Before You Begin
Select a Contractor
Bids and Funding
The Contract
During Construction
Legal Considerations
Avoiding Complaints
Do's and Don'ts

Before Contracting

This is the information is given to the Homeowners

"What You Should Know Before You Contract a project".

Review this information to best service you clients.

1. Before You Begin

• Do your home Improvement homework
  
• Let the buyer beware
  
• What do I want done?
  
• Planning for Energy Conservation
  
• Paying for your Project

2. Selecting a Contractor

• What kind do you need?
  
• Check the contractor's license
  
• Check the contractor's references
  
• Make sure the contractor has workers' compensation and liability insurance coverage
• Check the status of the contractor's bond

3. Bids and Funding

• Funding control of your project
  
• Licensing
  
• Bids
  
• Get competitive bids for the project

4. The Contract

• Make sure everything is in writing, Assume nothing
  
• Have it in writing
  
• Describing the Job - the good, the bad and the ugly.
  
• Three-day cancellation period
  
• Make sure everything you are paying for is in the contract
  
• Warranties
  
• Scheduling the work
  
• Scheduling the payments

5. During Construction

• Inconveniences
  
• Keep a job file
  

• Permit, plans and specifications
  
• Inspections

6. Legal, Notices & Liens

• Preliminary lien notices
  
• Mechanic's liens
  
• Arbitration

7. Avoiding Complaints

• Some Warning Signs
  
• What if Problems Occur?
  
• What Happens to a Consumer Complaint?

8. Do's and Don'ts

• Do:
  
• Do Not:
  
• Be sure your contract includes:
  
• Finally

Disclaimer

This publication is meant to be instructional, to provide information to assist the consumer in dealing with building contractors and the California Contractors State License Board. The information in this publication is believed to be accurate at the time of its production. The Contractors State License Board, the Department of Consumer Affairs, and the State of California assume no responsibility for any damage that arises from any action that is based on information found in this publication. As indicated in this publication, questions regarding civil law and the civil courts system should be addressed to an attorney.