What should I know before hiring a contractor? – Bill, WI
Bill, Thank you for your question! There are several elements to that question so let me break it down to the ones we at Reliable Contractors hold most important.
- Licensing and Insurance: The phrases “Licensed and Insured” are common, if all too often misused. Many companies utilize a qualifier such as “acting as a contractor,” when they are in fact not licensed and may be unfamiliar with local ordinances or building codes. Verify with WWW.CSLB.CA.GOV to insure your contractor’s license is valid and the actual license holder works in the company.
Many companies advertise they are “Insured,” when in actuality they are not fully insured. Both general contractor’s liability and worker’s compensation insurance are required to insulate a home or business owner from workman’s injury claims. Protect yourself by requesting proof of adequate insurance from your contractor.
- Warranty: The state requires all licensed contractors to provide a minimum of one year warranty on workmanship. Only if your contractor is properly licensed is this protection available.
- Payment: If you are working with a reputable contractor, they should never do the following: (1) Request that you to pay in cash; (2) Request that you to pay based on anything other than work completion milestones; or (3) Request that you provide more than a $1000.00 or 10% deposit whichever is less on a materials and labor contract. If a contractor makes these requests, beware.
Lastly, be educated on mechanics liens. California law provides that anyone performing labor or providing materials to improve or repair a property may obtain a mechanics lien against that property. Suppliers of materials and subcontractors, which your general contractor employs, can hold you liable for any bills your contractor fails to pay. Therefore, make sure your contract specifies that you will be furnished a signed mechanic’s lien waiver or releases from material suppliers and subcontractors.
- Timeline: Ask when they are available to start your project and how long they estimate it will take. These are basic yet critical questions a prospective contractor should be able to answer.
- Bids: If you request bids from several contractors, make sure to request a formal bid based on exactly the same plans and specifications. This is important in order to compare “apples to apples”; otherwise the low bid may turn out to be low quality as well.
- Communication: Home or business owners should have the reasonable expectation of communicating with the contractor regarding questions or concerns about their project. A reputable contractor will have a representative of the company available to speak with the home or business owner about the projects cost, schedule or implications.
- Overall: Bottom line, look for a contractor who is experienced and has a reputation for delivering Reliable and quality work. Reliable Contractors of San Diego is committed to doing just that. Whether you’re looking for a Handyman in San Diego to a full commercial construction or home remodeling project, we’re here to serve your every construction need.
