Consultation

Assistance when you need it.

In California, General Contractors and Tradespeople are responsible for creating their own contracts and paperwork. 

There is no officially approved state form, which means that contracts can vary significantly from one contractor to another.

As a result, some contracts may be complete and meet all state requirements, while others may not provide equal protection for both parties.

Assistance with Contracts and Legal Requirements

Architectural drawings will tell you what your project will look like and what materials it will be made with, but it’s your contracts that determine how the project will go; financially, mentally and emotionally.

I help my clients by:

  • Reviewing contractor’s bids and contracts to make sure all the State and Home Improvement Contract (HIC) requirements are met.

  • Ensuring that all contracts have their best interests represented and protected.

  • Creating a progress based payment schedule that keeps them in financial control and at minimal risk throughout the project.

  • Making sure that all necessary State required and personal insurance coverages are in place. That their informed and “on time” with the filing of the legal paperwork required, such as Preliminary notices, Release of Lien, Certificates of Insurance, etc.

Assistance with Interviewing and Hiring

A challenging part of interviewing contractors and tradespeople is that your interview process overlaps with their sales process. As a homeowner, you’re trying to gauge who this person is and if they’re someone you would be safe being in a contract with. The contractor, on the other hand, is focused on making a positive impression and saying the right things.

I help my clients by:

  • Creating trade-specific questionaries to use during interviews. Questions that will get below the surface and provide a fair “apples-to-apples” comparison of each candidates knowledge, business acumen and integrity.

  • Being patient with the process. Meet with multiple candidates and make the necessary follow-up calls to their references.

  • Reviewing bids and proposals and identify the criteria that will help with the ultimate decision about whom to hire.

Assistance with Management

Once all the communication has taken place and the paperwork has been signed, it’s time for everyone to perform. With the operation of the tradespeople and the dispensation of the money being the two lead actors.

I help my clients by:

  • Helping schedule and manage the payment schedule.

  • Being protected from unscrupulous up-charges.

  • Being another set-of-eyes on the quality of materials and craftsmanship being used.

  • Helping to formulate effective ways to manage difficault converstaions and / or uncomfortable requests.

  • Filling in the information blanks for them. Making sure their bases are covered and they don’t fall victim to the things they “don’t know”.

Working with Unlicensed Contractors

While I strongly discourage hiring unlicensed tradespeople, I recognize that many individuals choose to do so for various reasons. Without legal protections in place, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks involved and to take measures to mitigate potential issues. Ensuring that all construction complies with the State Building Code is a responsibility that often requires professional expertise. I can help identify these issues for you and offer practical advice to minimize your exposure.

Not all Consultation Requires Hours of Commitment

I have numerous clients that have found a benefit in having me to contact for the smallest of questions or concerns. I’m just as happy to answer a few questions as I am being involved in ongoing projects. I’ve set my fees on an hourly basis specifically for this purpose. I can be contacted directly by phone, text or e-mail. Or by using the form on the Contact page.

Reach out for a free consultation!