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Top Ten Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Reblogger
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside

TOM ARSTINGSTALL offers many bits of good advice.
Cartoon Caprenter cutting woodCheck out his Blog often for good information and tips. Tom may base his comments below on CA but the common sense is universal.


Have a happy day -
Lynn

 


 
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. 

 

Comments (6)

Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Lynn, great information which needs to be spread around to all consumers considering to hire any contractor anywhere.  Starting at #1 Tom hasn't missed a step.    

Nov 28, 2012 09:56 PM
Hella Mitschke Rothwell
(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI
Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker

Lynn: Tom is one of my favs, he always has great advice that we should not ignore.

Nov 29, 2012 12:20 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Dear Kevin and Hella,

Thanks so much for stopping by!
An"oldie but goodie" from Tom.

Have a happy day -
Lynn 

Nov 29, 2012 11:06 AM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

I always hire people based on license and references and since I always need two or three it works out for me

Dec 02, 2012 10:09 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Dear Charles,
Nice to see you here!
Yes, having property to manage makes one look for repair people all the time.
Have a happy day -
Lynn

Dec 02, 2012 12:19 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Good reblog and I thank you for sharing.

Margaret

Dec 10, 2012 12:47 PM