Harrell Remodeling, Inc., is a licensed General Contractor in the state of California (License #B479799). To ensure that your project proceeds smoothly, we suggest homeowners ask the following questions of a contractor before signing a home construction/remodeling contract.
	Is the contractor licensed in the state of California? (get license number; call the Contractors State License Board (916) 365-5153 to check).
	Is the contractor insured for Workers Compensation and general liability? Are the subcontractors insured? Ask for certificate of insurance.
	Does the contractor have a business permit to work in your city?
	Will the contractor provide complete written contract specifications; a contract with start and stop dates, 3-day Right of Rescission, accurate working drawings, and hourly rates if the work is to be done on a time and materials basis?
	Does the contractor provide a warranty on their work? How promptly do they respond to warranty calls?
	Does the contractor have a written change order policy for variations in the scope of work defined in the contract?
	Will the contractor provide client references? Supplier references?
	Will the contractor clean up the job site on a daily basis?
	Is there someone in the contractor’s office to take calls? Do the key people have pagers? Do they return client phone calls within 24 hours? Do they have a policy forbidding loud radio playing, smoking, drinking, and drugs on the job?
	Will they obtain the necessary permits for your project?
	Is the contractor aware of Title 24 regulations and how they apply in your town?

GETTING READY TO REMODEL YOUR HOME
by Nancy A. Chillag, Attorney at Law

Remember these basic tips . . .

• Have a written agreement with your contractor which specifies when construction will start and end, and the price to be paid.

• Verify that the contractor is licensed and has general liability and Worker’s Compensation insurance.

• Never pay more than an amount equal to the percentage of work completed.

• Obtain lien releases from subcontractors and suppliers.

• Refrain from making changes during construction. It will significantly increase the cost of construction. If you do make changes, put them in writing.

• If you accept the lowest bid, do not expect the quality of work that would have been obtained under a higher bid. And do not expect perfection . . . it does not exist and you are only entitled to reasonable industry standards.