The California Contractor's Code of Ethics

SACRAMENTO ' The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is debuting its first educational video 'Doing it Right" ' A Contractor's Standard for Excellence' during 'Contractors Week' June 12-18, 2000.  The 30-minute program promotes good construction practices by establishing a 'Code of Ethics' for licensed contractors interested in building with integrity.

'The number one complaint from consumers about their contractor is a lack of  communication,' said Bill Dexter, Director of Cal Poly's Continuing Education for Construction Education.  'The concept of building with integrity will help eliminate a lot of the misunderstandings that arise from unclear communication about costs and specifications.'

This project, done in conjunction with the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo California Center for Construction Education, establishes the 'Code of Ethics for Contractors.'  The guidelines of the program are also available at www.cslb.ca.gov .   Some of the valuable tips include:

• Providing a detailed estimate and a written schedule;

• Obtaining the proper permits;

• Providing sufficient labor to accomplish the work;

• Leaving the job site clean and orderly; and

• Showing up on time

'Today's licensed contractors must adhere to many rigid standards, and numerous laws and regulations,' said C. Lance Barnett, Registrar of the CSLB. 'The one thing not required, but ever so critical to success in business is outlined in what we've called the California Code of Ethics for Contractors."

Contractor Code of Ethics

• We will always provide a detailed cost breakdown before beginning work.

• We will always provide a written schedule for the progress of the work.

• We will always secure a building permit if one is required.

• We will always sign a written contract that includes our cost breakdown, the schedule, and the plans.

• We will always provide sufficient labor to accomplish the work according to the project schedule.

• We will always leave the job site in a clean and orderly condition.

• We will provide you with a list of the subcontractors that we intend to hire.

• We will provide a detailed invoice that incorporates a Current report of the project budget.

• We will compile a booklet of all manufacturers' warranties for, any new equipment we install.

• We will conduct a "walk-through" inspection with you and correct any deficient work prior to final payment

The 30-minute video is scheduled to air on cable stations throughout California June 12 ' 18th. For a listing of scheduled times and other educational information for contractors and consumers, check out the Board's website at www.cslb.ca.gov   and follow the links to 'Contractors Week.'

'Doing it Right A Contractor's Standard for Excellence,'

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