[quote=Allan from Fallbrook]BG: Well, c’mon, anyone who is anyone lives in Fallbrook![/quote]
BG is right. LOL. It’s development services he’ll be dealing with if he’s in the boundaries of the City of San Diego.
While you’re on there – click on the bond history. If you see a change in bond companies, in the middle of a n annual period – this is a potential red flag. It indicates their old bond company might have paid out and cancelled them. Ask direct questions and verify the answer they give you.
Also while you’re on there – look to see if they are paying workers comp. If they claim they have no employees – but they are telling you to talk to their staff… that means they are skirting the rules… if they are fast/loose with these rules, it’s a red flag that they might ignore other rules/laws.
Now check to see if they’re being sued, or have recently been sued. http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/portal/page?_pageid=55,1&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Click on the find a case link – check their corporate name, their individual name, etc. If they are involved in any lawsuits – this is a possible red flag – ask pointed questions and verify their answers (by talking to opposing party if necessary).
(We would have saved a LOT of money if I’d followed this advice….)
Now – check their lien history. You’re looking for judgements against them (from suppliers, subs, etc). You’re also looking to see if they file a lot of mechanics liens. Both are red flags. Check both the individual name and the corporate name. http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/services/grantorgrantee/search.aspx
Finally – make sure the contract does not call for arbitration. If the opposing party doesn’t pay their portion of the arbitration fees – you’re out of luck. Insist on having any contractual dispute resolution be handled in court.
(I learned all of the above the hard way. It was a very expensive lesson.)
