For many years now we have been a proud dealer for DeWils Custom Cabinetry. Their quality and wide array of styles are the things that drew us to them in the beginning and are what have kept us as a partner with them for so long. And, just when we thought they couldn’t possibly have anything else up their sleeve, we received notice of some amazing new offerings! New door styles, Calypso and Sifton add two completely new elements to the Horizon and Designer lines and a brand new set of profiles introduce raised beveled panels on NINE new door styles in the Designer line.

As if that weren’t enough, DeWils has gone above an beyond to give their customers what they’ve been asking for – White Paint Finish! The “Just White” finish is three coats of white catalyzed paint finish and is available in all three lines on maple and red oak materials. It’s a timeless classic that will turn your home into a work of art!

For more information on these or other DeWils offerings, including custom stain matching, please give us a call at 714-558-1094.

We’d like to extend our congratulations to Designer Cindy Smetana. Her design on the Harmeyer project won Best Kitchen Design - Gold Award in the November, 2009 special issue of Orange Coast Home Magazine! To see the special November issue click on the magazine cover below. If you’d like to see more photos of the Harmeyer project click on the image from the article on the right.

We are so honored to have been a part of this project and are extremely proud of Cindy for all of her hard work on it. Congratulations Cindy!

Those of you who know us well, know that we hold a very strong opinion about unlicensed contractors. We feel that the state laws are in place in order to protect Contractors and Customers alike. And, while we don’t always agree with every portion of those laws, we respect and abide by them. Contractors who adhere to the state’s licensing requirements and subsequent laws often end up spending a large amount of time and money in order to do so. Then, we find ourselves in direct competition with unlicensed Contractors who are able to charge a much lower price, and often get the job.

So, this year Santa has a late gift for all of the licensed Contractors in California. As of January 1st new, tougher penalties have been put into place for those operating without a license. According to a December 30th article in the Orange County Register:

“Starting Jan. 1, those caught contracting in California without a license for the first time will face six months in jail or a fine of up to $5,000 because of a new law that will take affect. Right now the offense is only considered a misdemeanor with no set jail time or penalties.

Second-timers must pay 20 percent of the contract price, or $5,000, whichever is greater and spend at least 90 days in county jail. A third offense would be punishable with 90 days to one year in a county jail and a fine between $5,000 and $10,000, or 20 percent of the contract price, according to the law, Assembly Bill 370.”

Many customers don’t realize that most unlicensed Contractors do not carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance which can end up costing the homeowner much more than they bargained for. If a worker is injured in their home while on the job the homeowner can be held liable for those injuries. Unlike licensed Contractors, those without a license also do not have to submit to a background check. California law requires that a Contractor be licensed for all jobs over $500.

Here are some tips from the Contractors State License Board and a few of our own for hiring a Contractor:

•Ask to see contractor’s licenses.
•Verify the contractor’s license at www.cslb.ca.gov or 1-800-321-2752.
•Don’t pay more than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment.
•Get three bids, check references and get a written contract.
•Don’t pay in cash and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work.
•Ask to see a copy of the contractor’s liability and worker’s compensation insurance certifications.

If you are looking for a reputable, licensed contractor contact us today at 714-558-1094!