Insights
How to read a bid, verify a licence, compare delivery methods, and tell a real number from an optimistic one.
A construction manager oversees a project on the owner's behalf, managing budget, schedule and coordination without necessarily holding the trade contracts. Whether you need one depends on scale and on your own availability. Large or multi-prime projects justify a construction manager; most single family residential jobs run better with one accountable builder and no extra layer.
Read What is a construction manager, and do you need one?
A construction contract should define scope by naming the exact drawing set with dates and revision numbers, set a schedule with substantial completion defined, and spell out price structure, schedule of values, retention, allowances, change order authority, unforeseen conditions, insurance, indemnity, lien releases, warranty and dispute resolution before anyone signs anything.
Read What should be in a construction contract before you sign?
Search the Contractors State License Board public license lookup by license number rather than by business name. The record shows status, classifications, bonding, workers compensation and any disclosed discipline. Then confirm the classification covers your scope and the licensed entity matches the name on your contract. Verify general liability insurance separately, because the board does not report it.
Read How do you verify a contractor's license in California?
