What You Should Know

Especially in this economy, money is important, so when you are looking to make necessary upgrades to your home or business you want to make sure that you are hiring the right person.

How can you be sure that you are hiring a reputable contractor? Don't just take those 6 random numbers on the side of a truck as a "license number" - it is important to protect yourself and your home.

The California State License Board offers some downloadable PDF's and check-off sheets to make the choosing and hiring process more bearable. The original site is here: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ And two PDF's that I highly suggest are also available on our website's resource section here: http://www.sinclairair.com/resources/resources.html

Some "quick" things to remember (please also read the brochures - especially if you are looking for a contractor):

1. Contractors should always be able to provide you with a list of references - with at LEAST three names on it. While it may be awkward, it is always a good idea to actually look up these people to see how their experience was with the company. People will more or less be honest with you, and that's a good place to start. If the work is something like a remodel, the contractor should also provide pictures or a sort of portfolio of past work that you can either go see in person, or at least look through at your own convenience (that means without the contractor breathing down your neck). If one or the other is lacking...or if you get any 'gut' feelings, this probably isn't the contractor you should hire.
2. A contractor should also provide you with a written contract. If there are any changes to the original contract, those also need to be put in writing. Please read any and all material BEFORE signing on the dotted line - REGARDLESS of the pressure to do so. If a contractor wants only a 'verbal agreement' it's time to run the other way - and tell all your friends along the way.
3. Don't pay the bill UNTIL you are happy with the work. If something goes wrong, the contractor needs to know, and if it needs to go to arbitration, those steps need to be taken before you are "paid in full."
4. My last tip: COMMON SENSE Common sense, common sense. If it doesn't seem right, IT ISNT. Protect your home and your sanity by taking a couple of extra precautions before hiring a contractor. You won't be sorry.

The PDF's really have some good advice - which I didn't have time to share on the blog - like how to look up if a contractor has had legal action or complaints against them - which is a great idea to know, especially before choosing someone to hire. Plus, the seniors one also has some great information. That brochure should be passed on to elderly friends and relatives. Happy hiring! and GOOD LUCK!

How to Choose a Contractor

Everyone is trying to save a buck these days…but at what expense? If you are planning work on your home or business, it is ALWAYS better to ensure that the contractor has a license (you’ll save money and hassle in the long run). So, how does one go about checking if a Contractor actually has a license? Like yeah, they have that number printed with their ads, but is it safe to assume that it’s a real number? It is so easy to check on the number, why chance it. You can verify the number easily online, by going to http://www2.cslb.ca.gov/General-Information/interactive-tools/check-a-license/license+request.asp. Or there is also a number 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). The California board’s website also offered these precautions: Source: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/HireAContractor/WhatKindOfContractor.asp

“What Kind of Contractor Do You Need? This step helps you get started determining what type of contractor you need, and making sure they are qualified and properly licensed. Here are some guidelines to use when you begin searching for licensed contractors. By using them, and the other steps that follow, you could save yourself from financial risk and other future problems with unlicensed contractors. Determine what type of contractor you need. In California, anyone who contracts to perform work on a project that is valued at $500 or more for labor and materials must hold a current, valid license from the CSLB.” “ALERT Be advised that unlicensed individuals pose a risk to you and your family's financial security. They expose you to significant financial harm in the event that a worker is injured while on your property, if your property is damaged, if the work is incomplete and/or faulty. Few, if any, unlicensed individual has bonding or workers' compensation insurance. The quality of their work usually doesn't compare to that of a licensed contractor. Don't take the chance in order to save a few dollars. You'll probably end up paying more in the long run.” “The CSLB licenses contractors in 43 different classifications. This ranges from general contractors to swimming pool contractors, landscapers, painters, electricians, plumbers and many more. It will be easier to decide the right type of contractor if you carefully plan your project in advance and clearly define what you want done to your property.” “Understanding the difference between a general and specialty contractor. General building contractors usually oversee projects and coordinate the specific licensed subcontractors for a job. Specialty or subcontractors are usually hired to perform a single job. For example, if you want only roofing or plumbing work, you may want to hire a contractor licensed in that particular specialty. A general building contractor may also contract for specialty work, but must hold a specialty license for that work or actually have a specialty contractor do the work. The only exception is if the job requires more than two types of work on a building. Then it is appropriate for a licensed general building contractor to contract for and oversee the entire project. For example, if your kitchen remodeling will involve plumbing, electrical and carpentry work under one contract, you should hire a licensed general building contractor. Under these circumstances, a general building contractor may perform all of the work on a building, or subcontract parts of the job to contractors with specialty licenses.”

Hopefully, these tips will make your experience with a contractor a good one.