Pre-Project
Count the cost. You may have heard it said, “You get what you pay for,” and it’s true, especially in the construction industry. When getting bids from multiple contractors it is never good practice to go with the lowest bid. Either the contractor omitted parts of the project, intentionally or unintentionally, or they plan to perform substandard work in order to keep their bottom line healthy. If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right, but expect to pay for what you deserve, namely a job you would be happy with. The fact of the matter is, you always end up paying more in the long run when you try to cut corners to get a job done, “cheaper.” We will work to stay within your budget, while providing you the best job possible.
Plans
If you don’t know exactly what you want, contact a contractor or Architect to work with you to develop your idea. Get a set of plans drafted so that if you want to get firm bids the contractors will have something solid to go off of. That way they’re bidding apples to apples, and bidding on exactly what you want done. A contractor should be willing to work with you to develop your idea, but once the project is under way no changes can be made on a fixed bid project without a change order drafted and agreed upon by both parties.
Permits
The contractor will pull all applicable permits necessary for the project. Permit fees should be included in the initial price of the job. The contractor will work with the local jurisdiction on your behalf. In most cases the only person you have to deal with directly is your contractor.
Subcontractors
General Contractors, here-after referred to as GC, contract with sub-contractors to perform the work of the project. By law, GC’s must contract with fully licensed, bonded and insured sub-contractors who have current workman’s compensation plans to keep you and themselves safe from any liabilities that may arise as the result of an employee being injured on your project. You should not need to have direct dealings with the sub-contractors. The GC will make sure all work performed by the sub-contractors is done in a workmanlike manner, and that all conduct while on your project is respectable and safe.
Unlicensed Contractors
By law, any project over $500 in labor and material must be performed by someone who is licensed by the California State License Board (CSLB). You can check the status of someone’s license by going to their website, www.cslb.ca.gov. It is not good practice to contract with someone who is not licensed. You don’t know if they’re qualified to perform the work. Even those who are licensed may not be qualified, but when you contract with someone who is not licensed, you may not have the legal recourse should you have to seek monetary compensation. Someone who isn’t licensed is probably not insured either. Contractors must carry general liability insurance to cover any damages to you property as a result of negligence, and a $12,500 bond to provide you with immediate compensation. When you contract with unlicensed individuals you take a risk. It is true, licensed contractors have greater overhead as a result of insurance and proper business practice, and it may cost more to you, but that is all there to keep you, the consumer, safe. It all goes back to, ‘you get what you pay for.’ A licensed contractor is someone who; has a legal right to work in the state, has the proper knowledge to perform the work, is fully bonded and insured, and adheres to state laws and requirements.
Project Financing
Although we don’t promote debt, should you decide that a renovation loan is needed to finance your project, we can work with your loan agent to get your work done. Most banks will want to pre qualify you for a certain amount, first. Upon approval, you must get a signed fixed price contract in order to take out the loan. You don’t pay the contractor, rather the bank does. In the contract the bank typically allows for three “draws.” According to contracting law, a contractor cannot charge for more than the work that has already been done. So there are three phases in which, upon completion of those phases, a representative from the loan office approves the work, and pays the portion of the “draw” that covers the work done. Generally, it’s up to the contractor to stipulate those three draws based upon work and phases of work. Again, we do not condone debt. If you can, save up before getting work done. At least, take out as small a loan as possible. And before you do take out a loan, make sure you can financially fulfill the terms of that loan. We don’t know your financial stability, and we really would not want to have a part in any hardships caused by debt.
During Work
Depending upon the extent of work, construction can seem like an intrusive and messy affair. Be assured that we will take all steps necessary to have as little an impact on your way of life while work is being done. It is advisable that during major renovations, you find another habitation to allow work to proceed without interruption, if possible. If not, we can partition of those areas of work, and take extra steps to clean up after each day of work, and thoroughly on Fridays.This would add to the time and cost of the job, but if it is cheaper than temporarily relocating, than it may be worth it.
Sabbath Rest
Matthews Custom Construction is a Christian owned company and work will performed accordingly. Swearing, smoking, vulgarity, stealing and such the like are not condoned while on the job and steps are taken that whosoever is under the employment of Matthews Custom Construction complies with those standards. Vitally important, also, is adherence to the Sabbath commandment of God, and no work is done on any job run by Matthews Custom Construction between sunset Friday and sunset Saturday according to the biblical precept. Please do not expect any work to be done then. If you have a job that you feel needs to get done, and taking those hours off would be unacceptable, we understand if you may need to find another contractor. Otherwise, we would love to work with you.