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10 Tips for Hiring
a Contractor
Hiring a
contractor to install a PV system on your home or business is a
major decision. The following tips will help you find the best contractor
for your installation.
1. Hire only
licensed contractors
Check any California based contractor's license number by visiting
www.cslb.ca.gov.
We cater to
all 50 states. If outside California, please contact your local
state licensing board for more information. Most states are the
same or similar to the California
State Contractor License Board.
2. Hire insured
contractors
Always insist upon a certificate of insurance for general liability
insurance. Uninsured workers who are injured on the job can file
damage claims against the homeowner.
3. Verify
Workers' Compensation Insurance
California requires this form of insurance for any employer with
one or more employees. If your contractor is exempt from the workers'
compensation requirement, it means any workers on the job must belong
to another subcontractor who is insured.
4. Get references
Always get at least three references from previous customers of
the contractor, and review past work.
5. Get multiple
bids
Get three (3) bids and use a written plan, so you can compare apples
to apples.
 6.
Get a thorough written contract before any work begins
Any work valued at over $500 requires a contract. In the contract,
be sure to specify the start and completion dates of the job, and
insist on a progressive payment schedule that is spelled out in
dollars and cents. If you're going to spend thousands of dollars,
consider investing another $200 to have an attorney review your
contract for your protection.
7. Never
sign a contract under pressure
Insist on at least 48 hours to study any contract.
8. Pay as
you go
To start a job, never pay more than 10% down or $1,000--whichever
is less. Hold back 10% for the final payment after the entire job
is complete. Never pay for work before it is done.
9. Never
pay cash
Pay by check or credit card.
10. Keep
a job file
Put receipts, permits, plans and anything else pertaining to your
job in a file.
Source: California
Contractors State Licensing Board
Call
us toll-free (877) 297-0014
for expert assistance.
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