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Avoid Home Improvement Headaches!    
A Resource Guide for Home Owners

Ask the Right Questions Before You Build! 

If you are considering remodeling, adding a room addition, or any kind of home project, the Builders Exchange offers you these helpful hints for avoiding unnecessary problems:

Plan ahead and know what it is you want done before contacting a contractor or architect. Consider your budget, the possibility of short-term disruption to your living environment, and the time frame in which you want the improvements completed. Beware of "door-to-door" solicitors trying to sell you something you don't want or need.

Be sure your contractor obtains the necessary building permits from your local jurisdiction. The permit will insure that your project is inspected by qualified building personnel; they will verify that your project is built to current building codes - this is for your safety and protection.

Once your approved plans are drawn, consider bringing them in to the Builders Exchange for competitive bids by our members. (This process usually takes about a month - It insures that you will receive low bids that have been properly evaluated by contractors, subs, and suppliers.)

When selecting a contractor or subcontractor, make sure you ask for references and verify that they are licensed by the State of California. (The Builders Exchange requires all of its contractor members to be licensed, but you should verify this yourself.)

Improving Your Property?

 

 

 

If so, hire a State licensed contractor. Don't Put Your Property At Risk! Be Sure to Use Only Licensed California Contractors!

 

Warning - Do Not Use Unlicensed Contractors!

 

 

 

You may be violating State and Federal laws, subject to unlimited liability, with holding and social security taxes, and disability and unemployment insurance if the people you have working on your property are unable to provide you with :

A certificate of Worker's Compensation Insurance

A valid California Contractor's License

A City Business license

An Employer's Tax Identification Number

A licensed contractor provides these services to you for your protection. In addition, Licensed Contractors are required to have on file with the Contractors State License Board a $7,500 bond - this is further protection for you during and after the construction of your home improvement project.

Use of unlicensed, uninsured, and unbonded contractors can put you and your property in jeopardy. You could be held financially responsible for injured workers or damage to property (yours and other's) if proper insurance protection is not in place.

An Important Word About Preliminary Notices and Mechanic's Liens

 

 

 

Through the terms of your written Home Improvement Contract with your Licensed Contractor, you have agreed to pay for the work you want done in a timely manner. California law requires you to honor your payment obligations to your contractor; if contractors are not paid for their work, the law allows them to place a lien on your property to help them secure the payments due them under their contract.

In addition, you should be aware that any subcontractor or supplier hired by your general contractor or subcontractor must notify you in writing that they are working on, or supplying materials to, your property. This notice is called a "Preliminary 20-day Notice" and should be sent to you by certified mail within 20 days of their first starting work or supplying materials to your property. If a subcontractor or supplier fails to send you this notice in a timely manner, the law does not permit them to record a mechanics' lien against your property if they fail to get paid by the contractor who hired them.

The 20-day notice is meant to inform you which subcontractors and suppliers (whom you did not hire directly and would not otherwise know about) are working or supplying materials to your property. You should require your general contractor to get lien releases from all subcontractors and suppliers who sent you a preliminary notice and have done work on your project whenever you make a payment to your contractor.

Questions? Feel free to call the staff at the 
Builders Exchange of Stockton anytime!

 

 

 

The Builders Exchange of Stockton is a professional non-profit association of general contractors and sub-contractors, building material suppliers, and many other construction related businesses in San Joaquin County. Contractor members of the Exchange are required to be licensed by the State of California. BES Contractor Members are also bonded and insured as required by state law. There are over400 members of the Exchange representing all aspects of the construction industry.

In addition to serving the interests of the construction community, the Exchange is also a valuable resource for consumers. The Builders Exchange of Stockton is staffed with professionals who understand the unique aspects of the construction industry.

Free Consumer Services Provided by the Builders Exchange:

 

 

 

Access to the Builders Exchange of Stockton Plans Room for competitive bids on their residential home construction and remodel plans.

Referrals for contractors, sub-contractors, material suppliers, and construction consultants to assist with all types of home improvement projects.

Answers to various questions about home improvement projects, including information about building permits, mechanics' liens, and resolving construction complaints.

Important Phone Numbers

Contractors State License Board
Sacramento HQ (916) 255-3900
Toll-Free Number (800) 321-CSLB

Builders Exchange of Stockton
(209) 478-1000

Contractors State License Board
(CSLB Publications Available)

What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor
The 51 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Getting a California Contractors License
A Consumers Guide to Filing Construction Complaints
A Consumer Guide to Asbestos

Builders Exchange of Stockton Membership Directory - A listing of ALL BES members; over400 licensed, insured & bonded contractors, building material suppliers, design professionals and construction consultants.