Editor’s Note: This is the first in a two-part series. Read the second part in the May 30 edition of The Union.

Today’s tough economic times have left many unemployed workers from the new home building industry. Framers, drywallers, concrete workers and various general contractors are just trying to survive.

As such, there has been a flood of “contractors” looking for freelance work and a large pool of semiskilled workers out there now claiming to be remodelers. They do not have the experience or knowledge to give you the dream kitchen or bathroom that you want or deserve. Remember also that most of these workers are not licensed or insured for your protection.

New homebuilders working as kitchen and bath remodelers can be a disappointment as well. These professionals build great homes but they do not know all of the procedures or nuances associated with the deconstruction process when it relates to a remodel. As the new home building industry declines even more in California, builders with no remodeling experience will enter into the remodeling market, looking for your business.

When hiring a contractor for your kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects, you should look for four “musts.”

First Must: That they hold a current California contractors license. A “B” license, or general contractor’s license, is what is necessary for a remodeler. You can request a copy of their license from them and go to the California State Contractors License Board Web site at http://www.cslb.ca.gov and check the status of the license. If the contractor tells you that they are working “under” another person’s license, they are breaking the law. It is against the law in California for someone to work “under” another person’s license. They must be an employee of the contractor or the contractor himself.

Second Must: Check to see if the contractor readily gives references for the type of remodeling job that you are considering. I feel that both recent and older references are valuable. Is the reference from last year still happy with the remodel or has there been a problem that the contractor has yet to correct? You don’t want a reference from a person that had a fence built when you are having your kitchen or bathroom remodeled. You can also call the Better Business Bureau and ask if there have been any complaints against the contractor.

Third Must: Check to see if they carry Workman’s Compensation Insurance if they have employees. Workman’s Compensation Insurance is not needed if the contractor performs the work along with specialty subcontractors. Specialty contractors would be the tile setter, plumber, electrician, etc. You can also ask for proof that the subcontractors have a current contractor’s license. For specialty contractors they would hold a license in the “C” classifications.

Fourth Must: Check to see if they carry liability insurance. The State of California does not require contractors to carry liability insurance, but this is the type of insurance that covers any type of mishaps or damage that may occur to your home during the remodeling process. With the value of homes in the Sacramento area, it is prudent for a remodeler to carry at least $1 million in liability insurance.