GhostCore // Field notes
Know the scope and charges before work begins.
These are general consumer planning principles. A public starting rate is not a written, vehicle-specific estimate, and GhostCore is not yet accepting paid appointments.
What should a repair estimate cover?
For California automotive repair, an estimate generally identifies the specific job and expected parts and labor costs before work is authorized. The California Bureau of Automotive Repair describes limited exceptions for defined preventive maintenance; the rules depend on the actual transaction.
What other charges should I ask about?
- Testing or diagnostic-stage charges and their scope
- Authorized repair or installation labor and applicable minimums
- Parts, adapters, harnesses, materials, and other itemized supplies
- Mobile travel, parking, tolls, and applicable tax
GhostCore’s public Pricing Formula v1.3 provides planning reference rates; the vehicle-specific written estimate remains controlling for any future accepted job.
What if the job changes?
Before additional compensated repairs or extra charges, the additional work and revised charges must be disclosed and authorized. California law requires the authorization to be documented. An inquiry, website visit, or tentative conversation is not authorization for repair.
Which records should I keep?
Retain the estimate, any later work authorization, and your itemized final invoice. Confirm any applicable warranty terms and replaced-parts return options when relevant.
Authoritative consumer reference
Read the California Bureau of Automotive Repair’s Write It Right documentation and authorization guide for the details and exceptions. This educational page is not legal advice.
Review the FAQ or call with general questions. Paid service intake and payments remain closed.