- Beware advertising for a free government program, or low-cost financing for Additional Dwelling Units. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Get multiple estimates before deciding on a contractor.
- Beware of contractors who offer illegible contracts or do not give you copies of documents.
- Beware of contractors who try to rush you through signing the home improvement contract or financing application.
- Be careful about touching any electronic device presented to you by a contractor – the device may register your touch as an electronic signature, so make sure you understand why you are being asked to touch or click on any electronic device.
- Be sure to read everything before you sign anything. You have a right to request paper copies of all documents.
- Check that your contractor has a valid license and, if they are selling PACE financing, they are authorized to do so. You can check the status of the contractor’s business license here. You can confirm they are able to sell PACE financing here. It is a good idea to get multiple estimates before deciding on a contractor.
- Beware of contractors who try to push you to overestimate your income or the value of your home in the finance application.
- Beware of a contractor who tells you what to say or how to answer questions about your home improvement contract or financing. We recommend you do not answer questions about your financing on the phone when the contractor is present.
- Contractors should not start work before the financing application has been approved and processed.
- Know that, in general, you have at least three business days in which to cancel the home improvement contract in writing if you change your mind (five business days if you are 65 or older).
- Make sure to ask for copies of all permits and check that those permits have been “finaled” by an inspector who has signed a document to say the work is up to code.
- Do not sign any documents or represent to anyone that work has been completed if the work is not completed, or not completed to your satisfaction.
- Beware of a contractor who tries to pressure or harass you into signing any documents, including a “completion certificate”, that are not accurate.
- If your contractor did not complete the job in the timeframe promised or in a workmanlike manner, you can make a complaint to the CSLB.
- If you were approved for PACE financing without your knowledge or consent, or the terms do not match what you were told, you can make a complaint to the DFPI or take other action.