CSLB TV Opens New Discussion Forum for Contractors

CSLB TV held its first interactive webinar on September 19, 2014, to discuss issues and challenges in the HVAC industry related to California Energy Commission Title 24 energy efficiency regulations and the permitting process with local building divisions.

From left, David Fogt, CSLB Enforcement Chief;
Rick Lopes, CSLB Public Affairs Chief;
and Nancy Springer, CSLB Board Member.

The online production enabled more than 275 viewers and listeners to submit email questions to CSLB Board Member Nancy Springer (who also is the Butte County Chief Building Official) and CSLB Chief of Enforcement David Fogt for response. The hour-long program also allowed viewers to submit responses to online opinion polls with their smart phones, which generated immediate results.

Two polling questions were posed. The first asked what was the biggest problem in complying with Title 24 energy efficiency requirements. Of the four possible answers, almost 50 percent of the respondents chose "complexity of the code" as the most difficult part of working with Title 24 requirements. The cost/inconvenience of a building permit drew the next highest percentage of votes, at almost 30 percent. About 20 percent thought competitive disadvantage due to increased cost was to blame, and fewer than 10 percent thought Title 24 problems were due to the reluctance of homeowners to allow inspectors into their homes.

The second poll question asked if the Home Improvement Salesperson contract limit of $750 should be raised. The results were close, with about 53 percent voting "no" and 47 percent casting "yes" votes. Software limitations allowed a maximum of 25 votes per poll question, a capacity that was quickly reached.

Many of the 86 email questions that were submitted were answered during the webinar; other, more detailed questions were answered after the program.

The first webinar was part of CSLB's campaign to address an increase in complaints about predatory service and repair contractors. Topics for future webinars are in discussion. To submit a webinar topic recommendation, use social@cslb.ca.gov. You can view the September 19 webinar here or go to CSLB's website.