JulianConstruction.com: ‘California’s Most Trusted Contractor’

by Shawn Kyles

Last week when I returned home there was a flyer in my door with the above statement, “California’s Most Trusted Contractor,” by a construction company that was looking for business. Among their list of approximately 40 specialties, (yes, I did say 40) they listed Bolting and Retrofitting so it caught my eye. At Julian Construction, Inc. we are experts in Foundation work, including House Bolting, and Earthquake Retrofitting, which includes Bracing Cripple Walls, and Anchor Bolts. We also will replace a foundation as needed, and we can complete a foundation repair to the existing stem wall and footing.

So as I reviewed the flyer, I noted that they did not list a California Contractor License Number on their flyer. Julian Construction, Inc. has a license and its number is 788526. If we send a mailing out, or place a door hanger at your home, we have our number on it. So as a consumer, if you see no license number you should be concerned, and do further investigation, as this is a red flag. Also as a consumer you should note the license number itself, our number 788… is 10 years plus old, a license that starts with say 876… would be around about 4 years, 918…would be only two years old and so on. This lets you know if the company has experience or is new to the business of construction.

So I turned the flyer over to look for the address, none to be found. Our address is 2900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018. This is where our office and yard is. Some contractors use a PO Box, a garage or a small office. The concern here is if they have been in business long, or possibly if they are just paper contractors. So as a consumer, drive by the place of business and ask does this look like a construction company? Check for a license and verify the number, make sure they have been around a while, and remember verify your contractor’s location and license number.

If you have a foundation issue involving a broken or cracked slab, or are in need of house bolting, seismic retrofitting, or floor and house leveling, foundation repair or replacement, make sure you select a truly reputable contractor. By law, every piece of promotion they send out should have their license number. Pick someone who has been around for a while, and who has a yard you can visit.

Those are some of the things you can check to find a reputable company.

The fact is, that for the majority of people the home represents the greatest part of a family’s net worth (though that value has taken a hit in recent years). Most earthquake probability studies indicate that much of this net worth may be in danger if the home is not retrofitted properly. The most optimum thing you can do as the homeowner is obtain a better understanding of foundation problems and processes so that you can ask appropriate questions and select the contractor that will perform the best job for you. Most foundation repair contractors will offer a foundation inspection, so you can find out the status of your home and its foundation and find greater peace of mind.

Posted via email from Julian Construction's Posterous