Please Read

Before you hire a contractor read this statement.

Verify the contractor's license: Above or the Contractors State License Board can tell you over the phone if a particular individual is legally licensed to do work in California. The board, which also handles complaints and can provide consumer information, can be reached at 800 321-2752. Do not be mislead by a business card or number on a contract and take that as proof that a contractor is licensed. Always call before you sign anything.

Reference check: Call the contractor's previous customers and find out if the person you are thinking of hiring kept to a schedule and contract. Did they stay within budget? Did they listen and seem concerned about resolving problems and make any necessary corrections. Do not be rushed into hiring anyone: Get at least three written bids using identical plans and specifications so you can compare prices. And remember if the offer sounds too good to be rue, it probably is.

Insurance: Make sure the contractor is properly insured against claims for worker injury or damage. Ask to see a copy of the certificate of insurance or the name of the contractor's carrier and agency.

Get it in writing: Know exactly what the work will be and how much it is expected to Cost, then establish a payment and work schedule. Don't pay for it all up front: It is illegal for contractors to demand total payment on a job before the work is done. Pay for the work in stages according to an agreed upon schedule and make sure that everything is being done to your satisfaction before releasing any money. All contractors in all the trades, except pool contractors, can only ask for a down payment of 10 percent of the cost of the job or $ 1,000, whichever figure is less. If they are asking for more than what's allowed. Than they either don't no want they are doing or they may not be a company you want to hire. For obvious reasons.

Complaint procedure: If you have problems of any kind with a contractor you may contact the State Contractors License Board to learn more about their complaint procedure. And, if you suspect criminal activity, you should also report it to your local police department or the Marin County District Attorney's Consumer Protection Division at 499-6450.

Hint, You can tell how long a contractor has been licensed by how low his or her number is. The lower the number the longer the contractor has been in business. I have been license scents 1/21/1987. Today's numbers start in the 800000 and rising. That's 300,000 new contractors in less than 12 years. Not all of them no what their doing.

Source: California Department of Consumer Affairs