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In California the Contractors License PROTECTS the CONTRACTOR and not the client. They often will file BK and reopen the next day under a new name. You literally have to sue the Contractors Bond comapany, even though you have a judgement against a contractor, to recover their bond.

You DON"T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR...I owned a RR and heard horror stories about well known RR speciality shops that charged up the kazoo for work and the work actually fked up peoples cars. It usually cost twice as much to undo the short cuts that these shops would make.

Now by the same token I have had very good luck with some contrators. My Block guy showed up on the day he said he would and finished on the day he said he would. He wasn't cheap, but he ws more than good. My painting contractor was excellent, if you have seen my Man of Wealth and Taste picture you will get the idea. His decorative finishes are excellent..and he was fairly priced for what he did.

I have a friend that is a retired Electrical Contractor, to keep himself busy he supervises the building of Custom Homes in SO CAl. He bids them out and makes sure the work goes smoothly. He is VERY REASONABLE for what you get. I have learned things from talking to him, and would pick his brain if I ever embarked on a Custom Home.

Also I have found one sub contractor will lead to another sub.

You do get what back in quality of work the effort and time you put into the project. True what is your time worth to you, what is the agravation factor worth. Taking on a Custom Home project does put a strain on relationships. But when you step up to a Tract Home Builder, your giving him a chunk of change for the privledge of him handing you a key. Your also not assured of any quality, or WARARANTY as I have recently found out. This is from one of the largest Builders in So NV.