One of the hardest parts of a home renovation is choosing a reliable contractor in Los Angeles. You’ve probably heard some horror stories about contractors who tore about kitchens or bathrooms and never returned or went triple times over the original estimate!
Doing your research will help you avoid these situations, but there are other steps you can take as well. Things can get stressful even with a good contractor, but at least you’ll know that you’re in good hands. Below are some tips for finding a dependable home contractor you can trust.
Know What You Want – Start with an Architect
Know what you want before talking to a contractor. You’ll get a more accurate estimate if you can be specific about what work you want done. Start by researching ideas online and scheduling a consultation with an architect. An architect will evaluate your project, research city requirements and guide you through the design process.
As you work with an architect, you can start pre-qualifying contractors in Los Angeles. This way, you’ll have a professional lined up once you’re ready to start the process. Choose an architect with the same caution as you would any other professional. Ask for referrals and references and look at their portfolios.
Get Detailed Bids from Three Contractors
Ask a lot of questions and get a written proposal from three contractors. Make sure you compare apples to apples when looking at bids. Some people are quick to go with the lowest bid, but this can be a mistake. Instead, each quote should include the same materials and tasks. Anything that’s unusually high or low is a red flag.
Another thing to discuss with each Los Angeles contractor is an anticipated start/completion date. A contractor’s availability depends on factors like time of year, location and work being done. Good contractors usually have steady work, so expect to wait a few months for the project to start.
Check Licenses, References and Online Reviews
Once you’ve narrowed down your Los Angeles contractors, qualify each one by checking for a valid license and workers’ comp insurance. Licenses should always be in good standing. If the contractor has pending issues or professional code violations, they’ll turn up in this search.
You can find reviews and testimonials on sites like Yelp, Google and HomeAdvisor. One negative review isn’t much of a concern, but a lot of negative feedback is, especially if the claims are consistent (i.e., not finishing on time). Check references as well – every good contractor should have some solid referrals to give you.
Contact Us for a Custom Quote
Once you settle on a home renovation company in Los Angeles, you can sign the contract, and your project will be added to the calendar. Kavin Construction is a home renovation company in Los Angeles that will be happy to provide you with a detailed bid for your project. Contact us today to learn more about our premium home and kitchen remodeling services.
