How Do You Find the Right Licensed Contractor?

When looking for a contractor, here are some tips straight from the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board:

1. Make sure the contractor is licensed. You can check the status by checking online at (www.cslb.ca.gov) or by calling 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
2. A responsible and informed consumer can work more effectively with reputable contractors, and can avoid being victimized by unlicensed operators.
3. Get at least 3 written bids on your project and make sure you’re comparing bids based on identical plans, specifications, and scope of work.  Do not automatically accept the lowest bid. In fact, you should be aware of any bid that is substantially lower than the others. It probably indicates that the contractor made a mistake or is not including all the work quoted by his competitors. You may be headed for a dispute with your contractor if you accept an abnormally low bid. It is also possible that this contractor will cut corners or do substandard work in order to make a profit on the job.
4. An unlicensed operator may give you a low bid, but the risks of possible financial and legal consequences you may face outweigh any benefits a lower bid may seem to offer.
5. Ask for personal recommendations: if your friends and family have had similar jobs completed and were satisfied with the results, chances are you will be, too. 
6. Verify the contractor’s business location and telephone number. A contractor who operates out of the back of a pick-up truck with a cellular phone may be difficult to find to complete a job or fix something that has gone wrong after the last bill is paid. 
7. Verify the contractor’s Worker’s Compensation and Commercial Liability insurance coverage. 

Hopefully these tips will come in handy when you are looking for the right licensed contractor for your next project.