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 Whenever I'm told to test my house for lead or radon or mold or asbestos, I get a bad case of the "yeah buts . . . ."
As in:
Yeah, but . . . who do I call?
Yeah, but . . . how do I collect samples?
Yeah, but . . . what do I put the samples in?
Yeah, but . . . where do I send them?
One enterprising company, Pro-Lab, seeks to take the yeah-buts out of the equation with do-it-yourself testing kits, which are sold at places like Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, etc., or online.
You can get test kits for mold, radon, radon in water, water quality, lead in paint and dust, and so many more.
Each kits operates with different procedures. For the mold test, you tape a solution-filled container over an air duct. For the radon test, you leave opened containers in a location for a number of hours. For the water quality test, you dip strips of material that detect certain chemicals. The Lead Surface test kit includes six test strips to determine lead in toys, dinnerware, ceramics, pipes, and so on. Most kits require an additional lab fee of about $30 (the lead-in-paint-or-dust kit and the lead-in-water kit, for $30, include the lab fee), and all include a postage-paid envelope for you to send off your sample.
I'm sure it could be argued that this is not a DIY-appropriate area of inquiry.
But if it's a choice between standing around saying "yeah, but . . . " or taking some kind of action, this is probably a good thing.
If you've used one of these kits, or a similar product, I'd love to hear about it.
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 If you live in the city of Los Angeles and are planning some home improvements, the city's Department of Building and Safety offers some fascinating FAQs:
Do I need a permit to build a fence around my property?
A permit is not required for any type of fence under 3'6" in height. A permit is required for a masonry or concrete fence over 3'6" in height, and for a fence of any other material over 10'0" in height. Please note that even though a permit may not be required, all fences must comply with the requirements of the L.A. Zoning Code.
Can I as a homeowner apply for a construction permit?
A homeowner can obtain a permit and do the construction, alteration or repair on his/her house and accessory buildings or facilities thereto if the owner resides or will reside in the dwelling.
How much is a building permit and what is it based on?
Building permit fees are calculated based on the valuation of the project. Please refer to the Los Angeles City Building Code section 91.107, or call our Customer Call Center for assistance.
Can a homeowner prepare the drawings, obtain my building permit, and construct my own house or addition without consulting an architect/engineer/contractor?
Yes, if the house is one story, and will be built from plans based on the Department standard "TYPE V" sheet.
Is a plumbing permit required to replace my residential garbage disposer?
No.
Is a permit required to install a domestic cooking range, broiler unit or domestic-type clothes dryer in my single-family dwelling?
No.
When is a plumbing permit required for natural gas piping?
A plumbing permit is required for the installation of any gas piping except piping less than 6 feet in length between an existing gas outlet and a gas appliance in the same room.
See more
Links to all building departments in California
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 . . . to create awesome remodels.
Based on my experiences, here's my list:
1. Being clear about what you want
2. Becoming clear about your budget
3. Getting professional design advice
4. Checking out the companies you're considering
5. Not taking the lowest bid
6. Sticking to the plan during construction
7. Not overestimating your ability to handle stress
8. Being realistic about how long remodeling takes
9. Respecting the crew
10. Appreciating what scores of workers have gone through to make your dream remodel come true
Feel free to download the PDF e-book I created on this topic.
What would you add to this list? What would you subtract?
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 A tragedy occurred last week in Walnut Creek and the thought of it continues to haunt me. Here's what was reported yesterday in the San Jose Mercury News:
Murder and other felony charges were filed Tuesday against a Martinez contractor who prosecutors say killed a Walnut Creek man during a confrontation over a home remodeling job that sparked a lawsuit. Read the whole story.
This is extreme, to say the least. But it got me thinking: When is it a good idea to sue a contractor for bad or incomplete work?
And when is it just not worth it? When is it better to accept the loss and move on?
