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Brentwood Contractors - Top Ten Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Reblogger Gene Riemenschneider
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Home Point Real Estate DRE # 01492725

Brentwood Contractors

Need a contractor to get things in order to Sell a Home?  Well here is a great post on hiring a contractor.  Selling a Home is tough, making a good contractor choice will make things go easier.

For more tips on Selling a Home in Brentwood or beyond and a Free Home Evaluation go to Home Point Real Estate.  


 
Top Ten Tips for Hiring a Contractor:


1.Hire only state-licensed contractors

2.Check a contractor’s license number online at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling 800.321.CSLB (2752).

3.Get at least three bids.

4.Get three references from each bidder and review past work in person.

5.Make sure all project expectations are in writing and only sign the contract if you completely understand the terms.

6.Confirm that the contractor has workers’ compensation insurance for employees.

7.Never pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. Don’t pay in cash.

Cash to Contractor

8.Don’t let payments get ahead of the work.

9.Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project, including all payments. 

10. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the job.


The governing body here in California is the California State Licensing Board, your local state may have different suggestions for hiring. 

 

Doug Bullwinkel
E Mortgage Capital, Inc. NMLS 1416824 - Roseville, CA
Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS #281609

Gene:  I think everyone is seeing more repair conditions on many of the appraisals lately, due to the new appraisal rules.  Having a good contractor in the wings can be a deal saver.  Thanks for the post.

Jan 02, 2012 04:41 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

I have to make a couple of additions to your list:

"Don't necessarily take the lowest bid."

"Do read each bid carefully to make sure you're comparing apples to apples."

Jan 02, 2012 07:03 PM
Vanessa Helmick
Fiore Interiors - Portland, ME
Interior Designer

I am a native Californian who moved to Maine...where contractors are not required to be licensed. It's horrific. I can use some of these tips for my clients, though, so thank you.

Jan 04, 2012 01:36 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Gene, We believe in getting more than one opinion and more than one price to be sure you are comparing exactly the same type of work being done...

Jan 05, 2012 03:38 AM