TR Constructions LLC | Altadena Rebuild Resource Series
Published February 2026 | Based on information shared at the Altadena Solutions Summit
The TR Constructions team recently attended the Altadena Solutions Summit, a community event where experts shared critical information for families rebuilding after the Eaton Fire. We believe every homeowner deserves access to this information, whether or not they were able to attend. Below is a summary of key takeaways from one of the summit panels. This is educational information only and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult with licensed professionals for guidance specific to your situation.
The LA County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division sent representatives to the Altadena Solutions Summit with a direct message: contractor fraud increases dramatically after fires, and this disaster is no exception. Their office is actively investigating and prosecuting cases in the Eaton Fire area right now. Here is what every homeowner needs to know.
Why Fraud Increases After Fires
Homeowners dealing with fire loss are under stress, facing urgent timelines, and often have insurance funds available. That combination makes fire victims a prime target for bad actors. The DA’s office has historically seen a significant uptick in contractor fraud during and after every major disaster.
Unlicensed Contractors: What You Need to Know
California law requires any contractor working on a project over $1,000 to hold a valid contractor’s license issued by the Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB). Operating without one is a crime. And in a declared disaster area like Altadena, it is a felony, not just a misdemeanor.
The DA’s office emphasized several critical points about unlicensed contractors.
- An unlicensed contractor cannot obtain liability insurance or workers’ compensation for the project. This leaves you, the homeowner, exposed if something goes wrong.
- Even if an unlicensed contractor tells you upfront that they are not licensed and you agree to hire them anyway, that does not make it legal. The contractor is still committing a crime.
- Referrals from friends or neighbors do not replace a license. A recommendation, no matter how strong, is not a substitute for verified credentials.
- The DA’s office has already filed felony charges against unlicensed contractors caught soliciting work in the Eaton Fire area.
Three Things Every Homeowner Should Do Before Hiring a Contractor
1. Verify the License
Every licensed contractor is required to display their license number on all materials: business cards, truck signage, contracts, and advertisements. Take that number and look it up on the CSLB website at cslb.ca.gov. You can confirm whether the license is active, what type of license it is, what insurance and bond they carry, and whether there are any complaints filed against them.
2. Verify the Person
Confirm that the person you are dealing with is actually the individual named on the license. Ask for government-issued photo identification. Anyone can claim someone else’s license number.
3. Check the Bond
The CSLB website will show the bond amount and the bonding company. You can call the bonding company directly to verify that the bond is still active and the premium is current.
Payment Rules That Protect You
California law includes specific rules about how contractors can collect payments. Violations of these rules are prosecutable crimes.
Down payments are capped. A contractor cannot request or accept a down payment of more than $1,000 or 10% of the total project cost, whichever is smaller. If a contractor asks for more upfront, that is a red flag and potentially a crime.
Get Multiple Bids
The standard advice to get multiple bids is not just about finding the best price. Comparing bids side by side helps you spot irregularities. If one contractor’s demolition cost is dramatically different from others, or if certain cost categories seem inflated, that is a sign to ask more questions. Multiple bids give you a baseline for what is reasonable.
Where to Report Problems
- CSLB (Contractors State Licensing Board): File complaints about contractor conduct at cslb.ca.gov
- DCBA (LA County Department of Business and Consumer Affairs): Accepts complaints about any business dealings and can help you navigate disputes
- LA County District Attorney’s Office: Follow @LADAOffice on social media for announcements about charges and active fraud schemes
- California Architects Board: For concerns about architects specifically
The DA’s office distributed red warning signs to post in the community about the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors. These signs include QR codes linking to the CSLB complaint page and to additional fraud prevention resources.
About TR Constructions
TR Constructions LLC is a fully licensed Class B General Contractor (CA License #926469) with over 26 years of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial construction. We are actively helping Altadena families navigate the rebuild process. If you have questions about rebuilding your home, call us at (626) 542-1609 or visit trconstructionsllc.com to schedule a free consultation.
