- 1Describe the projectA few taps: ZIP, project type, size and timing. About 2 minutes.
- 2One contractor, not a listWith your consent, we pass it to one independent contractor with an active CSLB license who works in your area.
- 3Get a real quoteThe contractor sees the site and quotes it. Compare, ask questions, and decide. No obligation.
Why one contractor, not five
Many quote sites send each request to several companies at once, and homeowners end up with a flood of calls. We send each request to one participating contractor only, and only if you give consent on the form. If that contractor isn't a fit, tell us and we can try to place it elsewhere, with your permission.
Who the contractors are
Participating contractors are independent businesses, not our employees or agents. We only refer homeowners to independent contractors with an active CSLB license, and we check license status at cslb.ca.gov before referring a request. We don't perform, supervise or guarantee their work. Please verify the license yourself, ask about insurance, and get everything in writing.
How we're paid
The service is free for homeowners. Participating contractors may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us, and we don't add anything to your price. We don't negotiate prices or contracts on anyone's behalf; your agreement is directly with the contractor you choose.
What happens to your information
We use it to place your request and keep a record of your consent. With consent, it goes to one contractor; we don't sell the same request to others. You can ask us to delete it at any time. See the Privacy Policy.
Where we work
Right now we only place requests in Central Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley ZIP codes; the full list is under the ZIP box on the quote form. If you enter a ZIP outside that area, the form tells you right away instead of taking a request we can't place.
Before you sign
Use this checklist with any concrete contractor, whether we referred them or not.
What a good written quote should itemize
Two quotes are only comparable when they describe the same job. A solid written quote lists:
- The measured area and the slab thickness.
- Demolition, haul-off and disposal of any old concrete.
- Base preparation: excavation depth, base material and compaction.
- Reinforcement: rebar, wire mesh or none, and why.
- Finish, color or pattern, and any sealer.
- Control joints, slope and drainage.
- How tree roots or surprises found during demolition will be handled and priced.
- Who obtains any permits and inspections. (CSLB)
- Start and completion dates, cleanup, and any written warranty. (CSLB)
- A payment schedule tied to the work done. (Cal. BPC 7159.5)
Questions to ask before you sign
- What is your CSLB license number? Look it up yourself at the CSLB license lookup and check that it is active and covers concrete work.
- What exactly is included? Demolition, haul-off, base preparation, reinforcement, slab thickness, finish, cleanup and any permit should be written into the quote.
- Who pulls the permit, if one is needed? California home improvement contracts must say who obtains permits. (CSLB)
- What is the payment schedule? In California the down payment on a home improvement contract can't be more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less, and later payments can't run ahead of the work done or materials delivered. (Cal. BPC 7159.5) CSLB notes there are no exceptions to that limit for special-order materials. (CSLB checklist)
- What happens if you find roots, old footings or bad soil? Ask how changes are priced. Changes should be made in a written, signed change order. (CSLB)
- Is there a written warranty? Get any warranty on labor and materials in writing. (CSLB)
You can cancel a home improvement contract in writing within three business days of signing (five business days if you are 65 or older). Don't let work or material orders start inside that window unless you understand the risk. (CSLB checklist)