Hiring a Home Contractor

Determine the Type of Contractor Needed. Choose a specialized or general contractor based on the type of work that is required to complete the job. If you choose to act as your own general contractor make certain that you have the experience to do so. The owner of AGS Builders has 25 years experience on the East and West coasts. As a General Contractor, we ensure our subcontractors are experts in their chosen fields; i.e., electrical, plumbing, concrete, roofing, etc.

 

Locate Contractors. Check the yellow pages, BBB Consumer Guide, local community directories, ask friends, family members and neighbors if they know a contractor that they would recommend to you. Ask for referrals from building suppliers and others who work in the construction industry. AGS Builders is listed in the North County Yellow Pages Directory, is a member of the BBB, and is an Escondido Chamber of Commerce member. Please feel free to visit our website at www.agsbuilders.net. We are always available, via telephone, fax, or e-mail. If you are not comfortable with your current contractor we suggest you obtain bids from other companies and compare them.

 

Check Them Out! Call the organization (in California - http://www.cslb.ca.gov/) that regulates the construction industry in your state and check the status of the contractors license/registration and their bond. Ask the contractor for the name of the carrier who provides their insurance and call the carrier to confirm that they have the appropriate insurance coverage that is required in your state. AGS Builders carriers $2 million liability insurance, while others companies may carry only $1 million and be underinsured. Additionally, AGS Builders is a corporation that is bonded and licensed, and our employees are covered under workers compensation, as required by the state of California.

 

Contracts. Make sure the contract spells out the responsible party(ies) for all permits and specifications. The contract should outline all the work that is to be done. It should contain the work schedule, payment schedule and have all agreements between you and the contractor documented. There should be no hidden information. While AGS Builders contracts are all-inclusive, and our start/end projections are generally accurate, any client should always remember to include a contingency in their budget for any unknowns that may occur (for instance, soil issues, plumbing-behind-the-wall issues, material price increases).

 

Know What to Expect During Construction. Find out what to expect throughout the course of the construction so that you may properly prepare your home and family or make arrangements to relocate temporarily, when necessary. Unfortunately, construction (especially when it involves demolition of existing structures) can be a messy business. AGS Builders takes every precaution to minimize your disruption and to protect your home against dust and debris.

 

Keep Records. Create a construction file and keep track of all documents that pertain to your project including BBB reliability reports, bids, the contract, the plan, copies of permits, invoices/bills, preliminary notices and lien releases from subcontractors, cancelled checks, and subcontractor and building supplier information.

 

Check Progress. Perform walk-thrus on a regular basis. If you see any problems or have concerns be assertive and immediately bring it to the attention of the contractor to avoid any construction delays. Remember its your home and your project! AGS Builders and their employees are at your service. You can reach us via telephone, fax, e-mail or cell.

Plan Ahead. Dont rush into anything! Allow plenty of time to plan for your project. Determine what needs to be done, draw a plan and find out about zoning regulations in your area. AGS and our partners have an established rapport with all San Diego County planning and permit departments. As part of our team of professionals, we offer design and architect services, financing options, permit processing.