As we have reported so often in the past, the Carey Bros. Vigorously support state licensing of contractors. But, we want to take this opportunity to reiterate, and possibly clarify, several issues.

We do not believe, simply by virtue of being licensed, that a contractor should be considered expert or trustworthy. A contractor who presents his license to you is proving that he has at least taken the first on many important steps at being a "professional".

Actually, acquiring a license is one of the easiest hurdles for a contractor to overcome. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, nine out of ten contractors fail within five years of starting their business. With this kind of fatality rate, it is important to proceed with caution when deciding upon which contractor to select. Licensing is simply on more level of protection for the astute consumer to take advantage of.

We have found that smart consumers take responsibility and consider other aspects of the contractor's background as well, such as client and vendor references. They also demand clear, well-written proposals, a thorough contract that includes the price, payment schedule and plan specifications, start and finish dates, language that defines what constitutes "completion" of the work, what the consumer is responsible for, what the contractor is responsible for, and how restitution can be made if either party defaults.

In our fast-moving society, the average individual no longer can be expected to capture the finite detail of a transaction with a good memory. Technology is significantly advanced, and alternatives are for too great.

We agree that the licensing system is not perfect, but it is significantly better than none at all. We are fortunate as Californians to have a licensing requirement. Many states do not.

As for building officials and the coded they enforce, we toast them. We've said it before and we'll say it again, "houses aren't built like they used to be -- they're built better". Every building rule we know of is designed for the general health, safety and welfare of us all.

Although the building code provides a measurable standard, it does not build houses -- contractors do! Good contractors still build good houses and bad contractors still get away with what ever they can. Patience and careful planning before the contract is still the consumer's best friend.

And, finally, at last check structural pest control operators no longer were allowed to apply chlordane. It is available in stores, and consumers are not restricted from using it. However, there are safer pesticides available.