Questions to ask a Contractor

  1. Are they a Licensed and Bonded Contractor with the State of California? Check them out at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/                  
  2. Do they have worker compensation and liability insurance? Ask for a certificate and call to verify. California Contractors State Licence Board requires every contractor to disclose whether or not they carry liability insurance.
  3. How are their records with the Department of Consumers Affairs? We recommend you call (916) 255-3900 or 1-800-321-2752 and check.
  4. Are they a member in good standing with the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau? Please call 443-6843 to see any complaints have been filed against them.
  5. Do they "spell out" in detail the conditions of the contract and the materials to be used and work to be done? Understand all the details by asking questions.
  6. Do they acquire a "Building Permit"? By doing so it relieves the homeowner of a very weighty responsibility. The California Law requires that one be obtained for all construction projects except minor repairs.
  7. Do they guarantee your home against rain damage during the process of the roof removal operation?
  8. Be sure to compare workmanship and material warranty. There is a difference between the two.
  9. Are they asking for "up-front" money? California state law states a contractor can accept 10 % of the contract price up too $1,000. In some case if a contractor has filed a Blanket Performance And Payment Bond with the State of California, Contractor State License Board, the contractor may ask for a minimum of 25 % of the contract amount.
  10. Do they have a client list. Call or go buy and look at their most recent jobs installed.

Effective Jan. 1, 2005 Pursuant of California Business & Professional Code §7159.3(SB2029), a home improvement contractor must provide notice and disclosure whether or not they carry commercial general liability insurance.

Learn some roofing terms