Going Up Against Unlicensed "Contractors" In CA

Gordo

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Looks like some pros were here.

dirt diggler

you "probably could have gotten more money"

well no sh*t ...


funny how this thread is all about some guy asking advice on how to cope with being underbid so much

Sounds like these two guys need to have a chat.

Second Look

That's a great suggestion and I'll go one better by saying you should write up (not down) 10 BENEFITS to pulling a permit. But then, I'm a "glass is 2/3 full" kind of guy.

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Second Look home improvement www.SecondLookHome.com
Handyman and Home Repair Specialist in Rhode Island
RI Licensed Lead Safe Remodeler/Renovator, RI Registered & Insured Contractor

ockitchensolver

The California Contractor License Board have a program called SWIFT, and the form can de downloaded from the website, fill in as much details as you can, about the suspected un-doc, un-licensed contractors, and the H.O. info, job site etc, and they will take care of the rest. Remember to check the remain annonymous box at the end of the form, and do not sign it or give a phone number.

A.W.Davis

agreed!

I printed out a few SWIFT forms and handed them to a past client of mine who paid an unlicensed "contractor" to build a stone retainer wall. The ass walked away with 50% of $18,000 and hasnt returned since. I feel for them, but at the same time they should've known better not to do such a thing!

This happens all over Cali, just go to Craigslist and look at all of the unlicensed assholes placing ads trying to do roofs and kitchen remodels, and decks.....it makes me sick and very angry seeing all of the posts!!

Every other post has the word "affordable" in their title

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A.W. Davis Construction Co.
http://www.awdavisconstruction.com/
Your friendly remodeling contractor

skyhook

When you establish a good client base, a reputation for quality and dependability the better customers will always come back to you. The ones that go with the lesser bids are jobs you probably didn't need anyway. Explain the permit requirements. I know Interior Designers who hire top level GCs and still make a ton of $$$. They bring in high dollar customers. Stay with your bid formula if it's working. If you lower your price, take away something of equal or greater value.

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ultimatetouch

do u want a job?

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Ultimatetouch
Illinois Remodeling Company, Kitchen Remodeling Chicago, Room Additions Illinois

hbelectric

Back when i was doing remodels, a friend set me up with a non-licensed general contractor. Fine with me, im licensed. so we agree on a price and i tell him i can start in 2 days etc. i show up and there are 4 illegal mexicans doing the electrical work. I looked around at their work and i was in shock.
besides the fact i just lost a $1000 job to illegals.

i called the city and filed a report, but nothing was ever done as far as i know.

aWorkaHolic

Lol, just running through that on a retail build I am completing. Stoped them real fast when all my change order invoices went straight to that firm.

To the question of not pulling permits. Don't do it. You've vested into to much for you to loose your license.

You can compete with those other guys by giving all the negative repercussions that can happen with the HO.

It's all in your closing tactics and how you sell your company.

Even if you do not get the job, follow up on it and do us all a favor and turn in the "So called illegal Contractor" in.

Tonkadad

Why don't you do a web search of all the horror stories of using non-licensed contractors, from no recourse if they don't finish the work, worker getting hurt on the job and suing homeowner, to house burning down because faulty elec. work, no warranty on roof, etc... you get the idea.

Condense down each story to a paragraph with a link to the full story, also try to get that into the hands of the wife.