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Associations
Member, San Diego Better Business Bureau
The ABC's of Home Remodeling
Ask your friends and relatives about their experiences with remodeling and questions that they have had with choosing the right contractor.
Beware of contractors that advertise price. There is no way to 100% accurately estimate your project site unseen. A detailed on-site inspection is the only accurate way to truly estimate, an online quote is one way to get the ball rolling.
Call the Contractors State License Board at 916-255-4041 and The Better Business Bureau at 858-496-2131 to get valuable information about remodeling…before you remodel.
Do not choose a contractor only because they present the lowest price. If you are considering only the lowest bidder, beware! Quality of materials or workmanship shows. And as the years go by, it shows even more.
Everything must be in writing. It's your right, demand it! A complete set of project specifications that you can understand is vital.
Follow through. An important part of remodeling is the feeling of confidence with the people you will be working with.
Get references. Before you choose a contractor, call some of his customers that are presently under construction and clients whose work was completed within the past year. Ask lots of questions. You might even ask if you can visit their project.
Have patience. Do not be rushed into decisions. Take whatever time you need to feel completely comfortable with the contractor you choose.
Member, San Diego Better Business Bureau
Ashby Remodeling & Services has been a member of the San Diego Better Business Bureau since March 2009. The Better Business Bureau is an organization which recognizes and celebrates long-term value of ethical business practices and the efforts made by outstanding businesses to ensure that the marketplace remains fair and honorable. Our BBB membership states that with Ashby Remodeling & Services, our solid commitment is to conduct our business with practices in an ethical fashion.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Choosing a contractor is the most important decision you will make when planning a remodeling project. Here are some guidelines for selecting a reputable remodeling company:
1. In the State of California, persons doing work on your home must be licensed and in good standing with the California Contractors State License Board. You can review a company’s license status and past history by going to the Contractors License Board website at www.cslb.ca.gov. You should avoid hiring a contractor with a mark against his license.
2. Ask if the contractor is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Review the company’s performance and how any issues were resolved at www.sandiego.bbb.org. If there is a history of numerous issues, this may indicate how the company conducts business.
3. Ask for references that include past and current clients, particularly those with projects similar in scope and size to yours. Speak with current clients. Past work is important, but today’s work is what you will be experiencing.
4. Make sure the contractor is fully insured with liability insurance, which covers property damage, and workers’ compensation insurance, which covers personal injuries on the jobsite. Don’t risk hiring an uninsured contractor whose employee could be injured working on your home.
5. In the remodeling industry you get what you pay for. If you’ve been meeting with contractors and the prices you are being quoted vary significantly, beware! Business and building costs do not differ that much.
6. When meeting with different contractors, trust your instincts.
- Are they listening to your wants and needs?
- Do they follow through?
- Are they responsive to your calls and questions?
- Has the contractor completed projects like the one that you are planning?
- Which one can you work with for several months?
- Do you feel comfortable with the general contractor? Remember- You will be working closely with contractor and their crew for a couple of weeks to several months, depending on the scope of work.
The ABC's of Home Remodeling
Ask your friends and relatives about their experiences with remodeling and questions that they have had with choosing the right contractor.
Beware of contractors that advertise price. There is no way to 100% accurately estimate your project site unseen. A detailed on-site inspection is the only accurate way to truly estimate, an online quote is one way to get the ball rolling.
Call the Contractors State License Board at 916-255-4041 and The Better Business Bureau at 858-496-2131 to get valuable information about remodeling…before you remodel.
Do not choose a contractor only because they present the lowest price. If you are considering only the lowest bidder, beware! Quality of materials or workmanship shows. And as the years go by, it shows even more.
Everything must be in writing. It's your right, demand it! A complete set of project specifications that you can understand is vital.
Follow through. An important part of remodeling is the feeling of confidence with the people you will be working with.
Get references. Before you choose a contractor, call some of his customers that are presently under construction and clients whose work was completed within the past year. Ask lots of questions. You might even ask if you can visit their project.
Have patience. Do not be rushed into decisions. Take whatever time you need to feel completely comfortable with the contractor you choose.
