How To Hire a Contractor – Important things you should know

Hiring a contractor can be the part of home building and or remodeling that causes more apprehension and worry than many things we face in life.

How can you be assured you have a good contractor, someone you can trust to do a good quality job for a fair price and one that stands behind his or her work?

Regrettably, there are no guarantees. However if you do your research, you will improve the odds of getting a contractor you will be happy with.

• Interview several qualified licensed contractors/re-modelers and get written bids.

• Check Out The Contractor and make sure that he or she is licensed and boded.

• Ask for references and check them out. If possible, view the work, interview the homeowner and visit a site with work in progress.

With Betlan Construction, you can rest assured that you are ALWAYS getting a quality construction builder you will always have your best interest in mind first and foremost.

Guide to Hiring a Contractor for Homeowners

1. Plan Out Your Construction Project before contacting any contractors so that you know exactly what you want done and can clearly explain it to all contractors coming to give you an estimate on your job. You will be less likely to be misunderstood or misunderstand instructions along the way.
2. Interview several qualified licensed contractors/re-modelers and get written bids. Read carefully all parts of the bids, including the scope of work, warranties, references, time frames and price.
3. Check Out The Contractor and make sure that he or she is licensed and boded. You can go to the Contractors State License Board to check out a license. Call up all the references and maybe even go and check out the work on their projects.
4. Check Out The Contractor using other resources such as the Better Business Bureau.
5. Ask for references and check them out!! Speak to as many references as you can. If possible, view the work, interview the homeowner and visit a site with work in progress.
6. Get a Disclosure Statement. Make sure you receive the Notice to Customer (disclosure statement) before work begins.
7. Check for warning signs of a SCAM!!

• Provides a credential or reference that can't be verified.
• Offers a special price only if you sign today, or uses other high-pressure sales techniques.
• Only accepts cash, require large deposits or the entire costs up front, or asks you to make the payment in their name.
• Does not provide a written contract or complete bid.
• Asks you to get the building permit. In most instances, if you have hired a contractor, the contractor is required to take out the permits. Permits are your protection and help ensure that work will meet local building codes.
• Offers exceptionally long warranties.
• Wants to do most or all the work on weekends and after hours.
• Gives you an offer that sounds "too good to be true."

Stop by and check out Betlan Construction for all your construction needs.

How to fix a faucet leak

A plumbing leak cost you money in the form of a water bill or when you call a contractor.

To fix the leak in a plumbing fixture

• Turn the water off
• Take the handle off the faucet
• Next remove the nut
• Now remove the center

Most leaks are caused by a crack in the rubber washer at the bottom.  You can pick up the washers at any hardware store.

Fill free to email me at brian@betlanconstruction.com

GeoPage: Betlan Construction in PIONEER, CA

GeoPage: Betlan Construction in PIONEER, CA

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CONTRACTS – THE GROUND RULES

There are several basic elements that all Home Improvement Contracts must legally contain:

• A home improvement contract and any changes to the contract must be in writing and signed by all parties. The writing must be legible and printed forms must be readable.

• Before any work is started, the contractor must give the buyer a copy of the contract signed and dated by both the contractor and the buyer.

• Unless a larger typeface is specified in the law (Business and Professions Code 7159), text in any printed form shall be in at least 10-point typeface and the headings shall be in at least 10-point boldface type. (Example of 10-point bold)
  
  
• Except for a down payment, a contractor can’t demand or accept payment for work or materials until the work is actually done or the materials are delivered. The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract amount, whichever is less

• If the contract includes a salesperson's commission in the contract price, the payment to the salesperson shall be made on a pro rata basis in proportion to the schedule of payments made to the contractor

• The contract must also contain the name and registration number of the salesperson

Sample Contract:

Contractors State License Board Warns Californians:

Contractors State License Board Warns Californians:
Don’t Get Burned When Going Solar

Hot tips protect consumers from solar energy scammers

SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is alerting California homeowners about the need to select a licensed and qualified contractor before signing a contract for a solar energy project. Consumers who want to “go green” and take advantage of state and federal rebates and tax credits could be preyed upon by unlicensed, unscrupulous, or unaware contractors.

Unlicensed contractors in several parts of California have been convicted or are being investigated on suspicion of taking thousands of dollars from consumers for solar energy systems that were incorrectly installed – or not installed at all. Consumers may not qualify for government incentives if contractors fail to enter into solar energy contracts correctly.

CSLB urges consumers to consider the following tips before selecting a contractor for their home’s solar power installation:

• Always check for the contractor’s CSLB license. The state and federal government will not grant rebates or credits for a solar system installed by an unlicensed contractor. Ask the contractor to show you his or her pocket license and a photo identification to make sure it is the same person. Compare this to the license information at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ to make sure this individual is a legitimate member of the business indicated on the license.
• Check the registration of sales representatives who solicit a contract on behalf of a contractor. A sales representative must be a Registered Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) with CSLB. Ask to see the HIS registration card and ID, then check it on the CSLB website to make sure that individual is actually an employee of the licensed contractor before you sign a contract.
• Check your contractor’s license classification on the CSLB website. Your utility company may require that a solar system be installed by a contractor with a specific classification.
• Don’t pay more than $1,000 as a down payment or 10%, whichever is less, for any contract. There is an exception for about two dozen contractors with special, consumer protection bonds that are noted on CSLB’s website.
• Don’t be pressured into signing a contract by intimidation tactics, such as losing out on government incentives for not acting quickly. This might be a hint that the contractor does not have your best interests in mind.

