There are at least as many contractor horror stories as there are lawyer and real estate horror stories.

My next podcast guest, Alfred Navarro of Navarro Construction says choosing a good contractor is much like choosing a good marriage. If you make a bad choice, your life will be unpleasant!!

In this conversation Alfred and I continue a long conversation we had over the weekend- what questions should you ask to weed out the baddies and where can you go to research the facts? This guy is a wealth of knowledge and definitely someone I would want in my corner!!

SHOW NOTES:

How to choose the right contractor:

* Get referrals from friends family and neighbors (hint- call DIGGS!! We keep a running list of vendors we like)

* Ask for and CALL their references

* Check their contractor license number- is it valid? Is it for the type of work you want? Are there any complaints or violations?

* Contractor’s State License Board

* What questions should you ask a contractor before you hire them?

* Who will be onsite?

* How often will the supervisor visit the site?

* Will you have people working every day? What hours?

* What is your expected payment schedule?

* The best way to compel performance is to set your payment schedule to completion of specific milestones

* Who are your sub contractors?

* How long have you worked with them and are they licensed?

* How many jobs do they take at one time?

* What is their specialty? If you are remodeling a kitchen, are they kitchen specialist?

* Beware the lowest bidder

* Pick a contractor that you like- you are going to be spending a lot of time with them. Who do you want in your home every day?

Alfred Navarro

Navarro Construction

(626) 398-1777

http://NavarroConstruction.com