It’s true, every company has to start somewhere, but you don’t want to be a new contractor’s guinea pig. Choose a company that has been around for a few years and completed many successful projects similar to the one you have in mind. Check out the contractor’s work history to assess their ability to keep promises and satisfy customers. When in doubt, ask for references.
Licensed
Never settle for less than a licensed, qualified contractor.
To receive a California State License Board Contractor’s License, a company must prove it has insurance, is capable of delivering on its promises, and is financially secure. In essence, being licensed gives a contractor credibility. Without it, you could suffer from substandard labor, inexperienced technicians and worker’s compensation liabilities. All these components serve as proof that contractors are ready to meet your home’s challenges.
It’s easy to check a contractor’s license status. Simply ask for the license number and run a check on the California State License Board website. The results disclose bonding information, worker’s compensation coverage and more.
Reputable and Recommended
One of the best ways to tell if a company is reputable is to check the Better Business Bureau. This third party organization approves and grades companies based on how many complaints have been filed, how long the contractor has been in business and several other factors. The BBB recommends that you get at least three bids, so that you can make a fair comparison on cost and quality.
Angi is another good place to look. There, you can read reviews from real customers and see how the company ranks in terms of professionalism, quality, price and other characteristics.
You can also read reviews on Yelp. Learn what projects the contractor has completed for specific clients and their level of satisfaction.
Competitively Priced
When it comes time to compare prices between contractors, realize that the cheapest company is not necessarily the best choice. In the home remodeling industry, you really get what you pay for. Be wary of bids that come in significantly lower than other competitors. A low-ball price is often the result of inferior materials and inexperienced labor.
Ask friends and relatives for recommendations on contractors who worked well with them. Before you start making phone calls, be sure to create a detailed description of your plans. Ask for an in-home estimate, if possible. Talk to the contractors about all the details included in the estimate, and what happens if the estimate comes far under the actual cost of the job. Remember that the contractor who severely underbids the competition may skimp on quality or may not have covered all the details, so be careful not to make your decision entirely based on money.
You know you can trust Approved Contractor, Inc. because of our impeccable reputation. We have the experience to perform window replacement and texture coating applications to your complete satisfaction. We even provide a lifetime warranty on labor and materials for window installations! Best of all, our competitive prices help you achieve your dream home for less.
For more advice or to begin the process, please request a free estimate today!
