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?”
- Most important! Hire the person, not the estimate. When you find the right person, price will take care of itself.
After meeting with the Contractor personally, not a salesperson, ask yourself:
- Is the Contractor sincere, honest, trustworthy, and genuinely helpful?
- Will the Contractor do the best job and provide excellent customer service, support and value?
- Am I confident the Contractor will have my family’s safety and security in mind – not their bank account?
- Do I believe the Contractor will do an excellent job that will last and be beautiful?
- Did the Contractor clearly explain how the estimating process works?
- There is no greater way to torpedo your project than to choose a contractor based on a free estimate.
- 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. | Question | DAD’s | Comments |
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! |
Score | 100% |
For more helpful information, please see Best Local Contractor for selecting the best local contractor for bathrooms, kitchens, and full interiors!