn how Contractors Legally Need to Handle Payments and How to Safeguard your Money
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Job Cards for Construction
Know How to Read a Job Card and Make Sure You Always Have Access to Yours
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Do you Need To Report An Unlicensed or Licensed Professional?
To Immediately Report A Problem, Find the Right State/Federal Agencies
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Change Orders 101: Know Your Rights
Change Orders During Construction is Normal. How Do Contractors Abuse Them?
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My Contractor is Insured. Is That Enough?
Learn About Asking for a Current COI and Being Added to their Policy is Important
Homeowner Guides and Tips.
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Essential Questions Before Buying a Home
How to Avoid Hidden Boundary Issues or Unpermitted Work When Buying a New Property
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New Homebuyer Laws re: Flips
Learn About the New Laws Passed in 2024 Protecting Homeowners and What to Ask for in Your Disclosures
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Every Homeowner needs a List of Trusted Contractors
In My Personal Experience, Many Contractors Take Advantage of Homeowners
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The Ultimate Guide on How To Research Your Contractor
Every Single Homeowner Needs to Know How to Conduct a Thorough and Comprehensive Search on a Contractor
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Top 5 Items to do before Construction Starts
This Includes Minor Repairs, Landscaping, Additions, Remodels and New Construction
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Top 5 items to do During Construction or a Repair Project
It is Crucial to Understand How to Protect Yourself and Provide Proper Evidence for any Dispute
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Top 5 items to do Immediately When Your Project is Going Wrong
It’s Important to Act Fast, Because Time is Money and Even Small Issues Can Turn Expensive
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Buying a Home with Unpermitted Work
Does Un-permitted Legally Have to Be Disclosed When Selling and How Does it Effect The Price and Future?
How to Manage the Construction Project as a Homeowner.
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Subcontracting Explained: How It Affects Your Project
Know What it Means if Your Contractor Subcontracts Everything to the Same Contractor and How it Impacts You
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When Projects Go South: What to Do When Contractors Don’t Show
Navigate the Legalities and Next Steps when Your Construction Stalls
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Your Contractor is No Longer Working on Your Project
The Contractor May Have Vanished or They Were Told to Leave. Where Do You Go From Here?
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Should You Use Your Contractors Structural Engineer
In My Opinion, No. Having an Outside Professional Should ADD a Layer of Checks and Balances
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Why Does The Building Inspector Pass Certain Things
Many Homeowners Don’t Realize Inspectors are there for the Safety and Integrity of the Build, Not the Aesthetics or Quality
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Should Homeowners and The Subs Be On-site During Inspection
Yes on Both. Do Not Let a Contractor Tell you Otherwise
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Checklist Downloads for Printing
One Place to Find All the Important Printable Downloads Homeowners Need For All Contractor Related Items
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Do You Need A Project Manager?
You Should Not Need a Project Manager Unless The Professionals are Not Doing Their Full Job Scope
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Does Your Contractor Know HOw To Work With Your Materials?
Material installation varies by quality. Contractors familiar only with standard-grade options may lack the skills to handle luxury finishes.