What to look for when hiring a contractor, post rain problems

People in the Valley are dealing with a number of damages after recent storms — from flooded streets to leaky roofs.

The Contractors State License Board is warning people to be vigilant when hiring a contractor.

Danielle Pinkerton, the owner of Pink Tanning and Body Spa, is one of many who’s battling the aftermath of the rainy weather.

In October she walked into her spa to find out the roof had collapsed and flooded her business space. Now, Pinkerton is dealing with a second repair, after this past weekend’s storm caused yet another leak.

“So this time I at least was prepared. I had seen some leaking coming through. We knew where to put down tarps and buckets and be ready for it, but unfortunately the whole chunk of roof needed to be replaced,” Pinkerton said.

And Pinkerton is certainly not the only person in the Valley dealing with these post rain issues.

“A lot of leakage, major leakage, and because it hardly rains out here, absolutely, when it rains everyone wants to find a roofer as quickly as possible,” another homeowner said.

The Contractors State License Board is warning people to be vigilant when hiring a contractor.

California’s Contract State License Board Spokesperson, Rick Lopes, has suggestions you should consider before hiring a contractor:

Hire only California state-licensed contractors and ask to see a license Verify the contractor’s license with CSLB online or by calling toll-free at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) Don’t rush into decisions and don’t hire the first contractor who comes along Get three bids, check references, and get a written contract Don’t pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000-whichever is less Don’t pay cash, and don’t le the payments get ahead of the work Contact CSLB if you have a complaint against a contractor