Does Your General Contractor Measure Up?
It is extremely important that you do your research before hiring a general contractor (GC) to manage your home improvement project. An unlicensed, uninsured GC can lead to poor quality work that does not meet current building safety codes putting your family and you at risk. It is always best to do your project right the first time saving you time and money. For a first hand look at what can happen if you do not do your research up front, view this video of a home improvement project that was shut down because it was not being properly built.
According to the California Contractors State License Board, the following checklist will help you to ensure that your GC measures up:
- Hire only licensed contractors.
- Check a contractor’s license number online at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752).
- Get three references; review past work.
- Get at least three bids.
- Get a written contract and don’t sign anything until you completely understand the terms.
- Never pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.
- Don’t let your payments get ahead of their work. Keep records of payments.
- Don’t make a final payment until you’re satisfied with the job.
- Don’t pay cash.
- Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.
- Check a contractor’s license number online at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752).
Taking the time up front to make sure your GC measures up will save you time, money and stress so that you may enjoy your beautiful new home.
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