If so, here's a guest article with some good pointers to get you started. As I've stated in previous articles, and in our free Consumer Awareness Guide, "How to Avoid Remodeling Nightmares and Hire the Best Contractor for Your Project", California contractor license law only allows contractors to ask for, and receive, a down payment of 10% or $1,000, whichever is less. If you live in California, and a contractor asks for more than that, beware!
You may have seen Angie, of the popular website Angie's List, on television and in articles stating that you can expect to pay contractors a 30% down payment. This may be legal in some states, but is not legal in California!
Want more information straight from the horse's mouth? Click on the link to the Contractor's State License Board on the top left side of this blog.
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Everyone knows that keeping your home maintained and updated helps with the resale value. What is not so easy to figure out is which contractor to hire when remodeling. These tips should help make the job proceed a little more smoothly.
When picking a contractor, the home owner needs to do some research in order to make sure that the person they are inviting into their home is reliable, honest and does good work. There are a few places to start. Have your friends or neighbors had work done in the past? If they are happy with the work that has been done, ask for the name and number of their contractor. Asking the local building department or local lumber supply shop who they recommend is another place to look for leads. Also, checking the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agencies and the local licensing boards to make sure the builders are currently licensed and don't have complaints against them is also important.
Once you have a few names to work with, schedule face to face meetings to get different bids. Multiple bids, at least three, is an important part of the process. Ask for recommendations of past customers and then actually call them to find out their feedback. When talking to them, ask them if they were happy with the final result, as well as their thoughts on the builder's strengths and weaknesses. Was their project completed on time and within budget? If possible, try to visit a current job site.
Other questions to ask are:
- Do they do projects your size?
- How many job sites are they on at the same time?
- How long have they worked with their subcontractors?
- Are they licensed? Insured? Have workman’s comp?
When picking the right contractor, the lowest bid is not always the best bet. The higher bids may be using better quality material, while some low bidders are cutting corners and delivering an inferior end product.
Warning signs include:
- A contractor that wants payment in cash only - this could mean they are shirking paying their taxes- what else are they shirking?
- Old & poorly maintained work vehicles
- No cell phone number- you want to make sure you have access
- Doesn't want to get permits, or wants the homeowner to apply for the permits
- Door to door solicitations-you don't know who they are or how to keep them accountable once they leave
- If they seem sleezy or just make you feel uncomfortable-just say "NO"-follow your gut instinct-you'll be trusting them inside your home.
Finally, a written contract is also important. This should spell out the details of the job. These details should include the proposed start and end dates, specific materials to be used, and a set payment schedule. Homeowners want to make sure they don't pay for a job all at once. A beginning fee of 10% of the total job to start is a good standard, with payments being made over the course of the job.
The final payment should not be made until the last of the job is complete and the homeowner is satisfied with the outcome. And remember...if you make changes while the job is in process expect an increase in the price.
-Walt and Ali
For a free consultation, call Uniquity Builders at 800-498-1833, check out our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com, or simply scan the QR code below using your smartphone QR code reader.

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