It's hard to imagine the approach of Spring, when you're currently shoveling a foot or more of snow off your driveway or stacking another row of sandbags against the base of the hillside in your backyard. Yet, Spring will be here and soon. Ah, Spring, blooming flowers, green leaves on trees, warmer days and nights and that yearly ritual of cleaning. Not just any regular cleaning...the big one: Spring Cleaning!
For many, Spring Cleaning may entail some minor and major repairs of damages caused by Winter's hold: broken pipes, flooded basements, leaking roofs and more. That being the case, I thought it might be helpful to go over a few tips that our State's Contractor License Board compiled for consumers needing the services of a contractor.
1. Hire only licensed contractors.
2. Check a contractors' license number. (Easily done online in many states or by phone in those not online.)
3. Get three references, review past work.
4. Get at least three bids.
5. Get a written contract and DO NOT sign anything until you completely understand the terms.
6. Never pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.
7. Don't let your payments get ahead of the contractor's work. Keep records of all payments.
8. Don't make a final payment until you're satisfied with the job.
9. Don't pay cash!
10. Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.
These 10 tips are from the California State License Board. Your state may have other suggestions, so be sure to check with them.
