Before you begin a construction project, the California Contractors State License Board recommends that you do the following:
Check the contractor license number at www.cslb.ca.gov to make sure it is current and in good standing.
Ask to see the contractor’s pocket license and a current photo ID.
Ask for a current list of contact information (telephone number and business address) for the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers.
Find out from your local building department whether your project needs a building permit and confirm that your contractor will obtain all necessary permits.
Get at least 3 contractor bids and references, and check out, in person, recent projects by the prospective contractors that had similar specifications.
Ask whether your contractor carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance for employees.
Make sure all project materials and expectations are spelled out and signed in a written contract, including clean-up, debris removal, and site security.
Ask your contractor if he or she understands exactly what you want.
Have a timetable for each phase of your project and the corresponding payment schedule spelled out in the contract. Do not let payments get ahead of the work.
Pay no more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.*
Never pay in cash.
Keep all of your project documents, including payments, in a job file.
Try researching your contractor’s name online for additional reviews—but consider the source.
