FAQs
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Always make sure that the person you're dealing with is a licensed contractor. Ask for their business card and make sure their license number is on the card. If they don't have a card, run! A pofessional always has their business card with them. Check the status of their license on line with Contractors State License Board at www2.cslb.ca.gov And always ask for a list of recent client references. You don't want a list of contacts that are 3-5 years old. Finally, go with your gut feeling when you choose the person to do your project. A good solid working relationship with someone who is easy to communicate with will make your life easy and your project go smoothly.
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Many customers think that hiring a general contractor is more expensive than if they act as their own contractor and hire out the work themselves. In nearly all cases, hiring a reputable general contractor protects the homeowners from sub-contractors who may perform poor quality work, don't know what they're doing or perfrming work that isn't necessary, and possibly over charging the customer. A good general contractor (GC) has years of construction experience under his belt. He understands the workings of remodeling and building construction. He has already found the best sub-contractors (or tradesmen) that are priced right and do quality work that meet the GC's standards. He also knows how to effectively communicate with city building officials and coordinate the project so that it runs smoothly without delays. A good GC has sub-contractors who are loyal in that they want to continue providing good service to the contractor in order to continue further the working relationship with the contractor. If the customer has a problem that needs to be adressed, their GC is their personal liason to make sure the issue is resolved quickly either by the sub-contractor or the GC himself. All in all, this translates into better product quality & service per dollar for the homeowner.