Info: Before hiring a contractor
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION:
10 items you should require from a contractor provided estimate
1. The contractor's name, address, telephone number, contractor license no., and insurance
information.
2. All written proposals must include brand names, sizes, quantities, styles, types of
products and materials, a detailed description of labor, and all costs associated with the
proposal. A written proposal allows you to compare products and quality. A proposal
written on a business card, scrap of paper, brochure or someone just telling you what they
are going to do, does not allow you to make a reasonable comparison of bids. Be sure all
proposals are based on the same set of specifications. Make sure you understand reasons
for variations in price. A higher price may be justified if labor and materials are of
higher quality. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. If a bid is
substantially lower, the contractor is probably not quoting all the work proposed by a
competitor. Getting formal written proposals from all your contractors makes it much
easier for you the customer, to understand competing bids.
3. Ask to see copies of any and all warranties at time you receive estimate.
4. Ask for all manufacturers' brochures and sales literature and compare to the
information in the proposal.
5. A contractor must be licensed for the category he is bidding. Example: C33 is texture
coating and painting, C35 is plastering and stucco, B is general carpentry. It is
important that the contractor is properly classified in order achieve the best results for
the finished product.
6. Ask the contractor for copies of his license and insurance information. A legitimate
contractor should provide the information without being asked. Be sure all license numbers
and names match on all literature, proposals and contracts, as well as with the CSLB data
base. Some contractors borrow and/or use licenses that are not theirs. This practice is
illegal. All names and license numbers must be on file with the Contractors State License
Board. For instance, if the contractor does business as "Happy Contractor", Lic.
No. 111111, then the CSLB must show "Happy Contractor", License No. 111111 and
not John Doe or any name other than "Happy Contractor", Lic. No. 111111. Contractors
must have their CSLB license number on all their printed literature including contracts,
brochures, business cards, web sites, etc. It is important that you verify this
information with the CSLB at 1 800 321 CSLB or on line at CSLB.com. Being able to
understand this information is important in order for you to know who is actually
responsible for the work being done for you.
7. Do not be pressured into signing a contract in order to receive special discounts or
other incentives. Any legitimate contractor will give you at least a week to consider its
proposal.
8. Try to deal with a company that has been in business for a minimum of 5 years and
preferably longer. This can be verified by calling 800 321 CSLB or going online at
CSLB.com.
9. Ask for a list of at least 15 local references.
10. Whenever possible, deal with local contractors. This is more convenient for you if you
need to contact them while the job is in progress.
By following the 10 steps above, you can assure yourself that you will find quality
contractors providing quality workmanship and materials.
L. Ray DeHaven Co., Inc., California licensed and insured, Lic. No. 505625, has served
Orange and L.A. counties since 1987.
Tel: 949 645 2932 Fax: 949 642 1010
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