Absolutely. We encourage obtaining multiple quotes, comparing service offerings, and making informed decisions based on comprehensive evaluation rather than choosing the first contractor you contact.
Why We Welcome Comparison:
Osta succeeds through competitive advantage, not information asymmetry. Our pricing reflects actual costs of delivering licensed, insured, warranted service through employed professionals—we don't win by being the cheapest, but by delivering the best value for customers who understand what they're purchasing.
What to Compare When Shopping:
Price is only one factor in contractor selection. Equally important considerations include:
Licensing and Insurance:
Verify contractor license numbers through CSLB (California State License Board) website
Confirm license status is active and current with no violations or disciplinary actions
Request certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage and workers' compensation
Ensure coverage amounts are adequate for your project scope ($1M+ recommended for most work)
Many low-priced contractors operate without proper licensing, maintain minimal insurance, or classify employees as independent contractors to avoid workers' compensation obligations. These cost savings get passed to you as lower prices but create enormous risk if accidents, injuries, or property damage occur.
Employment vs. Subcontracting:
Ask whether the company employs licensed professionals or subcontracts to independent contractors
Understand who will actually perform the work and what accountability structure exists
Verify that workers are background-checked, drug-tested, and covered under company insurance
Determine whether the company maintains consistent quality standards or depends on variable contractor performance
Referral networks and subcontractor models offer lower overhead but sacrifice accountability, consistency, and warranty reliability. The person who performs your work may never return for warranty service or may no longer be affiliated with the referring company when problems arise.
Warranty Coverage:
Get warranty terms in writing before work begins
Understand what's covered (workmanship, materials, specific components)
Know the warranty duration (30 days, 1 year, lifetime)
Confirm who is responsible for warranty service (company vs. manufacturer vs. subcontractor)
Verify the company's stability and longevity—warranties from contractors who disappear are worthless
One-year comprehensive labor warranties cost more to deliver than 30-day limited coverage, but provide substantially better protection and demonstrate confidence in workmanship quality.
Pricing Structure:
Confirm whether pricing is fixed or time-and-materials
Understand what's included in the quoted price (labor, materials, permits, cleanup, warranty)
Get itemized breakdowns showing component costs rather than single lump sums
Clarify payment terms, deposit requirements, and final billing procedures
Ask about price protection if material costs increase or project takes longer than estimated
Fixed-price contracts transfer risk from you to the contractor, creating incentives for efficient work. Time-and-materials billing creates opposite incentives—contractors profit by working slowly and inflating hours.
Code Compliance and Permitting:
Verify whether permits will be pulled for work requiring them (panel upgrades, service changes, structural modifications)
Confirm the contractor holds proper licenses to legally pull permits in your jurisdiction
Understand who handles permit applications, plan submission, inspection coordination, and final approval
Ask about experience with your local building department and typical approval timelines
Unpermitted work creates liability, complicates property sales, potentially voids insurance coverage, and violates municipal codes. Low prices often reflect contractors avoiding permits to reduce costs and time.
Communication and Project Management:
Evaluate responsiveness during initial contact and estimate process
Assess clarity of explanations, willingness to answer questions, and transparency about process
Understand how the company handles scheduling, project updates, and unexpected complications
Determine who your point of contact will be and how communication is managed
Companies that struggle to respond during sales process rarely improve once they have your deposit. Initial interactions predict how problems will be handled during and after your project.
Comparing Osta's Value:
When evaluating competitor quotes against Osta's pricing, consider:
We employ licensed professionals as W-2 employees (not subcontractors), maintain $2M insurance coverage across all operations, provide one-year comprehensive labor warranties, guarantee fixed pricing before work begins, handle all permitting and inspection coordination, and deliver projects with documented accountability from initial contact through warranty support.
Lower-priced competitors typically sacrifice one or more of these protections. The question isn't "Who is cheapest?" but rather "Who delivers the best value for my specific priorities?"
For customers who prioritize:
Cost certainty: Fixed pricing eliminates budget risk
Quality assurance: Employed professionals maintain consistent standards
Legal protection: Licensing and insurance protect against liability
Long-term reliability: Company-backed warranties ensure future support
Peace of mind: Comprehensive service model reduces stress and uncertainty
Osta delivers superior value even if individual project quotes are higher than unlicensed contractors cutting corners.
For customers whose primary priority is lowest possible upfront cost with acceptance of increased risk, uncertainty, and reduced protection, other options may better align with their preferences. We respect that decision and don't criticize customers who choose differently—we simply ensure you understand what you're comparing when evaluating options.
Making Informed Decisions:
Get at least three quotes for significant projects. Evaluate based on:
Detailed scope descriptions—ensure everyone is quoting the same work
Total project cost including all fees, permits, and incidentals
Licensing, insurance, and employment status verification
Warranty terms and company stability for fulfillment
References, reviews, and track record in your community
Communication quality and responsiveness during estimate process
Comfort level with the company and individual representatives
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Focus on comprehensive comparison considering all factors that matter for your specific situation and risk tolerance.