Anyone who's been involved in a lawsuit knows how nerve-wracking and time consuming it is. There may be headaches involved, and stomachaches and sleepless nights. It can mean months or years of negativity. And even when people win, they often can't collect.
Nolo, which provides legal information to non-lawyers, gives tips on deciding whether to sue someone and suggests you ask yourself three questions:
1. Do I have a good case?
2. Am I comfortable with the idea of a compromise settlement or going to mediation?
3. Assuming a lawsuit is my best or only option, can I collect if I win?
If you cannot answer "yes" to all three questions, Nolo's advice is that you don't sue.
Most of us would focus only on the first issue: Do I have a good case? And often, there is no doubt at all that is true. You might have a great contract. And abundant evidence of work not done or done badly. But issue No. 2 — a willingness to compromise or call in a mediator — is hard to do when one is consumed with anger or hurt.
And issue No. 3 is profound: A deadbeat cannot and will not pay up.
So there might be times — especially if your life savings is not on the line — when not suing might be the kindest thing to do for yourself.
Have you ever sued a contractor for bad work, or decided not to? And would you recommend your course of action to others?
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 It was kind of like NBC's "To Catch a Predator" this week in Van Nuys.
But instead of suspected pedophiles showing up to meet underage victims, there were alleged unlicensed contractors showing up to bid on remodeling work.
And instead of being tackled by cops in front of TV cameras, they were cited on misdemeanor charges and told that they would be mailed notices to appear in court and could face possible penalties, including jail and a $500 fine.
The undercover operation, according to an article in the L.A. Times, involved an investigator with the Contractors State License Board posing as a homeowner.
The same scenario was repeated in seven cities throughout the state, and by the time the day was over, some 79 allegedly unlicensed contractors had been cited. Last year, more than 700 unlicensed contractors were targeted by the state board in statewide undercover operations, the article said.
One worker was also cited for trying to get $2,400 upfront for a $4,800 job. Under state law, contractors can generally ask only for a deposit of 10% of the project or $1,000, whichever is less.
Here's what I'm wondering: What about the other jobs the contractors are working on? Will those jobs get shut down? Or does the person just pocket the citation and continue on?
I guess the real question is: If you hire an unlicensed contractor, and he gets caught in a CSLB sting, does your job come to a screeching halt?
Correction: An earlier version of this blog had the headline "Unlicensed contractors busted in Van Nuys sting" and within the text referred to unlicensed contractors. The workers targeted in the Van Nuys sting were suspected of being unlicensed but had not been convicted.
Read the whole article
Check on a contractor's license
(Photos: AL SEIB / Los Angeles Times)
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 . . . consider the article in today's San Francisco Chronicle: Couple awarded $7 million in asbestos lawsuit.
The case involves Joan Mahoney, 69, who lives in South Lake Tahoe. Joan had an acting and singing career in Los Angeles for many years and toured with the USO. Later, she and her husband moved north to start a part-time remodeling business. During that time, the couple used several products containing asbestos, which has been linked to mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer.
When Joan was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2006, the couple sued Georgia-Pacific Corp., which made an asbestos-containing joint compound the couple used for drywall. Georgia-Pacific no longer makes it.
So what does this mean to you? There's no doubt heavy exposure to airborne asbestos fibers is linked to various illnesses, including, according to Columbia University, lung cancer, asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) and mesothelioma (which affects the lining of the chest).
Note the word "airborne." That's the key. If the asbestos is in the ceiling texture, or in roofs, walls or other places, it's not airborne. Only when scrape it, cut it, sand it or drill into it are you liberating those fibers.
The question up for debate is: How much asbestos exposure is dangerous? How much did Joan inhale? How much will you inhale if you tackle your ceilings? What is your comfort level on risk?
If it was me, I'd at least get the material tested (do an Internet search on asbestos testing in your neighborhood, or look in the phone book) for $25 or $30 and then decide on my next action. If asbestos is present, hiring professionals might bring peace of mind, if not real health benefits.
