CSLB Check - How To Choose A Contractor
There are a ton of excellent companies out there who can help you with your next home project, but sometimes it's hard to know who to hire. That's why we do the research for you. This educational guide can help homeowners like you feel confident when choosing a team for their next project.
1) Use a licensed Contractor:
We all love saving, which is why some homeowners will hire unlicensed workers to complete their projects. While this could save you money, this opens you up to more issues in the long run. These issues include but aren't limited to:
Unlicensed workers are often uninsured, putting you at risk if they get hurt on your property.
Working with unlicensed contractors makes you more vulnerable to scams leaving you with uncompleted work and lost money.
Unlicensed workers don't have the education to use the proper materials, pull the appropriate permits, and follow California building codes. These workers open you up to problems when selling your home and are often uncovered by homeowners insurance.
You might be wondering… How Do I Find The Right Licensed Contractor? You can find more information on the CSLB website.
2) Check Their CSLB
Find a licensed contractor on the CSLB website or verify that the contractor you want to work with has a valid contractor's license. Most contractors will provide this information on their business cards, website, email signatures, and contracts.
3) Review Bids & References
Get at least 3 bids and check for references. In most cases, the bids will give you an idea of the quality of work you can expect, and references will tell you more about their customer service.
4) Before You Sign
Make sure everything is written down in the contract, and only sign it if you understand the entirety of the document. You can also check out the What Should I Look For In Binding Agreements article on the CSLB website for details.
5) Stay Organized
Keep a file of all papers relating to your project, including receipts and payment information.
6) How to Pay
In most cases, avoid paying more than 10% down or $1,000, whatever is less. Avoid paying in cash or ahead of the work. When possible, avoid making the final payment until the job is complete and you have thoroughly inspected the work.
***To learn more about what you can expect from your contractor, we encourage you to visit the CSLB website for additional publications and resources.
