A consumer guide to choosing the right contractor.

"THE THREE BID MYTH"

The Lowest Bid is Often Not the Best Bet

When you are buying a car, it makes good sense to get three bids and then go with the lowest one – after all, you can test-drive a car. What could go wrong? But would you consider taking the cheapest bid when deciding on major surgery? Of course not. Far more important are the reputation, experience, and track record of the professionals you choose to do the job.

The safety of your family home is just as important. That's why the same criteria should apply to crucial decisions you make about items like house bolting and cripple-wall bracing – those safety measures that can literally save your home and comfort of your loved ones in the event of a major earthquake.

A low bid from a contractor is tempting, but it can be a reflection of many things: cheap materials, poor craftsmanship, inadequate safety precautions, lack of insurance or licensing, or straightforward contractor incompetence and inexperience. Putting your home in the hands of a contractor for any of these reasons is just plain foolhardy. And it can be very dangerous.

DOING IT RIGHT

As a wise and prudent consumer, you should start by checking out a company's references and reputation. It may seem unnecessary extra effort, but it will pay off. You'll avoid the expensive headache that comes with hiring a low-bid contractor who does inadequate work. Remember a sage old saying, "Quality is never the cheapest." It's a truth well worth thinking about.

So do a little homework and follow these essential steps. You'll be very glad you did.

1. Keep in mind that the first thing you should do when considering any contractor is to verify licensing and insurance.

2. Check with neighbors, family and friends who have had work done that is similar to yours.

3. Exercise a little common sense.

4. Make sure the contractor has at least five years' experience and is an expert in your type of problem.

5. Ask how many jobs like yours he's completed.

6. Also ask for examples of problems he has solved for other customers.

7. Remember that most business comes to a good contractor from referrals, so he should be proud to show you his references. Investigate them using this check list:

(a) Ask for at least 10 current and past jobs. Then randomly call at least three.

(b) Ask the references you call if they have a personal relationship with the contractor.

(c) Were there any delays? With good reason?

(d) Did workers show up regularly and on time?

(e) Was the work area maintained in a neat and clean manner?

(f) Were actual materials and workmanship as specified?

(g) How did the contractor respond to changes?

(h) Were time and cost estimates held firm?

(i) How were questions and complaints handled?

(j) Was the final price held firm?

(k) Would he or she use the contractor again?

8. Watch for the following "red flags" and avoid being fooled;

Beware of mailers or door-to-door solicitors offering to work cheap as long as the work is done right away. This may indicate a "fly by night" operation.

Most retrofit contractors are not insured to perform anything beyond single family dwellings. However, when you ask if they have insurance to work on multiple units, they will reply "certainly". If they truly are, they will not hesitate when you ask them to furnish you with an additionally insured certificate in your name for the project. DO NOT GO FORWARD until you receive that document from his insurance company.y.

DON'T hire a contractor with only a post office box as an address.

DON'T hire a contractor who wants you to obtain the work permit, says a permit isn't required, or wants you to pay in cash.

9.. Finally, your contractor should be able to provide you with a clear, written contract spelling out all aspects of the project including the scope of the work, specific materials to be used, start and projected finish dates, down payment (contract law allows no more than 10% or one thousand dollars, whichever is less) and the progress payment schedule. Be sure you understand the terms to which you agree, and NEVER sign a blank or partially completed contract.

If you follow these steps, you will not only get a completed job that is done right the first time, but you will also be protecting your hard earned money and avoiding the grief that comes with choosing the wrong contractor.

We are wary of inadvertently encouraging or falsely discouraging anyone, however If you have questions about Seismic Safety or how to protect your home against earthquake damage, give us a call. We will be more than happy to try to help you! Depending on local jurisdiction, actual jobsite configurations, costing is always a problem prior to an onsite investigation by one of our staff members.

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