If you are an Orange County homeowner planning to hire a contractor for a Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel, Room Addition, Full Home Remodel, Kitchen Cabinets, or any other Home Renovation project, you’re going to want to review these 5 Questions Before Hiring a Contractor.

The first, and most important question: Are you Licensed, Bonded & Insured?

Most contractors provide their license number on their business card or website. It’s a good practice to check the license before having an in home consultation. The state of California’s Contractors State License Board (CSLB) provides an easy, free online database to look up a contractor license to verify license, bond and insurance information, including complaint disclosure. Before hiring a contractor or signing a contract, check the CSLB online database HERE.

Second – Can you Provide References?

There is no better way to find out about a contractor than to speak with a past client. Although many contractors do not publicly publish a reference list, all contractors should have a reference list available for potential customers upon request.

When calling references, we encourage you have questions prepared before calling. Some suggestions to consider:

• Did they deliver what they promised on time and on budget?’
• How easy was it to communicate with the contractor or project manager?
• How clean and secure did they leave the jobsite?
• Would you use them again?

Third – Will you Put the Details in Writing?

There are so many details and moving parts involved in a remodel.  It’s important that you know how the contractor plans to keep you abreast of how the remodel will unfold. Beyond the scope of services agreement, where job specifications are outlined, be sure that the payment schedule and job schedule are included in a written contract. Setting these schedules and going over all aspects of the project before signing a contract will assist in establishing expectations of when things are going to be done. Having an informational meeting upfront to go over all the details will save you lots of headaches and dollars down the line.

Question four – Who is Responsible for Obtaining Permits?

A permit ensures that the project is reviewed and approved by a building inspector who made sure the work meets building codes. Obtaining a permit (if required) should be done by the contractor and written in your scope of services agreement.

The reason the contractor should obtain the permits and not the homeowner is because the person named on the permit is responsible for making sure the work is performed correctly and up to code. You absolutely want your contractor to be responsible for these items, not yourself.

And finally – Will you Provide a Warranty?

The unexpected happens during remodels. But you want to make sure that your new home renovation is covered. You don’t want to get stuck with badly construction kitchen cabinets, incorrectly installed tile or hardwood flooring, shoddy electric, or other issues. Make sure the company you work with covers any materials they chose for your project and the workmanship of their employees and sub contractors.

• Will the contractor stand behind their work by offering a warranty?
• How long is the warranty effective?
• What does the warranty specifically cover?
• Is there a charge for the warranty or a deductible?

When working with the Burgin Design • Remodel team, you can rest assured that we work hand-in-hand with you to answer all of your questions before you sign anything. Contact us today to get started.