How Do I Choose A Contractor?

How Do I Select a Contractor?
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How Do I Choose A Contractor?

How do I choose a contractor to perform a bathroom, kitchen, or full interior remodel in Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, and throughout South Orange County California?  Ask!

To help my clients make good decisions and choices when hiring a contractor, I developed a handy checklist (see below).

Here are the five most important criteria for answering the question “How do I choose a contractor?”

  1. Most important! Hire the person, not the estimate.  When you find the right person, price will take care of itself.
  2. How Do I Choose A Contractor?After meeting with the Contractor personally, not a salesperson, ask yourself:
    1. Is the Contractor sincere, honest, trustworthy, and genuinely helpful?
    2. Will the Contractor do the best job and provide excellent customer service, support and value?
    3. Am I confident the Contractor will have my family’s safety and security in mind – not their bank account?
    4. Do I believe the Contractor will do an excellent job that will last and be beautiful?
  3. Did the Contractor clearly explain how the estimating process works?
  4. There is no greater way to torpedo your project than to choose a contractor based on a free estimate.
  5. Anyone who says permits are not required for a bathroom, kitchen, or full interior remodel is lying to you and you’re going to get yourself into trouble.

Before you hire a contractor, can they answer “yes” to all of these questions?

No.QuestionDAD’sComments
1.Licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)?Yes!It’s the law!
2.Workers Compensation Insurance (if required)?Yes!It’s the law!
3.General Liability Insurance of $2 million?Yes!Protection for you!
4.Bonded to $15,000?Yes!It’s the law!
5.Is the down payment 10% or $1,000 whichever is less?Yes!It’s the law!
6.Are there at least 5 progress payments clearly spelled out in the contract?  Including a 10% withhold until the Building Department issues the completion certificate?Yes!Never let the payments get ahead of the job!
7.Will Contractor work every possible workday to ensure the job is completed on time?Yes!DAD’s values your time!
8.Provide design service with professionally developed 3D color drawings?Yes!Brings your project to life!
9.Provide a written detailed contract?Yes!It’s the law!
10.Will contract illustrate expenses and specifications by line item category – not just a few numbers?Yes!Very important!
11.Will Contractor use environmentally safe products and practices?Yes!USGBC member!
12.Will Contractor provide all required building permits, arrange and be present for all Building Department inspections?Yes!It’s the law!
13.Will all materials, labor, and work be supplied and performed by Contractor through job completion?  In other words, turn-key?Yes!DAD’s takes care of everything!
14.Will drywall and insulation be removed and replaced for your health and safety?Yes!DAD’s cares!
15.Will plumbing fixtures be replaced using Kohler products for durability and beauty?Yes!Lasting peace of mind!
16.Will tub and shower tile be installed using Portland cement vs. pre-made backer boards or Polyethylene sheets?Yes!Strong and durable!
17.Will tiles be very high quality for strength, durability and safety from Daltile?Yes!Certified by PTCA (1 of only 24 manufactures)!
18.Will shower pans have best quality hot mop water proofing and be thoroughly tested and inspected?Yes!Guaranteed not to leak!
19.Will paint be ultra-premium Everest and Suprema by Dunn Edwards?Yes!Superior performance and color!
20.Will trash and debris be removed daily and the work area left clean and well organized?Yes!Trash is never left in piles around your home!
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For more helpful information, please see Best Local Contractor for selecting the best local contractor for bathrooms, kitchens, and full interiors!

How Can I Receive More Information?

If you would like more information on enjoying the best bathroom, kitchen, and interior remodeling experience in Orange County, call Dan at (949) 380-0177 or at dan@dadsconstruction.com for a free in home consultation.  DAD’s serves all of South Orange County California.  This includes Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, Ladera Ranch, Irvine, San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Dove Canyon, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Newport Beach, and Aliso Viejo.

DAD's Construction Best Local Contractor

“Taking Care of Your Home . . . The Way We Would Our Own”

Daniel A. Derkum is the owner of DAD’s Construction, a leading South Orange County, California design-and-build remodeling and renovation contractor, https://www.dadsconstruction.com.  © DAD’s Home Services & Construction, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.