Either you are getting ready to embark on a substantial construction project or you were just bored today. In either case, you found me! I am Vicki Hoppin, owner of Hoppin Construction Administrative Services (HCAS for short..). I have over 15 years of experience in the construction industry and have seen all kinds of things. This is one of those times when you would be much better off learning from others’ mistakes and not insisting you gain knowledge from your own experiences.
I started HCAS for the same reasons I believe Mike Holmes from "Holmes on Homes" (HGTV) does what he does….we are heartbroken watching homeowner after homeowner devastated - and unnecessarily so, when there are so many legal protections in place. You don’t have to be one of those nightmares! Protect yourself from the beginning. A large construction project is an emotional adventure that need not also be financially devastating. But beware….managing your project properly can be a full time job!
What I hope to do through this blog is give you input and resources that will enable you to end up with your dream come true with only minimal hair pulling. Most homeowners only do a home renovation project once – you don’t have time to gain the experience that will help you on ‘the next one’. I will provide you with website links that I hope you take the time to check out. I will share my own experiences and insights into how you can avoid some of the most common pitfalls.
Although my services are available to those in the SF Bay Area (California), I am more about helping you avoid financial ruin. Whether you decide to manage your project yourself or hire a professional – don’t let your contractor be your only project watch dog. They have other things that will take precedence over you. I’m not judging – I’m just saying: I have seen contractors with the highest integrity get into trouble – and it is those projects with the least amount of checks and balances in place that will dig them out.
If you do nothing else, check out the information available to you from the California Contractors State Licensing Board. It is easy to understand and extensive. www.cslb.ca.gov
Come back here often. I will continue to provide resources I think will benefit you as well as share experiences of my own. Feel free to leave questions or your own experiences.
Hi. I am in the process of remodeling my bathroom. Is that a project you can help with?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
How exciting! Bringing a bathroom up to date may not add value to your home, but a bathroom in disrepair will certainly take value away. And there's nothing like a beautiful bathroom to lift your spirits readying yourself for a long work day. Ooohhh....and relaxing at night! Heaven!
ReplyDeleteA bathroom remodel is something that would not necessarily require the hiring of a professional administrator like myself, however, the link to the CSLB (www.cslb.ca.gov) is something you should definitely be reading. Contractor selection is always a process not to be taken lightly. No matter the size of the project, your legal rights remain the same. I don't know about you, but I don't want to pay for a toilet twice any more than I want to pay for a whole house twice. Pay particular attention to the 10 tips offered by CSLB.
I'd be happy to answer any questions you have along the way and hope you come back here to share your experiences. I will go out on a limb and say that we are ALL wishing you a successful project!