.: Tradesmen Handymen :.

By Knowing

all the facts & which questions to ask

before you sign on the dotted line

greatly improves your chances of

finding the right person

with the right skills

to do the right job

at the right price...

1.	The Facts: Under California law anyone who puts in bids on work valued at $500 or more must be licensed and bonded by the State. The licensed contractor must supply workers compensation if they employ or otherwise engage others to work on your job. California's 280,000 licensed contractors should also obtain any/all permits as necessary.
2 .	Prepare: An itemized written description of ALL WORK you want carried out Detail: Who is to supply Built ins, Fittings Materials, Hard Goods, Soft Goods (as applicable) Include: Quality of finishes Benchmark dates for specific tasks Start/Completion dates Days/Hours of work Security and Safety
3 .	Print out Local database (as shown on screen) to assist with your establishment of a SHORTLIST consisting of THREE CONTRACTORS/SERVICE SUPPLIERS who are to be asked; Firstly, to quote exactly as per your detailed list of works Secondly, to then re-quote incorporating any recommendations that they feel will make the job better.
4 .	Ask Family, friends and work colleagues what they know of your selected three (or others on list) request their personal comments/observations/recommendations
5 .	Check That your preferred contractor/tradepersons is/are licensed, bonded & reputable Call the State Contractor Licence Agency at 1-800 321 - CSLB or check via their Website www.cslb.ca.gov to ensure that all licences are current and that nothing has lapsed or been rescinded.
6.	Written Estimates Don't rely on verbal estimates.
7.	References & Referee's Demand that the contractor/tradesperson provide references & referee's as a requirement for their quote to be considered Speak with the referees
8.	Check If contractor offers an extended warranty is fully insured for any/all property damage and personal liability in the event of accident and/or injury
9.	Avoid Cash Only Deals Unless YOU can get ABSOLUTE PROOF of YOUR PAYMENT(S)
10.	*Minimize Deposits* 10-25% of contact value up to $1,000 is the maximum deposit you should pay upfront Get receipts for All payments Balance of payment only after completion, inspection, rectification and your total job satisfaction.
11.	The Big Decision Don't be pushed into making the “Who gets the Job” decision until you're completely happy with and fully understand all details/arrangements Remember ... it's your decision alone who gets the job
12.	*Have contractor sign* Have the contractor(s) sign your copy of agreed “Bill of Works”
	When it is not economically feasible to have someone come out and provide a written quote for work (i.e.: work that is estimated to be less than half a day) the person supplying the required service(s) should provide a fixed hourly rate so that you have a better sense of how much the full job will cost Hourly rates do not include materials tradesmenhandymen.com recommends that all jobs in excess of four hours be subject to a written estimate prior to job commencement tradesmenhandymen.com strongly recommends that a one year labor only guarantee be a condition of contract from the prime contractor. In the event that sub-contractors are used without a prime contractor then individual guarantees need to be sought from each particular trade & service as supplied. A one year labor guarantee from the prime contractor(s) will avail three benfits. 1. It will improve the quality of the work done 2. It will help your project to run smoothly as everybody needs to "get it right" the first time 3. It will greatly reduced any levels of apprehension, worry or stress that a project of a type that one is unfamilar with brings