I don’t have any referrals but would be happy to give tips on how to do a basic vetting of them.
– check their license at cslb.ca.gov. Look for complaints. Look at gaps in their bonding history (might indicate the bond company paid out a claim and they had to scramble to get a new bonding company.) Look to see if they are paying workers comp. (If not – then they are claiming they have NO employees – so expect all work to be done by sub-contractors… or they are lying to the governing agency.)
– check whether they have a history of lawsuits with former clients, suppliers, or subs. You can look up civil cases at sdcourt.ca.gov. If you find anything there – ask the prospective contractor about it.
– Check whether they are “lien happy” – look them up by both their personal name and corporate name with the county recorder. Look for mechanics liens. Some contractors use liens even when they don’t have the right too.. as a consumer, you can get it removed… but it’s a strong arm tactic some bad apples use. While you’re on the records site – very no unpaid judgements.
As you know… I’ve had experience with all of this.
Congrats on finally getting this project on track. IIRC, you guys wanted to do this years ago but there were issues with the alley, with the city, etc…
