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Get the right professional for a hassle-free project

Working with a professional creates greater peace of mind

A licensed contractor can help customers save time and money and helps prevent any unforeseen challenges.

Assurance

Licensed contractors offer credibility, safety, and protection that ensures the work is done to standards – minimizing risk and increasing peace of mind.

Convenience

Licensed contractors handle all the necessary permit applications and inspections to save customers time and money, preventing issues that could impact the value of the home.

Safety

Licensed contractors make sure the work adheres to strict safety codes and carry insurance providing a level of assurance that comes from training, testing, and experience. 

Contractor Toolkit

Tools to find and vet contractors

Pioneer can help you find a local contractor. Check out the tools below to choose the right contractor for your project. 

Finding a licensed contractor

Use Pioneer's search tool to find a licensed contractor who meets all your project requirements in your area.

Contractor Search >

Vetting a contractor

Prepare for a contractor call or visit by listing the requested updates including dimensions and specifications, and any questions, or use ours.

Contractor Questions >

Vetting Contractors

How to find a qualified professional

  • Prepare a scope of work that details project specs,
    including overall goals.
  • Have a list of questions ready or use the list below
    as a guide.
  • Verify the contractor is licensed, bonded, and has liability insurance.
  • Make sure the contractor will provide a detailed
    scope of work.
  • Sign a written contract before the work begins agreeing
    to the scope, costs, payment schedule, timeline, and terms.
  • Don't pay upfront—a contractor should agree on a
    payment schedule that aligns with project milestones,
    and CA law only allows deposits for up to $1,000 or 10%
    of the project cost, whichever is less.

To verify a contractor’s license, please visit the
California Contractors State License Board.

Worker installing home battery. Self sufficient household. Modern household, constructing new house. Generative ai.

What to ask?

Pioneer has put together some useful screening questions to help vet contractors.

See the list

Vetting Contractors

How to find a qualified professional

  • Prepare a scope of work
    that details project specs,
    including overall goals.
  • Have a list of questions
    ready or use the list
    below as a guide.
  • Verify the contractor is licensed, bonded, and
    has liability insurance.
  • Make sure the contractor
    will provide a detailed
    scope of work.
  • Sign a written contract
    before the work begins
    agreeing to the scope,
    costs, payment schedule, timeline, and terms.
  • Don't pay upfront—a contractor should agree
    on a payment schedule
    that aligns with the project milestones, and CA law
    only allows deposits for
    up to $1,000 or 10% of the
    project cost, whichever
    is less.

To verify a contractor’s license, please visit the
California Contractors State License Board.

Worker installing home battery. Self sufficient household. Modern household, constructing new house. Generative ai.

What to ask?

Pioneer has put together some useful screening questions to help vet contractors.

See the list

Contractor Questions

What to ask when reaching out to contractors

When considering working with a new contractor, it is imperative to select a contractor with the right expertise and knowledge. Here is a list of questions for contractors by topic, to help make confident and informed choices. 

  • How many years of experience do you have?
  • Do you hold the necessary licenses and certifications?
  • Are you fully insured, including liability and workers’ compensation? Are you bonded? Please show me proof of insurance and bond.
  • Do you warranty your work for longer than the state-mandated warranty?
  • Will you be using subcontractors for any part of the project? If so, can you provide information about their qualifications and contact information?
  • Can you provide a breakdown of all that is included in the cost estimate (labor, materials, permit, other)? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
  • Will you handle all the necessary permits and inspections? Will you sign off on the work and provide me with a copy of the final inspection?
  • What is your estimated timeline for completing this project?
  • Are you aware of any rebates for this project?
  • What are your payment terms? When are payments due throughout the project?
  • How will you handle cost overruns if they arise?
  • How will you handle disposing of any old equipment / units? Are there any disposal fees?
  • How will you determine in advance if I need a new electrical panel?
  • What is the amperage of the existing circuit breaker that would serve the unit?
  • What is the total amperage capacity of the current panel?
  • Can you provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in the panel upgrade?
  • Are there any other cost-effective alternatives, such as upgrading the existing circuit or adding a sub-panel?
  • How long will the upgrade take to complete? Will there be any disruptions to my home’s electricity during the process?
  • Are the electric appliances you recommend compatible with my existing electrical system?
  • What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the new equipment? Will you provide any maintenance services?

Get on the Pioneer contractor list

Interested licensed contractors with home installation experience in El Dorado and Placer County, or the cities of Grass Valley & Nevada City can request to be added to the contractor directory by completing the form linked below.

Get on the list
Workers installing solar panels on the roof.

Got questions? Pioneer is here to help

As your locally-owned, not-for-profit electricity provider, our goal is to power the communities we serve. Please contact the Pioneer customer service team by email at info@pioneercommunityenergy.org or by the phone at 1-844-937-7466 with any questions. 

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