Residential contractors
Finding and selecting a contractor is an important choice in your home improvement project.
We've put together some resources to help you make an informed decision.
Find a pro
To start, you'll want to do your research to select the right contractor for your job. We also provide lists of local professionals to assist with your home improvements.
Contractor listing
The expandable categories below include contractors who've recently completed projects for SMUD customers and are familiar with SMUD rebates, meaning you'll maximize your savings. For HVAC and Heat pump water heaters contractors click here.
Looking for a complete energy efficiency overhaul of your home? Check out our Home Performance Program.
Financing
Most of the HVAC and window contractors also offer financing.
HomeAdvisor
As an additional resource, SMUD Energy Store partnered with HomeAdvisor to quickly connect you with contractors on a variety of projects.
Note: SMUD does not endorse or warrant any workmanship, installation, labor, cost or materials of the contractor you select.
| Participating contractors | Offers financing | 2020 Projects |
|---|---|---|
|
American Windows Inc |
Yes | 1 |
|
Bell Brothers Heating & Air Inc |
Yes | 6 |
|
California Energy Consultant Service |
Yes | 8 |
|
California Energy Services |
Yes | 4 |
|
Clarke & Rush Mechanical, Inc. |
Yes | 13 |
|
Forrest Enterprises |
Yes | 8 |
|
Good News Home Improvements, Inc. |
Yes | 2 |
|
Hall's Window Center, Inc. |
Yes | 23 |
|
Impressive Exteriors |
Yes | 10 |
|
Luxem Design & Construction |
Yes | 15 |
|
Northwest Exteriors |
Yes | 18 |
|
Pro Windows Corp |
Yes | 1 |
|
Ridgeline Construction |
Yes | 2 |
|
Southgate Glass & Screen, Inc. |
Yes | 5 |
|
Werner & Sons |
Yes | 1 |
We'll continue to maintain a list of participating contractors for the Home Performance Program due to the specialized training associated with whole-home energy upgrades. Get more information on SMUD's Home Performance Program.
Do your research
Finding a good contractor requires a bit of research. To help you get started, we’ve put together these tips and resources.
Read online reviews
Online reviews are a good way to generally see how happy past customers are with a contractor’s work. The following sites can help you find reviews:
Hiring tips
- Hire only CA state-licensed contractors with a valid license, such as the following:
- Attic and/or Wall Insulation: C - 2
- Central Air Conditioner and/or Heat Pump: C - 20
- Cool Roof: C - 39
- Heat Pump Water Heater: C - 36
- High Performance Windows: C - 17
- Photovoltaic (PV) Generation System: C – 10 & C – 46 or B (General)
- Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW): C – 46
- Home Performance: B (General) plus Building Performance Institute Building Analyst (BPI-BA) certification
- Check contractor license numbers online at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-321-CSLB (2752)
- Inform the contractor you are interested in participating in SMUD's rebate program
- Verify the contractor is informed about SMUD's rebate requirements (install eligible measures, pull permit, provide supporting documentation for rebate application)
- Get at least 3 bids
Get references
We recommend you get at least 3 references from each bidder and be sure to call or visit the reference.
- Confirm the contractor carries Workers' Compensation and Liability insurance policies
- Get all project expectations in writing
- Sign a contract only if you completely understand the terms
- Never make a down payment of more than 10%
- Never pay in cash
- Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project, including all payments
- Never make a final payment until you are satisfied with the job