Homeowners hire contractors year-round, but especially during the summer for remodeling, repairs, and landscaping needs. There are several companies open for business even amid the Coronavirus pandemic. After all, air conditioners and heaters can break down, indoor and outdoor pipes can burst, and always of course when you least expect them to.
Many of these essential businesses are operating with your safety and health in mind.
In fact, I recently called a licensed contractor to get an estimate for a new fence for my backyard. The contractor asked during our phone conversation if we could practice social distancing when he came out to measure.
Truly, a sign of the times.
When the contractor arrived, he came through the back gate I left open. He wore a mask, gloves, and plastic shoe guards. I spoke to him through my patio screen door and showed him the area I wanted fenced. He was very professional, took all the measurements with a high-tech gizmo and he left the invoice in a sealed, plastic envelope on my patio table. Within a few days, the company followed up with a phone call regarding their availability to start the project.
Other companies/contractors I have recently spoke with and used, are following similar protocols during this health crisis to help protect themselves as well as the customers.
Remember, if you plan to hire a contractor for any work, do a bit of research on them. You can check to see whether they have social distancing guidelines and procedures too. It is also important to know how long they have been in business, how many projects like yours they have successfully completed, if they have substantial references and most importantly, if they have a valid contractor’s license.
You can check the status of a contractor’s license by either calling the Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-CSLB (2752), using its online Instant License Check feature.
CSLB also offers an important and comprehensive video titled, “Doing it Right: Hiring a Licensed Contractor” for consumers considering home-improvement projects.
While CSLB’s public offices are currently closed due to the pandemic, contractors and consumers can still take advantage of the many services CSLB has available online at www.cslb.ca.gov.
