Growing up I was taught ” you get what you pay for”. Today that seems to have digressed to “just get it cheaper”. I know that we all want to get the best deal. We don’t want to spend more than we must. However, prudent spending should result in getting something of value and worth, that will last. In todays financial climate we must strive to use our resources wisely. Contractors have a vast arsenal of sales tactics and ploys to get you to buy what they want to sell. Forget honesty. Just make the sale. You spend good money now, only to do it all over again later. Therefore I’ve dedicated this synopsis to aide homeowners in choosing qualified and reputable contractors to execute their work. I hope that my forty years experience and expertise will prove beneficial.
First of all, I took the time to visit some of my completed projects from ten years and even twenty years ago. I have always been an advocate for using the best construction methodology and top quality materials. I was curious to see how my projects had held up. I guess I wanted to verify for myself, that “quality always lasts”. I am happy to report that my projects exhibited no derogatory symptoms. There was only the standard and expected wear and tear after so many years. I viewed some competitors projects in the same neighborhoods for comparison . Masonry walls, entertainment structures and concrete flooring had cracked, moved and deteriorated to the point of needing total replacement. Some of these projects were less than two years old. Lighting and irrigation systems were broken and not working. Dead gardens and more broken masonry from uncontrolled root systems. This just proved my point and made solid my convictions towards quality work.
I always remember something my grandfather told me. It was a logo for his own masonry business. “The fragrance of a low estimate is soon overcome by the stink of poor quality”. Contractors have forgotten this very important ideal. If you compromise the quality of your work, in order to save money, replacing that work “will be” in your future. Wouldn’t it be more intelligent to do the work correctly the first time? I think that many home owners are promised one thing, only to be delivered something completely different. Homeowners should not have to police the validity of what contractors tell them. After all, aren’t customers doing us a big favor by hiring us to begin with? We owe them our best efforts and nothing less.
Finally comes the most important aspect of credentials. There are so many illegal workers and non licensed companies offering services in todays market. It makes it very difficult for honest and reputable contractors to coexist. The California State Contractors License Board has set up rules and regulations which all contractors must follow. Since they are a division of Consumer Affairs, those regulations are specifically dedicated to protect the interests of the consumer. Besides, its really not difficult to get a license. You only need four years of study or experience to qualify. So why don’t all qualified individuals get their licenses and not just some? The number series on each license indicates the contractors amount of experience, based on the license issuance date. A 400,000 series license indicates that the license was issued in the 1980’s with roughly 30 years experience under their belt. Whereas, a contractor with a 900,000 series license shows only a few years. A contractors experience in their trade runs hand in hand with the know how they acquire through those years. The next mandate is to provide Workman’s Compensation Insurance. This protects the homeowner and all workers in case of injury. Licensed contractors must also carry a license bond. This protects both homeowners and suppliers. General Liability Insurance is another standard form of protection given to home owners for their construction projects. Working without this coverage opens up a world of risks and liabilities. Ask your contractor for a proof of policy . All reputable contractors carry these protections/insurances as a standard of doing business, even though it being very expensive to maintain coverage. Many of the illegally integrated companies do not and can not provide these insurances, bonds, licenses and protections to the homeowner. They are not able to provide the required coverage needed due to their illegal working or non licensee status. This is the primary reason they offer such drastic discounts in their estimates to home owners. The homeowner takes on all the risk. He receives the sub standard work and the illegal contractor runs off with all the profits. I have found that companies who don’t provide insurance coverage for their own workers generally employ “slip shod” building practices as well. Is that the kind of contractor you really want to consider?
Take the time to interview contractors and designers. Check credentials and reputation for yourselves. Excellent contractors are available to you. Don’t be impulsive but take your time. Choosing a qualified licensed contractor or designer with an excellent track record can only enhance your experience.
Christopher Winkler
Consumer Advocate
Orange County, California