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 county of operation? (get license number; call the Dept of Consumer Affairs

Is the contractor insured for Workers Compensation and general liability? Are the subcontractors insured? Ask for certificate of insurance.

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 "cost-plus" 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?