What You Should Do Before Hiring a Contractor

Do’s and Don’ts for California Consumers When Hiring a Contractor

Don’t get “Nailed” by an Unscrupulous or Unlicensed Contractor! Before you hire a contractor or sign a contract for home repair, call the Contractors State License Board at 1-800-321-CSLB(2752). Do your homework and learn as much as you can about the companies and people you are considering hiring.

General Advice When Hiring a Contractor

Don’t be a victim – be aware that homeowners are often the targets of scam artists posing as contractors.
Only deal with licensed contractors.
CALL THE CONTRACTORS BOARD to verify the information provided by bidding contractors. Their number is (800) 321-CSLB (2752) and their website is www.cslb.ca.gov. Make sure to have the Contractor’s name, addres and license number handy.
Get at least three bids and ask for references of the jobs that the contractor has completed in your area.
Ask for the publication titled “What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor”. You can get this from the Contractors Board listed above.
Don’t rush into repairs. Do your homework!
Don’t hire the first contractor that comes along.
Ask to see the Contractor’s “Pocket License” or Home Improvement Sales Registration. All contractors are issued pocket licenses that show the type of trade they are licensed for as well as the expiration date of their license. Ask for additional forms of identification to make sure you are dealing with a reputable person.

Financial Information

Don’t Pay Cash!
Don’t let payments get ahead of the work completed and never pay for a job up front!
Make sure you understand and feel comfortable with the amount you pay as a deposit for work to be performed. Under state law, when undertaking a home improvement or repair job, contractors cannot ask for a deposit of more than 10% of the total cost of the job or $1000, whichever is less – unless the contractor provides a bond, approved bond equivalent, or approved joint control ensuring completion of your contract. Any such bond is in addition to the bond required of all contractors for licensure.
Always as for a WRITTEN CONTRACT and DO NOT SIGN IT until you fully understand the terms.

Summary

Article Name

What You Should Do Before Hiring a Contractor

Description

Do's and Don'ts for California Consumers When Choosing a Contractor. Take time to learn as much as you can about the companies you are considering hiring.

Author

Corky Campbell

By Corky Campbell|2023-05-25T12:56:28-07:00December 14th, 2016|home improvement, remodelling|0 Comments

About the Author: Corky Campbell

Our Company Mission

To take a home remodeling concept, simple or complex and nurture it from start to finish. Along the way make the process as smooth as possible in dealing with the owner, architect, designers and subcontractors with the budget always in mind. To always maintain these ideals no matter the size of the project.

The Shamrock Philosophy

We create beautiful living spaces, no matter how challenging the project may be, and we do it at a price you can afford.

The Shamrock Promise

You are my next referral and I will do everything in my power to make you happy. My projects are done on time and on budget if the scope of the work doesn’t change. If you do change the scope I will continue to work as fast as I can to complete the project on time, while always conscious of the budget. I will do this no matter the project size. I come back after your home is built whenever called, no matter how small the problem. Everyone of my former clients will tell you that. We will gladly give you as many references as you want!

"Picking a contractor is scary. My wife and I just embarked on our first ever home renovation. We watched tons of HGTV in preparation. But all those shows, and all common knowledge, points in one direction - there are going to be unforseen problems and you are going to go way over budget and way over schedule. Our renovation was unique for two reasons. First, our son suffers from a neuromuscular disease called SMA and he's in a power wheelchair. So the renovation was done with him in mind - making the house more accessible was the priority. Second, the place we found to live during the renovation was only available for 3 months. Corky assured us he could get it all done. And this was an enormous, floor-to-ceiling project. And I'm ecstatic to report that despite all of our fears (and all the rumors about things going wrong with every project), Corky finished as promised. On time. On budget. And not only did he buck the traditional rumors about "all contractors" - he did a BEAUTIFUL job. Corky is a perfectionist. Incredibly detail oriented. He cared about our son, and he cared about our home. He caught little things that sub-contractors were willing to overlook. Good was not good enough. He demanded that everything in our newly renovated home be as beautiful as if he were living here himself. I've already recommended Corky to both friends and relatives. And I recommend him to you. Because if you pick the right contractor, it doesn't have to be scary."

Garrett Lerner

"I am a Project Manager/Designer for a high end Design Build firm based in Los Angeles. I had a project in Ojai and was referred to Corky by another mutual colleague. Working on the project remotely was a challenge but Corky made the process incredibly smooth, he kept me updated with emails and photos on a regular basis. I trusted him to make decisions in my absence and was never disappointed. His attention to detail and design, as well as awareness of my budget was essential in getting my project done on budget and in time. He was a pleasure to work with and I look forward to the opportunity to work with him in the future. I could not have done this project without him!"

Lauren Howley, LA Based Design Company

"Corky Campbell of Shamrock construction built my Cape Cod style home at the beach in Oxnard shores with remarkable attention to every detail. As construction commenced it became apparent that his outstanding craft man's skills would produce a house that would be second to none. His subcontractors were held to the highest standards and his work ethic and project management was highly efficient delivering the house on time. He was always available and on site. It was a pleasure to work with him. To this day, eight years later, he is still available for consultation and work as needed."

Ken Coopman

"I have known Howard Corky Campbell for approximately 30 years. We were friends for approximately 15 years before I purchased a home and ask Corky to oversee our remodel. Corky has a keen ability to turn your ideas into realities when others may not be as receptive. He comes to your project with a wealth of both talent and expertise, along with using some of the finest tradesman in Ventura County. With Corky’s expertise the most difficult of projects seem to go seamlessly, being both on time and within budget. In the last 15 years I have employed Corky on more than five occasions, all remodels both commercial office space and residential. Each project was finished on time, or before, and within budget. Corky brings with him a sense of pride that is rare in this modern society. Should you wish to learn more of my experiences Corky will be more than willing to offer my e-mail or phone number."

Gordon Heck

What You Should Do Before Hiring a Contractor