Hiring A Contractor Who Isn’t A Tool

Chances are that subject line got your attention! Let’s face it - anyone can carry a tool – but not everyone can use it to complete your home project without a major headache! Whether you are buying a home, selling a home or simply living your life and trying to maintain one, you have likely needed a contractor at some point. We have spent a great deal of time alongside many of you trying to find that perfect property, and we know that you spend even more time trying to take great care of it. Yet despite your best intentions and having performed your best due diligence , have you ever been disappointed or surprised by the resulting work?

Unfortunately, nearly every homeowner we know has a really good AND a really bad contractor story. We hope that today’s blog can get you started on the right track to setting realistic expectations, proposing potential questions and providing informative answers to the process of selecting a contractor.

Understand That Not All Contractors Are Created Equal

Did you know that contractors are licensed according to 44 classifications? The California State License board recommends defining the approximate range and scope of your project in advance before you even begin searching for contractors. Classifications include swimming pool contractors, drywall contractors, insulation & acoustical contractors, landscapers, painters, electricians, plumbers and many more. View the complete list  here.

While specialty or sub-contractors may be hired to perform a specific or single-job, general engineering and building contractors tend to oversee projects and coordinate the required specialties. This distinction often clarifies the frustration that many homeowners feel when they interview and hire one-person, but feel a loss of control and knowledge when others are completing the work.

Do A Little Homework

Many homeowners wish to not only obtain the contractor’s license number, but also verify the status as well as any associated complaints. You can check a contractor license or Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) registration HERE.

Before you interview a contractor, you may wish to watch California’s 15-minute educational video on “Doing It Right: Hiring A Licensed Contractor”. You will learn how to corroborate credentials, what should be included in the written contract, how to prevent the most common types of disputes and what to do when issues arise.

Click HERE To View Video

Other Top Tips

• The industry standard for prescreening contractors is to get at least 3 bids from only licensed contractors in writing (don’t forget to ask for their photo ID).
• Be sure to ask whether the contractor carries workers’ compensation insurance for employees and general liability insurance.
• Pay no more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less. Never pay cash, and never let your payments get ahead of their work.
• Obtain 3 references from each candidate and view samples of their work in-person.

Supplemental guides and publications can be found on the Department of Consumer Affairs website.

Last but not least, we feel it is important to mention that seniors continue to be a likely and growing target for scams in general, including contractor fraud. They may be more vulnerable to scare tactics, high-pressure sales, verbal agreements and door-to-door solicitations. Please share applicable information with the beloved seniors in your life, and consider helping them through the process of license verification and driving them to see work samples if needed. The best way we can all take care of our homes is to help take care of each other along the way.

On a positive note, we have been fortunate to work with some highly experienced, knowledgeable and integrity-driven contractors. We are always happy to share names and ideas based on whom we have had success with and whom our clients have been pleased with. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions as you prepare for your next home project!

Cheers,

Mark & Jason

team@homesofsv.com