Contractor wanted

[jpinpb]

Hi Everyone
It’s been a long while and I do miss learning from the minds of you brilliant folks! I am in a situation where I will be remodeling the enclosed patio into a 400 sf guest quarters w/deck above. Finally got permits and plans approved. Now I just need to get a contractor. If anyone has suggestions, they would be appreciated. Right now we are looking for bricks and sticks. We would do the finish. Thanks so much!

[UCGal]

Hey JP –

How exciting you got everything permitted.

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…

[jpinpb]

Hi UCGal — yeah, there were some issues and still are. Right now we have legal permits for guest quarters NOT companion unit and we had to notarize a document indicating we would not rent it out. No stove. Refrigerator and microwave allowed. We are okay with that for now. They said if we wish, we may “try” to apply for companion unit. Not guaranteed it would be approved, but if they do approve it, expect an additional cost for permits/fees at possibly 20k!! In any case, thank you so much for the tip. I remember the nightmare you went through so your advice is appreciated!

[XBoxBoy]

Hi JP,

I’ve used a father son team, Dennis and Jay Burchell for several projects and I highly recommend them. Give Dennis a call at 619-265-7491.

XBoxBoy

[La Jolla Renter]

Since you are going to take on the finish work, I assume you have some knowledge to maybe just hire a framer by the hour and save some decent money. Do you have footings to beef up or just framing?

I have a good framer right now on my project that may be available in a few weeks.

Just a thought.

What did your plans and engineering cost you?

[jpinpb]

Thanks for the recommendation, XBoxBoy. Just got a few quotes in from some guys that DH contacted. May call your guys, too. I appreciate it

[jpinpb]

Yeah, unfortunately, three walls will be removed entirely b/c of rot/termite damage. The footings are good, but the foundation is not level, so that needs to be fixed. The entire cement floor slopes. I guess it’s b/c it used to be a patio. IDK. We are constantly scratching our heads at some of the stuff done to this place. We can do finish like painting and putting in cabinets and such, but we’re not going to hang doors and windows and drywall and electrical and plumbing. We need a contractor to do all that and manage it. Thanks, though

[Author]

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