By Gregory R. Shaughnessy

A little used and frequently overlooked weapon in the arsenal of an unpaid contractor or subcontractor on a private work of improvement is the bonded stop notice. For the sophisticated and aggressive contractor, the bonded stop notice can be one of the most effective remedies available under California law.

I he bonded stop notice on a private project must be distinguished from a stop notice on a public project. Perhaps the most important distinction is that a general contractor has no stop notice rights on a public work of improvement. In addition, on public projects a bond is not required to accompany the stop notice.

The bonded stop notice on a private project is directed to the construction lender, who is required to Continue reading →

1. Licensee’s statement

Effective January 1, 1996 section 7030 of the business and professions coded was amended to revise the form of notice requiring at least 10 point type on all prime construction contracts as follows

“Contractors are required by law to be licensed and regulated by the contractors’ state license board which has jurisdiction to investigate complaints against contractors if a complaint regarding a patent act or omission is filed within four years of the date of the alleged violation.  A complaint regarding a latent act or omission pertaining to structural defects must be filed within 10 years of the date of the alleged violation.  Any questions concerning a contractor may be referred to the registrar, Contractors’ State License Board, P.O. Box 16000, Sacramento, California 95826.

Failure to include this written statement may constitute Continue reading →