10 Ways To Make Sure You Get Great Contractor

The State of California offers great advice for hiring a great general contractor. These rules generally apply to cabinet installers as well. The biggest risk one takes when dealing with an unlicensed contractor is whether or not that person will be reliable and accountable. On the other side a license does not guarantee competence. And sometimes having experience is much better than having a professional designation. Would you rather a new college graduate deliver your child or a midwife with 100 successful deliveries.

	Hire only licensed contractors.
	Check the contractor's license number by calling 1-800-321-CSLB or doing a License Check.
	Get three references, and review past work.
	Get at least three bids.
	Get a written contract and do not sign anything until you completely understand the terms.
	Pay 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.
	Don't let payments get ahead of work. Keep records of payments.
	Don't make final payment until you're satisfied with the job.
	Don't pay cash.
	Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.