CSE

Center for Sustainable Energy
  1. Seek multiple bids — We recommend that you obtain at least three bids from different contractors. Use CSE's bid comparison form to help you compare contractor proposals.

  2. Hire only a licensed contractor — Check the California State Contractors License Board to ensure that your contractor is licensed and in good standing.

  3. Hire insured contractors — Always insist upon a certificate of insurance for general liability insurance. Uninsured workers who are injured on the job may file damage claims against the homeowner.

  4. Get references — It's a good idea to obtain references from the contractor's previous customers. You may also want to consult third-party review resources such as the Better Business Bureau or Yelp before making a final selection.

  5. Verify workers' compensation insurance — California requires this form of insurance for employers. If your contractor is exempt from the workers' compensation requirement, it means any workers on the job must belong to another subcontractor who is insured.

  6. Financing — Ask your contractor about available financing options. You may also visit CSE’s clean energy financing page to learn more.

  7. Never sign a contract under pressure — Insist on at least 48 hours to study any contract.

  8. Get a thorough written contract before any work begins — Any work valued over $500 requires a contract. In the contract, be sure to specify the start and completion dates of the job and insist on a progressive payment schedule specifying exact costs. For your protection, you may want to invest another few hundred dollars to have an attorney review your contract. Be sure to require that all change orders must be in writing.

  9. Never pay cash — Pay by check or credit card.

  10. Pay as you go — To start a job, never pay more than 10% down or $1,000—whichever is less. Hold back 10% on the final payment until after the entire job is complete and has been inspected by the proper authorities. Never pay for work before it is done.

  11. Keep a job file — Put receipts, permits, plans and anything else pertaining to your job in the file.