High Cost of Maintenance

Seen in the William Zimmer Gallery in Mendocino, CA
"There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper and the people who consider price only are this man's lawful prey." John Ruskin

We often get calls from property owners that only want to know what the new carpet or the repair to the appliance is going to cost; but do not ask about the licensing, experience, and the track record of fixing it right the first time.

In today's economy, several people out of work are available to do work cheap. Before trusting someone to do work on your home, there are a few questions you can ask that will prevent frustration in the future.
- Ask to see their business license. If they aren't licensed, that is a red flag.
- Are they covered with liability insurance? If they aren't, and they get hurt on the job, you could end up paying their medical bills.
- If they have workers; ask to see the Worker's Compensation Policy. In CA, unless the worker is related, the owner/contractor must carry Worker's Comp --- if they don't, you are responsible for the premiums.
- How long have they been in business? What is their experience with......?

A shoddy plumbing job can end up being a huge repair when that pipe leaks and now there is carpet, sheet rock, and furniture damage as a result. Oops, you just paid more than you would have for an experienced, licensed plumber to begin with.

A great place for consumer's to get information is
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/GeneralInformation/Library/GuidesAndPamphlets.asp

At H.M.S. we have a vendor's package that all our vendor's have to fill out before we will send them on a job. Ask your friends and associates for referrals --- and pass on to your friends the names of workers that you have used successfully.