Choosing a contractor for a project on your home or business can be difficult and stressful, however we can offer some suggestions here to simplify the process and make your decision one you won't regret. 1. Always choose a licensed contractor, we have several links on our page which redirects you to the State Contractors Licensing Board. There you will be given the chance to check his or her's license number which will provide you information on the contractor's insurance held and if there's ever been complaints brought forth on them. 2. Meet with the contractor in person and not just over the phone. Any good contractor will and should automatically ask for this to occur for the simple fact that they really should see what it is they will be working on in order to better provide you with an estimate of what the work will cost. In addition there is a lot to be said for your impression of the contractor in person and your instincts and comfortability with them should tell you alot. Remember this is the person who will be working in your home for the period of time that you employee them, you really need to feel comfortable with them around. 3. Meet with several contractors for estimates on your project. This will help you understand the cost that you will be incurring for the project. Everyone will bid you differently however it's those that can justify their price that you want to be considering. 4. Lastly we encourage you to contact our references and visit if their willing their business or residence to see what kind of craftsmanship you can be expecting. Also ask family, friends and neighbors if they can suggest someone to work on your project. Their experience is likely going to be similar to that of which you can expect.

The short answer is yes, however there are some situations that don't require the person you decide on to be licensed. If the labor and materials is less then $2000 then the person does not need a license. Obviously we would not recommend unlicensed contractors for the simple fact that with a license comes responsibility and insurance. Use This link to check ours or any Licensed California Contractor

In California General Contractors only need to have a bond in order to present you with a bid for work let alone actually working on your home or business. White Glove Construction has in addition to the required bond the following supplemental policies in an attempt to ensure everyone in and around the construction area are safe. 1. Contractors General Liability Insurance 2. Worker's Compensation (required if employing 1 or more employees) 3. Commercial Auto & Truck Insurance

This is a very difficult question to answer and clearly the type of work being done will ultimately dictate this. Any good contractor will be able to gie you a pretty close timeline of how long the project will take and will do a good job of making mention that the timeline provide does not account for unforseeable circumstances encountered on your project. What you should be weary of is contractors that can "Gurantee" the work will be finished on such and such date. Construction can be unpredictable things such as weather, inspections, unforseen circumstances, budgets and life all play a significant role in just when it is that your project will be completed

You should never pay a contractor a down payment more the 10% of the total home improvement contract price or $1000, whichever is less. Infact it is illegal for licensed contractors to not only ask for more but it is also illegal to accept more. In regards to payment schedules this should always be discussed before or while signing a contract with a contractor and it can vary from contractor to contractor but generally it is laid out for small payments every couple of weeks as certain aspects are completed or by the percentage of the job that is completed the amount paid is generally for the work completed over that time period.