We've finally gotten an offer accepted in SD. So now that we're in the process of getting the home, when we settle, we're going to want to make it our own.
We are completely new to San Diego. Does anyone have any suggestions on where we can find out about good painters and other residential remodel contractors?

California demands that contractors - be it painting to plumbing be it handymen to general contractors to be licensed in the state.

As such the license gives the authorities a means to track and even punish contractors in taking away that license.

In newspaper ads - as example - it is mandatory for the ad to have the number, if there is no license it clear states 'no license'.

In the telephone books, the number has to be shown - on websites and other public adverts it has to be shown in the state of California.

Once you get that number you can call the building inspectors office and ask them about the history of the number. You will not get details, but you will get a brief history of 'issues' like the number of complaints.

Since you are getting a home, most realtors in California either have a general contractor they work with or a list of contractors. For new people into the state this is a very good way to get decent if not excellent contractors since the contractor who works with a real estate company usually has to meet the needs of the company who like to please their clients to generate more work.

A general contractor should be the place to start from if you have lots of odd type jobs, s/he will have contacts for sub-contractors - such as a paint contractor, a plumber, a drywaller.

Handymen/jack of all trades are out there not all are bad, even though this line of work does seem to draw bad seeds. California has made some attempts in recent years to clean it up.

If you go with one ask for references - When I did that kind of work I had dozens of references - more often than not people called me being referred by a client or a past client. However I did run an ad every so often to generate work - for that I carried a list of references - people who I had asked if they would be willing to accept phone calls from strangers, I also carried a small portfolio of jobs I had done, also carried paper - estimates, contracts, price lists, etc.

Those quickly set me outside of the 'pack' they demonstrated that I knew what I was about.

BTW Handymen should not be willing to say repair or replace gas lines - the line from the wall to the stove yes, but not the hard plumbing. They also should refuse to pull wire, add circuits and modify the box - willing and able to switch out fixtures and switches. There is code to consider, although code allows for much for a non-expert to do, electrical installations are not one of them, gas lines are not, and a lot of plumbing, additions must be done with subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, blah and of course lots of times code requires permits.

Usually neighborhoods have their 'handy-person' a person who does small jobs - your neighbors most likely have one or two. Most often 'illegal immigrants' are on that list. Just because they are illegal does not mean the do not do good work. In fact I have found a lot of good hard workers standing in front of home depot. I have also found a few very bad seeds.

Ask your neighbors...both for recommendations and who to avoid.
ask a reputable architect and/or interior designer
Personal recommendation is always best! Or you should try Ad Removed - DG they are great.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

angieslist.com is a great resource. It's a service that you have to pay a small amount for, but other homeowners review contractors and provide input on all types of contractors in your area.

try the guys I used they are great.


Edited for your viewing pleasure.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

quote:

Originally posted by stonlos:
try the guys I used they are great.

You don't give up easily, do you? Is jeckyjil a friend of yours?


Edited for conformity

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

Ask your neighbors...both for recommendations and who to avoid.
ask a reputable architect and/or interior designer
Personal recommendation is always best! Or you should try Moe's House Repair Moe's House Repair they are great.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

I am sorry that I cant help you in finding a contractor but I can tell you some tips on how to hire a contractor like:

If you want to get the construction work on through-rate-basis done by the contractor who has own labor and materials, the following steps provide necessary support in achieving the best quality in the construction.
Obtain required sanctions of all competent authorities before starting the construction work to avoid any obstacle during construction.
Complete all drawings and details before allotting the work otherwise there may be a dispute later on. Many contractors demand more money later on if every thing is not settled in advance.
Check the availability of good water for construction work through water supply or by doing bore well.

You can read more about tips at link below:

AD REMOVED BY ADNOMORE - Remember, No More Is Best!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,