Selecting the contractor|



Most licensed contractors are competent, honest, hardworking and financially responsible. However, most of the problems we see could be prevented if homeowners knew their home improvement rights and took responsibility for their project. A responsible and informed home owner can work more effectively with reputable contractors, and avoid being victimized by incompetent, unscrupulous or unlicensed operators. The following information may help to clarify the process.

How do you locate suitable candidates? 

Typically, we suggest the referral based selection process. Some clients have friends, neighbors or relatives who have had positive experiences with local contractors while others need to rely on the designer/architect to come up with a list of suitable candidates. Another option is contacting your local Contractors Association; they often offer a bidding  process by sending out the complete plans (to association members) for a formal bid. Please note that in order to do the latter, the Contractor will need a complete plan set, typically with the permit in hand to give an accurate bid.

What is a  "suitable candidate"? 

There are many things to consider while selecting the right builder. When we refer builders, we match the contractor to both the client and the project. The builders we refer have shown a track record of competency, communication and honesty. We measure competency by their ability to provide thorough and accurate estimates, their ability to run a professional job site and their ability to work within the regulatory constraints that exist in today's construction environment. We measure their communication skills by how well they review the plans, the questions they ask after they do so and how well they communicate with the client and design team during the construction process. 

When do you begin?

We recommend beginning interviewing General Contractors once the conceptual design phase is complete and preliminary construction documents are being prepared. If the preliminary design phases have been completed thoroughly, the contractor may be able to determine the general scope of work, rough scheduling and if he or she is interested in the bidding process once it begins. Please note; an accurate estimate is a time consuming endeavor and can only take place once all the construction parameters are set.  This means, the engineering, energy design and site constraints must be well defined prior to putting the final quote down on paper. If there are "to be determined" specifications once the contract is written, the unknowns should be clearly stated on the contract. Once the numbers come in, Studio B6 offers cursory contract reviews to ensure the proposal matches the project parameters.

Getting it right|

Choosing the right Contractor can make or break a project, no matter how well the design is thought through. Patience, time and effort will be paramount during the selection process. If done correctly, your project should run smoothly and on budget. Feel free to contact us for more tips on how to select the right General Contractor for your project.

 Services include:

  • Complete "Pre-Construction" Documents
  • BMP Design
  • Affordable Design Consultations
  • Conceptual Sketches
  • Permit Procurement
  • Presentation graphics
  • "Green" building consultations
  • Structural Drawings/Engineering
  • Decks, Patios and Outdoor Living Spaces
  • Title 24/Energy Calculations
  • TRPA Processing
  • Variances/Zoning Revisions
  • As-Built drawings
  • Measured and Record Drawings

Technical Services|


Studio B6 offers a complete line of timely, affordable construction and drafting services geared specifically for the home owner. 

Studio B6 no longer provides services to; Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Interior Designers, Interior Decorators, Realtors and or Real Estate Developers. 
In addition, we no longer offer services for full time Short Term Rental Properties or speculation projects.

 Please call 530.318.0512 or email at studiob6@yahoo.com for a detailed list of services.

Frank Toledo
Studio B6, LLC
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DRAWINGS DEFINED:

As-built drawings: 

As-built drawings are prepared by the contractor or their agent. They show, in red ink, on-site changes to the original construction documents.

Measured drawings/Pre-Construction Drawings:

Measured drawings are prepared in the process of measuring a building for future renovation or as historic documentation. They are created from onsite measurements.

Record drawings: 

Record drawings are prepared by the architect and reflect on-site changes the contractor noted in the as-built drawings. They are often compiled as a set of on-site changes made for the owner per the ownerarchitect contract.
Drafting Services|  
Selecting the contractor|


The consumer links below may help you to solidify the questions that need to be asked during the selection process.