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Advice for consumers seeking a contractor
Here are some recommendations by the California State Licensing Board for assuring a successful building project.
* Get complete and specific plans for the work you want done.
* Get at least three bids, based on the same set of specifications.
* Discuss the bids in detail with each contractor, and make sure you understand the reasons for variation in price.
* Beware of any bid substantially lower than the others. If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
* Before you sign anything, call the California State Licensing Board (1-800-321-2752) to insure that the contractor is properly licensed in the class for which the work is to be performed, and that the license is in good standing.
* Ask for references of work the contractor has completed in the local area.
* Do not sign anything until you understand what you are signing. Ask questions until you fully understand the contract and what the work will look like.
* The contract should include everything you have agreed upon and the extent of the work to be done. Spell out exactly what the contractor will and will not do. If you plan to do some of the work yourself or hire another contractor, this should be in writing, too.
* The contract should specify exactly what materials will be used.
* The contract should include the total price, when payments will be made and if there is a cancellation penalty.
* Make sure the payment schedule is based on the contractor's performance. Never let your payments get ahead of the contractor's work.
* The law requires a contractor to give you written notice of the right to cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.
All of the contractors we talked with said communication is of critical importance.
California State Licensing Board website is www.cslb.ca.gov.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
