Welcome to Homeowners U
California Edition
We educate homeowners on safeguarding themselves against BAC (Bad Actor Contractors) through shared experiences and expert insights. We need local and state officials to stop normalizing BAC. It’s not normal in any industry to lie, cheat and steal.
Are you the ideal target for a scam?
Discover what contractors look for when choosing their next victim.
Get on the list to be the first to know when our site officially launches so you can proactively protect yourself, your home, and your family.
We will share real-life experiences from homeowners, including us, on the realities of consumer protection and legal nuances, the top scams contractors use, and an in-depth look at what’s driving the underground licensed construction rings in California. Plus, we will share must-have resources and guides and what to look out for in lending options that no one else tells you about.
Imagine you save for years to remodel your home, only to face unexpected delays, a project that runs far past your budget, or a lender who approves you for too many funds. Maybe your architect or engineer didn’t understand the local building codes when submitting plans, your contractor claimed to be licensed but didn’t disclose they were under investigation, or the simple drain you needed fixed was replaced with faulty materials that caused even more water damage. Perhaps your contractor lied to you or even threatened you if you report them? You are not alone, this bad behavior by licensed and unlicensed contractors is happening everywhere in California.
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) oversees the licensing and regulation of contractors in the state. When the CSLB identifies violations of contractor laws, it refers cases to prosecutorial agencies for legal action. In the fiscal year 2022-2023, the CSLB referred a total of 1,293 cases to prosecutorial agencies, which include both District Attorneys (DAs) and the Attorney General (AG).
While this provides valuable insights, more information is needed for a comprehensive understanding of repeat offenders, unprosecuted cases, and unreported incidents.
"We contacted the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office to request data on the number of cases referred by the CSLB that were subsequently prosecuted. Their response directed us to inquire with the CSLB directly, which we have not yet done. In California, public access to prosecutorial data, including statistics on construction-related cases, is governed by the California Public Records Act (CPRA). However, the application of the CPRA can vary, with counties adopting different approaches to transparency. For instance, Orange County provides more accessible public case information compared to Los Angeles."
Share Your Contractor Experience
We encourage you to share your contractor experiences anonymously. By contributing, you help us build a collective knowledge base that allows everyone to learn from each other’s stories and insights. Feel free to suggest topics you believe deserve attention. Together, we can create a more effective and impactful educational experience.
Links To important resources
Links To important resources
Hi, my name is Andreana, and I’m here to break down the realities of construction and transparently show you what to expect when hiring a contractor.
Unfortunately, the examples above are stories I hear repeatedly, and they’re often considered “normal” in the industry. It’s time to change that mindset and learn how to protect the biggest asset you will ever own.
I’ll share not only what I’ve learned from other homeowners and experts in the industry but also my own experiences. After interviewing over 30 contractors and diving into the consumer and construction laws designed to protect us, I’ve gained insights to help you avoid common mistakes. This journey starts with understanding what licensed contractors know that the average homeowner doesn’t.
Homeowner Guides
Launching In January 2025. Make Sure You Get Notified by Signing Up AboveScams, 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
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.
Welcome to our paid section.
Each section is just $10, supporting our mission to keep the majority of our site’s information free and transparent for everyone.
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Top 5 scams targeting residential construction
Top Scams Homeowners Face When Hiring a Contractor in 2025
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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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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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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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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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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?
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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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Need to remove your contractor from the project
Learn What Steps to Take to Properly Remove Your Contractor From the Job
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What Does The CSLB Reporting Process Look Like
Our Personal Experience: What You Should and Should’t Expect
2019- Current Construction and Loan Related Cases in California
Company faces tax, labor allegations across SoCal. California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed 31 felony charges of wage theft and tax evasion against a construction company that he said cost the state and the company’s workers $2.6 million (2024)
California AG Indicts 14 in $3.6 Million Mortgage Fraud Scheme Spanning Six Counties (2024)
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced on April 24, 2019, that it has entered into a plea deal with siblings Enrique Vera and Gloria Vera to resolve the construction fraud charges levied against the contracting team in November.
Herrera v. Santos & Urrutia Associates Inc. (2020) Overview: A lawsuit accusing the engineering firm of construction fraud and $420,000 in check fraud related to forged permits for multiple properties.
San Francisco Public Works Corruption Scandal (2020–Present) Overview: A widespread corruption investigation involving bribery and fraud within San Francisco's Department of Public Works and the Department of Building Inspection.