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Tips On Hiring Contractors
- Hire only licensed contractors. Confirm license type and current
validity through the California State Board of Licensing. It is
within the law to hire a non-licensed worker for jobs costing
less than $500, but the buyer-beware.
- Hire only insured contractors. Obtain proof of current and adequate
coverage.
- Confirm contractors who are employers have Worker’s Compensation
insurance. If a contractor is exempt it means any worker on the
job must belong to a subcontractor who is insured. Uninsured workers
can file damage claims against a homeowner if they are injured.
- Always review past work and references.
- Ask lots of questions. Get the who, what, why, when, where and
how of what you can expect from the contractor you’re considering.
- Get multiple estimates. Be able to compare them ‘apples
to apples.’
- Never begin a job without a signed contract.* Never sign a contract
until you understand and agree with all the terms. Be sure the
payment schedule is spelled out in dollars and cents. Get everything
in writing.
- Never begin a job with an initial or down payment of more than
10% or $1,000 – whichever is less. Never pay for work until
it is completed. Never pay cash without getting a receipt for
each payment made.
- Keep a job file. Include the contract, all receipts, permits,
plans, and other matters pertaining to the work.
- Always hold back 10% of payments for the final payment, to be
paid after the work is fully completed and you are satisfied.
* See S.C.H.I.R.S. Contract Guidelines
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