HOW TO HIRE A CONTRACTOR

The Santa Barbara Contractors Association recommends that homeowners take the following 10 actions before hiring a contractor:

  1. Ask for a copy of the contractor’s license. All licensed contractors should have a pocket license and an additional form of identification. Verify that the name on the pocket license is the same as the contractor's name or the name of the business for which the contractor works. Write down the contractor’s six-digit license number and keep it handy.

  2. Call the Contractors State License Board at 1(800) 321-CSLB to verify that the license is valid and that the contractor is licensed for the type of work your project requires. You can also go on-line to this link and do a license status check easily. The CSLB web-site can also be used to search by company name or the name of the owner. It will provide you with information on when the license was issued, the date it expires, the type of license, complaints on the license and information on worker’s compensation and bonding insurance. If the work you are considering is valued at $500 or more (in total labor and material,) a valid California Contractor's License is required for the license category in which the contractor is going to be working. If you contract with someone who does not have a license, the Contractors Board may not be able to assist you with a complaint.

  3. Ask for the contractor's business address and business telephone number and verify that they are legitimate. If a problem arises later, you will know where to find the contractor.

  4. Get proof of the contractor's workers' compensation and liability insurance coverage. Ask for the name and telephone number of the insurance agency and carrier and call to verify that the contractor has insurance. Ask the carrier to send you a certificate of insurance. Contractors with employees are required by law to carry worker's compensation insurance. If a worker is injured while working on your property and the contractor does not have insurance, you could be held liable.

  5. Ask for references. Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least three recent clients. Check those references before you sign a contract.

  6. Check to see if the contractor is a member of the Santa Barbara Contractors Association or another construction association. It is not a requirement for licensed contractors to belong to an association, but many associations screen their members and have made credit and license checks on incoming members. Membership in the Santa Barbara Contractors Association requires a contractor to subscribe to a code of ethics. The number for the SBCA is (805) 884-1100 and our website is www.sbcontractors.org. We will refer members who are licensed contractors on an emergency basis or send you a copy of our membership directory. The Santa Barbara Contractors Association checks all new members by doing the following checks: License Status, reference checks (business and credit), research at the County Courthouse for Small Claims, Civil and Superior Court claims against the contractor, signed Ethics Statement and SBCA Board review.

  7. Know your rights. Your down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price for residential work, whichever is less – unless the contractor provides a bond, approved bond equivalent, or approved joint control ensuring completion of your contract.

  8. Request a copy of "What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor", a publication available from the CSLB to help you make informed decisions when dealing with contractors. You can order a copy by downloading an order form on the Internet at the CSLB web site.

  9. Require a written contract and don’t sign it until you fully understand the terms.

  10. Stay on top of change orders to the original contract. If you and your contractor agree to added work or a substitution of materials after the contract has been changed, make sure the changes are reflected in a written change order.

These steps will take a few extra minutes of your time and could save you lots of headaches down the road. No ethical contractor should be offended if you request this information. If a contractor is not willing to provide this information prior to your signing the contract, do not sign and find another contractor who is willing.

For more information contact us!