How to hire a contractor
While hiring contractors recommended by friends is usually the best way to go. never hire a contractor without first checking him or her out. In California you can call the contractors State license board at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) or go to http://www.cslb.gov/ to find out if there are any outstanding complaints against that license holder. They are located at:
Contractors State License Board
9821 Business Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95827
If you are satisfied with the answers you find there, interview the contractor. Ask Them what kind of worker's compensation insurance they carry and get policy # and insurance company phone numbers so you can verify the information.
If they are not covered, you could be liable for any work-related injury incurred during the project. Also be sure that the contractor has a general liability policy.
If they pass the insurance Test, You will want to check their references. A good contractor will be more than happy to provide them to you.
Don't let yourself be rushed into making a decision no matter how great the price might be. Get a minimum of three bids, and remember the cheapest price is not always the best to go with. You do get what you pay for. Never pay a deposit to a contractor at the first meeting.
Never, Never, Never pay a contractor in full before the job is 100% complete. If you do pay them in full before the job is 100% complete, in most cases you are going to have a hard time getting them to come back.
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Dan is looking to help the first time buyer reach the American dream, and becoming there Realtor for life
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What I do is, give them 10% of materials Only and the rest when the work has been completed, No Exceptions.
Good advise. I have seen many people that would have benefited from this blog.
Great advice, I usually go by word of mouth, talking to someone who has actually used them. That makes me feel better when hiring them because I already know what kind of job they will do. It is also how I recommend people, if I have used them and are happy then they will get recommendations from me.
Excellent advice. The idea of confirming anything they tell you (like their workmans comp insurance) is particularly important.
Great post Dan. Good advise for anyone to follow. I will definitely share this with my clients. Do you know any good electricians? LOL
Thanks for the kind words everyone
Joe - I will have to find you someone new, because I`m not contracting any more!!!!
great post word of mouth always works for me, buy I never thought of checking their workers comp ins. thanks for the suggestion
Good pointers. The state also provide literature for the consumer on this very subject. A word of warning, never, never front money for supplies, this is an absolute No-No!