A contractor’s services include property construction, alterations, installations, and repairs that range from plumbing repairs to complete construction of a home.

If you plan to hire a contractor, it is recommended that you take time to choose the one who is skilled over the one who offers you the lowest price.

How to choose the best contractor
Whether your project is simple (paving the driveway) or very complex (adding another room to your home), take note of the following tips:

• Verify your contractor’s license. To verify if your contractor has a valid and current license, contact the Contractor State License Board (CSLB) at 1-800-321-2752 or visit: www.cslb.ca.gov. Make sure to have your contractor’s name, license number, and business address.
• Obtain estimates from three different contractors and make sure that they are comparable (similar material, etc.).
• Request at least three references from each contractor. Contact those references and, if possible, and visit the location where the work was done.
• Ask friends or relatives for recommendations.
• Ask for recommendations from places where you can clearly see that quality work was done.

Contract
Before carrying out your project, obtain a written contract that contains the following information:

• Type of work, total price and terms of payment, completion date, and materials that will be utilized. Read your contract carefully. Never sign anything that is not clear to you.

Payments

• Make sure your down payment is reasonable. California law allows contractors to charge a down payment of either $1,000 or 10% of the total cost, whichever is lower.
• Plan your payments. Make sure to pay according to the project’s progress. If you are not satisfied with the job, you can file a complaint to the CSLB. Your property may be in jeopardy if you do not pay the contractor what you agreed upon.
• Avoid paying in cash. If possible, pay with checks, money orders, or credit cards. Save all receipts and proofs of payment.
• Find out the date of your last payment. Do not sign a construction closeout if you are not satisfied with the quality of the job. Do not make the last payment until the project is completed.

• Contractors who knock on doors. Reputable contractors do not need to go door to door to offer their services.
• Contractors with leftover material. A contractor may suddenly knock on your door and offer you materials that were leftover from a recent project.
• Contractors who ask you to request all the construction permits. A good contractor has all necessary permits before he begins any project.
• Contractors who pressure you to decide. A professional contractor understands that you need time to make a decision.
• Contractors who ask for an advance payment and cash payments only. You should never pay for the project in advance under any circumstance.
• Contractors who pressure you to work with a particular loan officer. Try to consult a loan entity that offers you the best deal.

Where and how to make claims
CSLB (Contractor State Licence Board): 1-800-321-CSLB (2752)
www.cslb.ca.gov
P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826
Verifies, grants, and emits contractor licenses, receives claims and complaints, and produces informative guides such as “What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor” and “A Consumer Guide to Filing Construction Complaints.”

BBB (Better Business Bureau): (909) 835-6064
www.labbb.org
315 N. La Cadena Dr., Colton, CA 92324
Customer service: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Provides information about complaints against contractors and offers consumer information.

DCA (Department of Consumer Affairs): 1-800-973-3370
www.lacountydca.info
500 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Investigates claims filed against contractors, offers assistance to resolve litigations, and provides counseling about fraud and consumer issues.