ARTICLES & TIPS

HOW TO CHOOSE A CONTRACTOR

Always hire a licensed contractor

The California State Licensing Board (CSLB) regulates the construction industry, providing the first and simplest criteria for determining eligibility of a contractor for your project. Consumers can contact CSLB, or visit the organization's website, and find out whether a contractor is currently licensed in good standing or if customers have filed complaints.

Anyone performing construction work in California on jobs that total $500 dollars or more in labor and materials must be licensed by CSLB.
Always check with CSLB to verify a contractor's license and information, and determine whether any complaints have been filed before you make a hiring decision.
Licensed contractors must demonstrate at least 4 years of experience/education in their licensed trade, be fingerprinted, have a FBI background check and be bonded.
Always insist on at least three recent customers available to call for references. Call the references prepared with a set of questions you've developed ahead of time. Was the contractor professional? How was the quality of his work and materials? Were project milestones clearly defined, and completed on time? Was he attentive to your questions, suggestions and requests? Did he clean up and take away debris and leave the job site in orderly condition each day?

Learn more at www.cslb.org

HOW TO WRITE AN AIR-TIGHT CONTRACT

Never hire a contractor without a written legal agreement or contract. Never sign a contract until you feel it is complete and you understand and agree with all of its terms. A proper contract helps you avoid misunderstandings about work to be performed by providing details about how and when the work will be done, the materials that will be used, and how much it will cost. A home improvement contract should always include information regarding the consumer's right to cancel or rescind the contract.

Specifically what products will be used (describing size, color, quantity, manufacturer model number, etc.)
The contract should detail who will perform the work, the milestones and completion dates, and confirmation of who will pull and pay for any required permits.
What is the agreed upon payment schedule. Note that a down payment should not exceed $1,000, or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less, for a home improvement job.
Changes in scope of work or materials should be documented in advance with a written Change Order, signed by consumer and contractor, and created as an addendum to the contract in place.
Comprehensive instructions should include things like haul-away of debris, and special requests like using environmentally friendly materials.
The contractor must provide complete address, contact information and contractor license number, confirmation of bonding and insurance.
Obtain written contractor and manufacturer warranties for labor and materials.

A primer on home inspections

If you are a home buyer or seller, getting ready for a remodel, or you just want to be more knowledgeable about your home's overall condition, inspections are an increasingly critical part of the process. HOMEX includes certain inspection services as part of its scheduled visits under the Home Maintenance Service Plan. For inspections beyond the scope of our services we can also refer you to specialized home inspection services in your area. Trade organizations such as American Society of Home Inspectors, and California Real Estate Inspection Association are also a good information resource for homeowners.

Inspection companies generally follow a professional code of ethics that prohibits them from doing any repair or construction work on a home within 12 months of having done an inspection on that property.

TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW

CSLB

A-Licensed General Engineering Contractor

The principal contracting business is in connection with fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill, including areas such as: irrigation, drainage, roads, sewers, pipelines, land leveling and earthmoving projects, excavating, grading, trenching, paving and surfacing work, and cement and concrete works in connection with the above mentioned fixed works.

B-Licensed General Building Contractor

The principal contracting business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts, or to do or superintend the whole or any part thereof.

Journeyman

A person who has completed an apprenticeship program or is an experienced or board-certified worker, not a trainee, and is fully qualified and able to perform a specific trade without supervision. (e.g. in the U.S., electricians typically hold a state license as a master or journeyman).

GFI or GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

GFI devices are an important device to prevent shock or electrocution through their capability to detect a ground fault that interrupts electrical current. GFI receptacles and breakers can protect multiple receptacles or fixtures – so homeowners don't always know where in the home electrical system a tripped circuit may have been caused.

Request a Quote

It only takes a minute to register, answer a few basic questions about your home, and HOMEX will provide you with a no-cost, no-obligation quote for maintenance services within 24 hours.

Refer a Friend

We value your business, and we take personal referrals very seriously. If you refer a friend, neighbor, business colleague or relative and they choose HOMEX maintenance services, we will provide you with a $50 Visa^® gift card, and we'll provide them with the same quality of service that led you to refer us.

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