Licensed General Contractor - Custom Home Building & Remodeling

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. 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.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. The number one question a consumer should always ask for is proof that the service professional is a licensed contrator. For the simple reason that if the service person fails to meet the obligation agreed to between he and the customer, the consumer has no recourse of action to take if he is working as a non-licensed contractor.

Secondly, always get a clear description of the work to be performed in writing and signed by both parties.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Often times homeowners have a lot of ideas for different projects, that it's difficult for them to decide what project they want to tackle first. It's best if the homeowner can decide what project is of the highest priority before calling us out for an estimate.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. We pride ourself with our attention to the details. Not just in the details of craftsmanship but also in the design of the project. We want to be sure our customers to get their moneys worth when we're finished and to know that their project was designed and built unique and like no other.

We know we did our job right when we leave the job and the project looks like it just fits...as if we were never there!

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. 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.