Saipan's HOME FINDER & HOME BUILDING HOTLINE
Our group of contractors are screened, properly insured, licensed, experienced, and offer FREE ESTIMATES for residencial and commercial construction needs.
 Saipan and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands has little requirement on who and who can not become a contractor or general contractor. Provided one has 50. for the business license office, you can become a GC too! While we have cheap minimum wage laws of 3.05 per hour, you get what you pay for. We have an island full of sub standard construction, including offices and single family homes. Be aware that most of our GC's merely send a truck full of Filipino or Chinese laborers to job sites and do not supervise, or even worse, they know very little about construction and depend on the workers to figure it out. Unfortunately, they are often masters at covering up sloppy electrical or plumbing disasters. Construction bids come in all over the park and it leaves prospective buyers confused about whether or not they were bidding the same jobs. Buyers generally call looking for the lowest bid and the fastest completion time. It is better to ask if the contractor is experienced at bidding projects accurately and completing them in a timely manner. We also have prospective home buyers asking for the the cost plus contractor (materials + total labor +10 to 30%), probably shell shocked from bids in the past. The cost plus is a contractors dream, but I would only recommend it if you are building jets for the government. The incentive for a cost/plus contractor is to drag the job out forever and it is usually preferred by those not experienced enough to accurately bid the job. We also have an increasing number of non English speaking builders. English is the language of law here and contracts are buyer beware. A mechanics lien law puts contractors ahead of lenders and that has made local banks take a position of no construction loans until the law changes. Cash and carry is the construction norm.
Our contractors and sub contractors are Saipan's best and their services include:
* BUILDING REMODELING PLUMBING ELECTRICAL CARPETING LAWN AIR CONDITIONING POOLS CARPET LANDSCAPING HOMES CONCRETE CLEANING ARCHITECTS BLUE PRINTS ROOFING REALTY REAL ESTATE FENCING SECURITY LIGHTING PAINTING PEST CONTROL
 REAL ESTATE - REALTY HOTLINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEFORE YOU SIGN YOUR CONSTRUCTION OR BUILDING CONTRCT.....GET SPECIFIC DETAILED INFORMATION!!!!!!!
The contractor's name, address, and license number and the name and registration number of any salesperson who solicited or negotiated the contract.
The approximate dates (not number of working days) when the work will begin and be substantially completed.
A description of the work to be done, a description of the materials and equipment to be used or installed, and the price for the work.
A schedule of payments showing the amount of each payment in dollars and cents.
If the payment schedule contained in the contract provides for a down payment, it should not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price (excluding finance charges), whichever is less (swimming pools: two percent or $200, whichever is less).
f the contract provides for the contractor to furnish performance and payment bonds, lien and completion bonds, a bond equivalent, or funding control, this limitation of down payment does not apply.
A Notice to Owner regarding the state's lien laws, and the rights and responsibilities of an owner of property.
A description of what constitutes substantial commencement of work.
A notice that the failure of the contractor, without lawful excuse, to substantially commence work within 20 days from the approximate date specified in the contract when work is to begin, is a violation of the Contractors License Law.
Have It In Writing
One of the best ways to stop problems before the job begins is with your contract. The contract binds you and the contractor to the project. Since a written contract protects both you and the contractor, all agreements should be put in writing. It should include everything you have agreed upon and the extent of work to be done. Get all oral promises in writing, and spell out exactly what the contractor will and will not do. If you intend to do some of the work yourself or hire another contractor to do it, this also should be written into the contract. Be as specific as possible.
Never sign a blank or partially blank contract. Get a copy of the contract as soon as you sign it, and keep it for your records. Both you and the contractor are bound by everything set down in the contract, so read it carefully before you sign. If you have any questions or don't understand something, ask before you sign.
Be sure the financial terms of the contract are clear. The contract should include the total price, when payments will be made and whether there is a cancellation penalty. On any home improvement job, you should expect to make a down payment. A good rule of thumb (and California law) is the down payment shall not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price (excluding finance charges), whichever is less.
Make Sure Everything You Are Paying For Is In The Contract
The contract should specify all materials to be used, such as the quality, quantity, weight, color, size, or brand name as it may apply. For example, the contract should say "Install oak kitchen cabinets, manufactured by Company XYZ, model 0318A, as per the plan," not just "Install kitchen cabinets as discussed."
Make sure your contract includes everything you feel is important to the job, including complete cleanup and removal of debris and materials, and special requests like saving lumber for firewood or saving certain materials and appliances. Also give instructions regarding pets, children or areas where materials may not be stored.
After you have a signed contract, and even after work has already begun, your contractor may offer suggestions that will change your original ideas for the work. The contract should clearly state your final agreement and accurately reflect everything involved in the work being done by your contractor. If you have added work, substituted materials or equipment, or changed the completion date, make sure that clearly worded and signed "change orders" reflect this.
Job Descriptions Should be Detailed
Your contract should specify:
Remove one layer of existing 3-tab shingles. Install new GAF Timberline Select 40 (TM) shingles and replace all damaged flashings.
NOT Install new roof
Let The Buyer Beware
Most licensed contractors are competent, honest, hardworking and financially responsible. However, contractors are in business to make money. A responsible and informed consumer knows that the "buyer beware" principle can help prevent frustration and disappointment when preparing to make a major decision. By carefully considering what you want done to your property, what it will realistically take to do the job, and what kind of professional should be brought in to do the job, you may avoid many of the headaches often associated with remodeling.
Almost everyone knows someone who has a nightmare story to tell about their remodeling job: the length of time it took; the inconvenience of the noise, dust, and absence of such essentials as plumbing, electricity, heat, and air conditioning; lack of privacy during the job; or the cost overruns associated with homeowners who had to live through what they described as "the trauma" of even the smallest remodeling job.
Examine the contract with someone you trust: a relative, friend, or attorney. Take time to make sure you are covered. When work has started you may be obligated for more than you expect.
Contractor's License Bonds
Contractors should have a contractor's license bond. This bond is not a guarantee of performance or competence, or of the contractor's financial responsibility. In fact, this bond is often not enough to cover the multiple complaints made against it.
Performance Bonds
This kind of bond guarantees the project's completion according to the building plans and specifications. If the job is abandoned or the work is unacceptable, the bonding company has the option of hiring another contractor to complete the work, or of settling for damages.
Payment Bonds
A payment bond assures the owner that no liens for labor and material will be filed against the property.
Contract Bonds
A contract bond guarantees both job completion and payment of all labor and materials.
In general, the bonding company will not have to pay more than the face amount of the bond.
Bonding requirements may keep a new contractor or a contractor with a poor track record from bidding on desired jobs. Bonding companies will not take a risk without verifying the technical and resource capabilities of the contractor. For a contracting business to qualify for bonding, it must practice sound business techniques.
 NEED A CONTRACTOR? CALL or CONTACT THE HOTLINE 670-233-1144 fx 670-323-4663
Diver takes a break in Shark ally!!!!!!!
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