If you’re thinking of building or remodeling and you need to hire a contractor, consider these tips from the Contractor State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB is a state organization in California that licenses and regulates the state’s construction industry and protects consumers. Although we are several time zones away from California, the suggestions they offer are an excellent take away for consumers in any state.
- Hire only state-licensed contractors and check public records, the BBB, and state licensing organization to check that licenses are up to date and the contractors have a good reputation.
- Get bids from at least three licensed contractors before making a decision.
- Ask for several references from each contractor bidding and take the time to actually check them.
- Get everything in writing. No detail is too small. If you want to protect yourself, get it in a contract. And then keep all relevant paperwork together in a file that is easily accessible.
- Ask to see copies of insurance documents or call the contractor’s insurance companies to make sure that their liability and worker’s comp coverages are up to date and adequate to cover your job.
- Don’t pay more than 10% as a down payment. (If 10% is less than $1,000, a down payment of $1,000 is acceptable.) And if you’re making progress payments throughout the job, whatever you do don’t let your payments get ahead of the job.
- Whatever you do, do not make your final payment until you 100% satisfied with the work, including any last minute touch-ups and the clean-up.
If you’re thinking of remodeling, keep these tips in mind! If you’re thinking of buying or selling, give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.