So to replace our existing countertop and cabinets went to reconfiguring the kitchen, new floor, more outlets, new appliances, more/new outlets. To replace is one thing but to remodel is another. We had the intentions to replace but now it's remodel. I know earlier I said remodel but that was before I really knew what we were doing. Even now? I'm not so sure if we're going in the right direction.
So i cancelled our appts w/the people who will replace countertops and cabinets and we are getting estimates & quotes from General Contractors. Let's just say, we are now REALLY overwhelmed and consumed w/information, dollars and all this contractor licensing, bonding, & liability insurance.
One contractor is licensed but he does not have worker's compensation. On the license it says he has no employees under him so there's no need. He is the owner. Ok so if he has no employees but he has people that will cut the slab for countertop, make & stain the cabinets, do the electric and the floor, add recessed lighting, demolish and take away the debris, aren't they his "employees"? Maybe not directly, however, my question is should I be concerned if this contractor has no worker's compensation?He has liability insurance and he is bonded. which to me is important, more so than the worker's compensation. His quote & estimate seems reasonable to me. It's in the ballpark of what Dave & I pretty much summed it up to be and based on what friends & family had advised us.
The 2nd contractor that came today will do the exact same thing as the 1st contractor. His company is licensed longer and has worker's compensation. They are a bigger company and the contractor that came was not the owner but an employee of the company. They have been in business longer and they have worker's compensation. His price quote is 2 times more than the 1st contractor. The way Dave & I see it, it's almost like this company can 'charge' double the amount b/c they can, because they have a lot of employees that work under the owner and b/c they also have worker's compensation. We definitely know we don't want to pay this contractor's price. However, this guy gave us some good pointers on how to check a few things when hiring a contractor!
Tomrrow we'll be having a general contractor that has NO license . He'll get to come and give us his quote. He is a personal friend of our caregiver too. It will be good to see what he has to offer and how he compares to these people w/licenses, how much 'cheaper' he is and how he is as a person to work with. From talking to him on the phone, he sounds personable so far. I know, you're probably thinking , it's always easier to be someone you're not when it comes to talking on the phone. Somehow, I feel better about him b/c he is a friend of our friend. We shall see tomorrow!
Some pointers for some of you who are looking to hire a general contractor in California...
1. Contractor's license number that starts at a lower number, has been in business longer. i.e.: #1xxxxx compared to #8xxxxx means #1xxxxx has been around longer.
2. Check to see if they're bonded
3. Check to see if they have liability insurance.
4. Check for worker's compensation
5. Down payment/deposit cannot be more than $1000.00 for any work to be done.
Having a baby is easier than hiring someone to do some remodeling!
2 comments:
hello! thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog. i visit your blog every now and then. your boy is SOOOOO cute. i know kristen is so proud to have you as a sister-in-law. good luck with your kitchen.
Well, I guess it's a bit late to comment on this. I just saw the date. I hope all went well!
I went private on my blog. At one time you emailed me and said you'd like an invite, but you didn't provide an email address. My email is kknerr0206@yahoo.com if you're still interested.
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