Real more from Ask the Inspector
Read an asbestos fact sheet from Stanford University
(Photo: Magnified asbestos fibers from The Daily Green)
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The question I get most often from readers is: Can you recommend a contractor? Sadly, I cannot. But you can.
Have you used a licensed Southern California general contractor that did good work for you and that you would recommend to others? If so, please post below.
Here's a template you could use:
City or town you are in:
Name of contracting company:
Contact person at company:
Telephone number:
What this company did for you:
The cost of your project:
The duration of your project:
The reason you would recommend this company:
Your contact information (optional):
Thanks in advance!
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I've called this trivia, but it's not trivial. Here's the question:
What is the most a California contractor can collect up front for home improvement work?
A. The down payment cannot be more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less.
B. The down payment cannot be more than $5,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less.
C. The down payment cannot be more than $10,000 or 20% of the contract price, whichever is less.
D. The down payment cannot be more than $2,500, plus the cost of materials that must be special-ordered.
Give it your best shot, then click here for the answer, which you'll find by scrolling down to the bottom of the page.
See more contractor issues • See more polls
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 Several new laws came into effect Jan. 1 that pertain to licensed contractors and their clients, according to the California State Contractors License Board. They include (underline added for emphasis):
Business & Professions Code
§125.6 – In addition to facing disciplinary action if a licensed contractor refuses services based upon race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, disability, marital status, or national origin, licensees will face disciplinary action if they discriminate by refusing construction-related services based upon a prospective client’s medical condition or sexual orientation.
§7027.5 – Landscape Contractors (C-27) licensed by the Contractors State License Board are authorized to enter into prime contracts to construct and install outdoor cooking centers and fireplaces, as long as the projects are included in a residential landscape project, and the fireplace is not attached to the dwelling. Other properly licensed specialty or general contractors would still be required for tasks that are beyond the scope of the landscape contractor classification.
§7114 – As part of disciplinary action against a licensee, the Registrar of Contractors is authorized to order a licensee to pay a specific amount of money to an injured party if the licensee has aided an unlicensed person or allowed an unlicensed person to use his or her license.
Civil Code
§2782 – Residential construction contracts and amendments that indicate a general contractor or subcontractor is to be held harmless for construction defects, injury or negligence are legally unenforceable as of Jan. 1, 2008.
Complete contents of each legislative change is available by looking up the California code and section number at www.leginfo.ca.gov.
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A reader sent in this question regarding contractor markups on a kitchen remodel: "A contractor submitted a bid for cabinetry (at full cost) plus electric, plumbing, etc., plus charges for supervision, overhead, and profit. The last three categories added up to 35 percent. With the cabinetry at full cost, the contractor must have expected a net (over invoices to him) over 50 to 60 percent.
Should one expect the contractor to pass the contractor discounts on to the customer, if he is charging for profit separately? I am told that in commercial construction the markup on a job is at the 10 to 12 percent level, not the 50 percent we were quoted. We did not accept the bid."
My perspective: Home remodeling is a messy, confusing endeavor, much more so than is new commercial construction. The remodeling company employees have to work around a family and pets, act as therapists sometimes and deal with the existing home, which may be substandard, in addition to getting the materials and installing them properly. The most troublesome contracting companies are those that do not charge enough and who struggle running from one job to the next to keep the paltry funds flowing. There's a common joke in the remodeling industry: Q: What would you do if you won the lottery? A: I'd keep running my remodeling business until I used up the money. In my opinion, you don't want to work with an underfunded company whose employees are underpaid, whose employees don't have benefits or training or pension plans, a company that can't afford to pause and improve its systems. I think the primary focus on saving money is misplaced when deciding on a contractor. Save that focus for Costco and choose your contractor according to reliability, quality and trustworthiness.
What do you think?
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Whenever I'm told to test my house for lead or radon or mold or asbestos, I get a bad case of the "yeah buts . . . ."
