Q:    In what parts of the Bay Area will CEF Contractors perform work?

A:    We prefer to work within a certain radius of our home location.  That includes Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont, Albany, Alameda, Kensington, Orinda, El Cerrito and San Leandro.  However, on rare occasions we may accept work beyond these areas.

 

Q:    Do you offer free estimates?

A:    Initially we'll discuss the project over the phone to see if the nature of the work, size of the job, and location of the project fit our services.  If so, we'll schedule a site visit and try to gather enough information for a free ballpark estimate.  

Before we begin the final proposal, we'll want to make sure the client finds the initial free estimate reasonable, and that the client is seriously considering us for the work.  

We do ask for payment when we are providing written detailed estimates, early in the design phase, that help clients determine the scope of their project. 

Many prospective clients do not know how much time and planning go into creating an estimate.  We may not be a good fit for a prospective client whose sole concern is finding the least expensive builder. 

 

Q:    Is CEF Contractors insured?

A:   CEF Contractors maintains:

	Active California B Lic#706109 and Home Improvement Certification.
	General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance.

 

Q:    Do you bill by the hour or will you provide a fixed-price bid?

A:    Both.  Often on mid-size to extensive remodels the contract will include some allowances (costs that may not be determined exactly at the time of contract signing).

 

Q:    Does CEF Contractors provide design work?

A:    We work with several professional designers, architects and engineers that provide these services for you.  If a client chooses, we will provide detailed estimates for a fee, based on preliminary drawings. Our clients can then better determine where to add or omit improvements before the designer produces final construction drawings. Check out our "Resources" page for links to some of the professionals we utilize/recommend.