This is probably the number one question that people have and the answer may be easier than you think. The problem is that there are over 300,000 licensed contractors in the state of California, so how do you find the one who is right for you? The process can be simplified by starting with these basic steps:

Ask for the list of members at your local Better Business Bureau.
www.bbb.org

Contact your local chamber of commerce and ask for a list of their members as well. www.reddingchamber.com  Most often this information can be easily found online. Get recommendations from friends, neighbors, co-workers, church members or anyone else who you can think of. The best way to start off a project is with someone who comes recommended. Short on recommendations? A quick internet search will help you to find contractors in your area who will be able to respond to your proposal request. 

Once you have found at least two contractors (preferably three), check them out thoroughly. Can they provide you with references? Check those out as well and be sure to call on more than just one. Did they do a good job for this previous client? Were they satisfied with the results?

Verify the company’s license status with the California State License Board at www.cslb.ca.gov and click on check the status of a contractor’s license. Once you input the contractor’s license number, it will tell you all of their pertinent information such as whether or not their license is active, their bonding information, workers’ compensation information, how long they’ve been in business and so forth.

Ask for proof of insurance. A reliable contractor in good standing will provide you with a copy of their liability insurance so that you know you will be covered in any event and that your project will be protected.

Ask for a no-obligation bid that states exactly what work is to be done and how much that work is going to cost. Don’t fall prey to high-pressure salesmen who want you to sign something. 

Finalize the contract before starting any project and make sure that all parties are in agreement. A good contract should include a detailed description of all of the work to be completed, an anticipated start and finish date, a specific dollar amount, a payment schedule and a termination clause.

Don’t advance money for materials. Contractors are only allowed to request a deposit of 10% in order to begin a project. Agree to a payment schedule when signing the contract that you are comfortable with.

Document all changes to the contract. If more work needs to be done than originally agreed to, consent to the additional work along with an additional dollar amount before proceeding.

Withhold final payment until you are satisfied with the project and it has passed final building inspection with either the city or the county.

We hope that these tips will help you to make the right decision when it comes to choosing a contractor. We would like to be your contractor of choice and gaining your trust is our biggest reward. We strive to set ourselves apart by taking blue collar work to a white collar level, so call us today for a free consultation and estimate and find out why Howard Construction is Northern California’s contractor of choice.

For a full article on choosing a contractor, please visit our sponsored site www.contractorsinsacramentoca.com.