| Choosing a contractor |
What you should know before hiring a CSLB contractor
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION:
10 items you should require from a contractor provided estimate
- The contractor's name, address, telephone number, contractor license no., and insurance information.
After stucco repair, replacement windows, garage door, water seal, texcote, and trim paint - All written proposals must include brand names, sizes, quantities, styles, types of products and materials, a detailed description of labor, and all costs associated with the proposal. A written proposal allows you to compare products and quality. A proposal written on a business card, scrap of paper, brochure or someone just telling you what they are going to do, does not allow you to make a reasonable comparison of bids. Be sure all proposals are based on the same set of specifications. Make sure you understand reasons for variations in price. A higher price may be justified if labor and materials are of higher quality. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. If a bid is substantially lower, the contractor is probably not quoting all the work proposed by a competitor. Getting formal written proposals from all your contractors makes it much easier for you the customer, to understand competing bids.
- Ask to see copies of any and all warranties at time you receive estimate.
- Ask for all manufacturers' brochures and sales literature and compare to the information in the proposal.
- A contractor must be licensed for the category he is bidding. Example: C33 is texture coating and painting, C35 is plastering and stucco, B is general carpentry. It is important that the contractor is properly classified in order achieve the best results for the finished product.
- Ask the contractor for copies of his license and insurance information. A legitimate contractor should provide the information without being asked. Be sure all license numbers and names match on all literature, proposals and contracts, as well as with the CSLB data base. Some contractors borrow and/or use licenses that are not theirs. This practice is illegal. All names and license numbers must be on file with the Contractors State License Board. For instance, if the contractor does business as "Happy Contractor", Lic. No. 111111, then the CSLB must show "Happy Contractor", License No. 111111 and not John Doe or any name other than "Happy Contractor", Lic. No. 111111. Contractors must have their CSLB license number on all their printed literature including contracts, brochures, business cards, web sites, etc. It is important that you verify this information with the CSLB at 1 800 321 CSLB or on line at www.cslb.ca.gov. Being able to understand this information is important in order for you to know who is actually responsible for the work being done for you.
- Do not be pressured into signing a contract in order to receive special discounts or other incentives. Any legitimate contractor will give you at least a week to consider its proposal.
Before stucco repair, replacement windows, garage door, water seal, texcote, and trim paint - Try to deal with a company who has been in business for a minimum of 5 years and preferably longer. This can be verified by calling 800 321 CSLB or going online at CSLB.com.
- Ask for a list of at least 15 local references.
- Whenever possible, deal with local contractors. This is more convenient for you if you need to contact them while the job is in progress.
By following the 10 steps above, you can assure yourself that you will find quality contractors providing quality workmanship and materials.
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