Home Repair Estimate San Francisco

Home Repair Estimate Selection Advice

How to evaluate home repair estimates and select an Home Repair Contractor?

Planning Your Home Improvement Project

Home improvement projects can be fun and rewarding but they can also be a home owners worst nightmare. Planning and management of the process (especially getting good estimates) can make all the difference. In the next couple articles, we are going to give you tips on planning your project, selecting a contractor, and managing your home improvement project from beginning to end. You will learn about plumbing contractors, residential contractors, painting contractors, roof contractors, heating contractors, and more.
When to Hire a Contractor vs. Tackling the Project Yourself

The factors of time, estimate, motivation, and your general skill and comfort in completing the planned project should be considered before deciding to tackle a home improvement project on your own or hiring a professional. Painting contractors hired to change a color scheme or residential contractors hired to replace kitchen cabinets and counters can save a lot of time but can be an expensive alternative to doing the work yourself. Heating contractors, electrical contractors, or plumbing contractors on the other hand are a good bet for projects where training is necessary and safety is a serious concern.
Why You Should Hire a Licensed Contractor

California law requires any contractor charging more that $500 for a home improvement job to be licensed. So whenever your work estimate exceeds $500, do make sure the contractor is licensed. A license in good-standing indicates the contractor is fully insured (property damage, liability, and workers comp), bonded, and has completed any necessary training requirements (i.e. plumbing contractor, heating contractor, electrical contractor). Hiring contractors who are insured and bonded will protect you if they cause any damage to your home during the job. It will also protect you if any workers get hurt on the job. A contractors license and standing can be verified on the California Contractors State License Board website at http://www.cslb.ca.gov.
What to Consider When Hiring a Licensed Contractor

Hiring a contractor is a very important decision and shouldnt be taken lightly. Make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. Solicit and compare at least three different estimates which should be as detailed as your plans. For example, if hiring a residential contractor for a project that includes a room addition and new kitchen cabinets and counters, make sure the estimate includes your room specifications and itemizes the brand and cost of your new kitchen hardware. Trust your instincts and look for an experienced contractor you can communicate clearly with whom will guarantee his/her work in writing, and can provide at least 5 professional references.
How to Manage the Contractor

The work has only just begun once you have selected a contractor for your home improvement project. Whether you are hiring a painting contractor to paint a room or a residential contractor to build one, proper management of the project from the very beginning will ensure the highest quality results. Spend time hammering out a thorough and carefully worded contract. All of your agreements, changes, and amendments should be in writing and you should understand all contracts clearly before signing. Know your rights--California law allows a three-day cancellation period after signing a contract with a licensed contractor. Finally, keep a complete file with all documents pertinent to the project from the beginning to the end.