"Take a few minutes to research contractors by using the “Instant License Check” and other helpful tools on CSLB’s website," said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. "Legitimate, licensed contractors want customers to be comfortable and confident with the contracts they are signing. And licensees are more likely to do all that is required in order to receive available state and federal incentives for alternative energy."

More information about hiring contractors is available on the CSLB website or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752).

The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. CSLB licenses and regulates more than 300,000 California contractors, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States. In fiscal year 2008-09, CSLB investigated more than 20,000 complaints and helped recover nearly $36 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

 

CSLB Press Release - 05/10/10

From time to time, we at Betlan Construction will add information on our blog for you the consumer from The Contractors State License Board.

Betlan Construction

Betlan Construction

CA Licensed & Insured

As a General Contractor with over 29 years experience serving most Northern California Counties, we live in Amador County and specialize in executive residential, residential, remodels, additions and design build construction. No job is too big or too small for Betlan Construction as we can do it all.

Betlan Construction is a family owned business that prides itself as a "Quality Builder". First and foremost, we are Builders! Our experience, attention to detail, quality and commitment to client satisfaction are the cornerstones to our success and our future. We have built our business on these principals and it is this philosophy that sets us apart from all others.

Our motto is You Can Bet on Betlan!

Stop by and read our Blog   How To Section   Specials & Discounts Section

Checklist for Prescreening Contractors

Click Here to get your copy

Dryrot

Dry rot refers to the decay of timber in buildings and other wooden structures caused by certain fungi that show no symptoms until a sudden, catastrophic failure, much as dry rot of wood in homes caused catastrophic failure.

Most common are the failure of floors, walls, headers & rafters.

If you think your home has any dry rot or water damage you can email me at brian@betlanconstruction.com

10 Tips - MAKE SURE YOUR CONTRACTOR MEASURES UP

1. Hire only state-licensed contractors.

2. Check a contractor’s license number online at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

3. Get at least three bids.

4. Get three references from each bidder and review past work in person.

5. Make sure all project expectations are in writing and only sign the contract if you completely understand the terms.

6. Confirm that the contractor has workers’ compensation insurance for employees.

7. Never pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. Don’t pay in cash.

8. Don’t let payments get ahead of the work.

9. Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project, including all payments.

10. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the job.

Breach of Contract By the Contractor 5.01[A]

5.01 Contractor's Performance
The performance of the contractor is measured by two criteria:

1. Whether the contractor performed the work according to the plans and specifications, and
2. Whether the contractor completed the work within the time specified in the contract plus any extensions of time authorized by change orders

Anatomy of a Contract

1. A contract should contain everything agreed upon by the consumer and contractor.
2. It should detail the work, price, when payments are made, who gets the necessary permits, and when the job will be finished.
3. It should also identify the contractor, give their address and contractor license number.
4. A good contract also has warnings and notices about the right to cancel, mechanic’s liens, and permissible delays.

Don’t sign anything until you understand the contract and agree to the terms.

What is a contract

A contract is a legal agreement between two or more people. A written agreement is one of the most important communication tools for both the contractor and consumer. It insures there are no misunderstandings about what a job will include. A thorough contract tells how the work will be done, when it will be done, what materials will be used and how much it will cost.

In California, there must be a written contract for all home improvement projects over $500. By law, that contract must include specific information about your rights and responsibilities. This Contractors State License Board (CSLB) brochure outlines the information for you.

A home improvement contract and any changes made to that contract must be in writing, be legible, be easy to understand, and inform the consumer of their rights to cancel or rescind the contract. If you are promised something orally make sure that it is included in writing.

Disagreements over home improvement projects can cost time and money. Besides producing bad feelings, they can also lead to lawsuits or other legal action. A well-written contract prevents that.

Our Services

New Construction: We specialize in Executive and Custom Residential new Construction. Through years of proven experience along with a list of satisfied customers, our firm is unequally qualified to turn your dream home into a reality.

Remodels: Are you considering remodeling? Look at our portfolio of kitchen and bathroom remodels. Betlan Construction is ready to assist you in your next remodel project.

Additions: As your family grows, so does your need for space. Betlan Construction can help. We specialize in constructing additional bedrooms, family rooms, sun rooms, carports, garages etc.

Repairs: While we are a full service General Contracting firm, we are always available to assist you with home repairs. From faulty electric to leaking plumbing, no job is too small.


Support: Feel free to contactBetlan Construction should you have anyconstruction related question. Our passion for construction and our commitment to give back to our community means that we are always available to assist anyone in need. Feel free to contact us should you have questions.

Services: Design Build Simply put, this delivery method protects a client from additional cost, over runs and change orders, compared to the typical low-bid way of doing business.Design build also protects you from the additional cost associated with schedule delays, subcontractor coordination issues, labor shortages, material escalation costs and a multitude of issues that always lead to change orders and increased cost.

Betlan Construction Speciality Services

» Custom Homes	» Garage & Carport	» Painting
» Redesign Services	» Plumbing	» Tile Flooring
» Additions	» Roofing and Gutters	» Tile Showers
» Crown Moldings	» Siding	» Shower Doors
» Case Windows	» Patios	» Skylights
» Doors and Windows	» Walkways	» Dry Rot
» Drywall	» Cabinets	»
» Kitchen Remodels	» Electrical Work	»
» Bathroom Remodels	» Countertops	»
» Concrete	» Demolition and Disposal	»
» Foundations	» Framing	»
» Decks	» Inspection Services	»
» Driveways	» Major Renovation & Restoration	»