Posted by Carmen Isais
Not all professionals are created equal. This is true of field, but when comes to renovation and remodeling, mistakes in hiring can be especially costly and even dangerous.
Case in point, one anonymous client called recently with plans to sell her remodeled 1950′s bungalow in Central Davis. “What’s my first step?” she asked. The answer of course being…. the almighty City of Davis Resale Inspection.
We agree to move forward. I go down to City Hall and book the appointment for my client. Days later I meet the city inspector out at home and wait for feedback. Here I find out that while the contractor kitchen remodel did pull the necessary permits, none were finalized. Moreover, upon further investigation we find out that several items are not up to code and the home will not pass the resale inspection without these items being addressed.
In this case, it is clear that the contractor is liable for his poor workmanship, but more than a year after the remodel, he is nowhere to be found.
“Was the contractor licensed?” I ask my client, who shrugs. Had he been, that would be one way of tracking him. But, alas, the said contractor was not licensed and to this day his disappearance is as mysterious as Amila Earheart’s. Perhaps they are both hanging out together somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle.
My trusting client, meanwhile, was stuck back in Reality with a fix-it bill of over $4,600.
Returning back to City Hall to finalize things I see this flyer from the California Contractor’s Board. Had my client followed the advice given she would have saved herself the frustration and monetary cost of having hired questionably.
Here then, as presented by the California Contractor’s Board, are:
Ten Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up.
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Hire only licensed contractors.
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Check the contractor’s license number at www.cslb.gov or (800) 321-2752.
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Get three references.
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Ge at least three bids.
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Get a written contract and don’t sign anything unless you understand it.
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Pay 10% down or $1000, whichever is less.
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Don’t let payments get ahead of work. Keep records of payments.
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Don’t make final payment until you are satisfied with the job.
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Don’t pay cash.
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Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.
And in relation to item number ten I might add that aside from keeping all relative permits and aperwork, I would make certain the contractor would be present for the final inspection of work.
If you are thinking about selling your home and preparing it for market, or if you have any questions about the City of Resale Inspection. Feel free to contact me via email or by phone at 530.601.1003.
