Hiring Professionals
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IV. Planning the Work Hiring Professionals |
It is wise to hire an engineer or architect who is licensed in
California and experienced with earthquake strengthening.
Likewise, if you are planning on hiring a contractor to do the
work, make sure he or she is licensed in California and has done
upgrade work before.
It is advantageous to hire architects or engineers separately
from contractors because the design professionals are
knowledgeable about the structural problems, and will require
only what is necessary. Engineers and architects can also help
you get bids from different builders to perform the actual work,
and assist you in any disagreement with the contractor. Remember
that contractors are usually not trained to design structures or
upgrades to them. The fee for an architect or engineer should be
only a small percentage (usually between 10% and 15%) of the
total work cost.
Selecting a contractor may be the most important decision you will make. The range of bids for the same design may vary a great deal, but the lowest bid may not be the best choice. The low bidder may not be competent, may use cheap material, or perform careless work. On the other hand, the highest bidder does not necessarily provide work of the highest quality. The best approach is to get bids from several contractors and/or get contractors who are recommended by other homeowners you know. Ask for references and an example of previous earthquake strengthening work; call previous customers to get their opinions of the builder. Finally, select a contractor that you can communicate with because the ability to talk openly about the project will be extremely important to the success of the work.
It is not required that you hire a licensed builder; you may wish to hire workers to do the construction work and supervise it yourself, or do it all yourself. However, in the absence of a licensed builder, you must obtain the building permit and you will be responsible for both the work and the workers. Crafts persons may do good work, but make sure you carry worker's compensation insurance to cover them during the construction work. This kind of coverage is usually not included in a homeowner's policy.