Simple tips to "Green" Your Home

Free Water Conservation devices from Contra Costa Water

Home Remodel
Upgrading or remodeling your home can be an excellent way to turn a good home into your dream home and improve your home’s value. But, beware (!), horror stories abound regarding cost over-runs, missing permits, projects that don't finish on time or at all and poor workmanship.  

Did you know that……

• any project with a cost of $500 or more requires a written contract in California?
• the maximum upfront deposit is 10% or $1,000, whichever is less?
• if your contractor doesn’t carry Workmen’s Compensation Insurance and someone is hurt while working on your project, a claim can be made to your homeowner’s insurance company?
• payment to the contractor should be based on percentage of work completed with proof of permits?
• a monetary penalty per day past the agreed upon completion date should be written in the contract to ensure timely completion?