Common Questions from General Contractors and Builders
Qualifications and Experience
What is your specific experience with this type of work?
We specialize in Underground Utilities and related work including sidewalks and curbs (such as doing the sidewalk and curb part of a driveway relocation or expansion–this work requires the A-Gneral Engineering License). We can discuss specifics during our on-site visit or when presenting our estimate.
How long have you been in business?
Over 10 years as a business and over 17 years of hands-on experience with our owner, Freddy Porras.
Do you have the necessary licenses, certifications, and insurance?
Yes, please check out our license status on California’s Contractors State Licencing Board (CSLB). Our license is #995136.
Can you provide examples of past projects or references?
Yes, we can provide references upon request.
Will you sign a written contract?
Yes, our approved estimates serve as contracts. This document outlines the scope of work, payment terms, and schedule, ensuring full clarity.
What is your safety record?
We adhere to all Cal/OSHA standards and have maintained an excellent safety record, with no significant injuries.
Schedule and Availability
When can you start?
Our start date depends on current schedules and project requirements. Once the estimate is approved, we can provide a prompt start date. If a permit is required, timelines will extend based on Public Works processing, usually taking an additional 3-5+ weeks before construction can commence.
When will the work be done?
When there are schedule dependencies on other teams on your project, we do a detailed planning session with you and/or the other contractors so that the over-schedule is maintained. In situations that do not have much schedule flexibility, we will account for that in the contract. That said, we are impacted by factors we cannot control such as weather, inspector availability, and material lead times. We do not collect final payment until our scope of work is complete.
Communication and Project Management
Who will be the main point of contact during the project?
Usually, our CEO, Freddy Porras, but if a manager is assigned, you will be given their name and contact information.
How will you keep us updated on progress?
We provide daily updates, usually after morning meetings. We can establish specific communication preferences before starting the project.
Do you have enough workers to get the job done?
Yes, we have a skilled team, including a dedicated office team, field managers, and labor positions. You will always have a direct line to us.
Will you use any subcontractors for this work?
We generally do not subcontract work, except for specific specialists such as a geotechnical engineer or a hot tapping specialist, as required by public works.
Budget and Payment
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of your costs?
Yes. Parts, labor, and other significant cost items are included in our written estimates, which account for overhead and profit.
How do you handle cost overruns or change orders?
We only issue change orders when unforeseen issues arise. For example, in a water line project in San Mateo County, we uncovered a city infrastructure complication after the main water line was exposed. The city ended up requiring the project to replace the entire section, stopping water for an entire neighborhood, rather than just adding a saddle for a hot tap (typical part and process for new water lines for residences). The additional costs were shared between the homeowner, builder, and us.
Problem Resolution
How do you handle unexpected issues that arise during the project?
Any issue that we cannot resolve independently is brought to your attention, along with potential solutions.
How do you handle mistakes or problems with the work?
We stand behind our work with a lifetime warranty. Any issues that arise, either during the project or afterward, will be promptly resolved. However, this does not cover damage caused by external factors.