In the City of Bellflower, construction permits are required before commencement of most construction or remodeling jobs. Please contact the Building & Safety Division before starting these types of projects:
- Patio Covers
- Mechanical Changes (Air conditioners, FAU, wall heaters, HVAC, etc.)
- Plumbing Changes (Dishwasher, Shower/tubs, water heaters, re-pipe, sprinklers, etc.)
- Electrical Changes (Service Panels, Re-Wire, Lighting, new outlets, etc.)
- Block Walls
- Pools/Spas
- Room Additions
- Siding improvements (wood siding, stucco work, etc.)
General engineering and building contractors usually oversee projects and coordinate the specific licensed subcontractors for a job. Specialty or subcontractors usually are hired to perform a single job. For example, if you need only roofing or plumbing work, you may want to hire a contractor licensed in that particular specialty. A general building contractor also may contract for specialty work but must hold a specialty license for that work or actually have a specialty contractor do the work. The only exception is if the job requires more than two types of work on a building. Then it is appropriate for a licensed general building contractor to contract for and oversee the entire project. For example, if your kitchen remodeling will involve plumbing, electrical and carpentry work under one contract, you should hire a licensed "B" General Building contractor. Under these circumstances, a "B" contractor may perform all of the work on a building, or subcontract parts of the job to contractors with specialty licenses.
Tips - What You Should Know About Unscrupulous Contractor Scams . . .
Door-to-Door Solicitations
A solicitor offers to do roofing, painting or paving work at a reduced price. Once payment is made, little or no work is done, and the project is abandoned.
High Pressure Sales
An unscrupulous contractor pushes for an immediate decision about work, which makes it impossible for the homeowner to get competitive bids, check licenses or review references.
Scare Tactics
A deceitful contractor offers to perform a free inspection, then claims that faulty wiring, bad plumbing, or a leaky roof put the homeowner in peril. The alarmed homeowner agrees to unnecessary and over-priced work.
Demand for Cash
A contractor demands cash payments, sometimes going so far as to drive the victim to the bank to withdraw funds. With money in hand, the unscrupulous operator takes the money and runs.
Illegally Large Down Payments
A dishonest contractor takes more for a down payment than is allowed by law, claiming to need instant cash for supplies and to pay workers. By law, a down payment cannot exceed 10 percent of the project price or $1,000, whichever is less.
Verbal Agreements
A contractor states that a written contract is unnecessary--promising to deliver on the verbal agreement. The shady operator takes advantage of the situation to perform shoddy work--or none at all.
