Hiring the right contractor can make the difference between a renovation you love and a project that drains your budget, time, and patience. Whether you are planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom upgrade, room addition, or whole-home renovation, the contractor you choose will be your most important decision. Here is a straightforward guide to finding and vetting the right professional for your project.
Verify Licensing and Insurance First
In California, any contractor performing work valued at $500 or more must hold a valid license issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Before you sign anything, take these essential steps:
- Ask for the contractor’s license number and verify it on the CSLB website at cslb.ca.gov
- Confirm the license classification matches the type of work you need – a B license covers general building contractors
- Check that the license is active and has no unresolved complaints or disciplinary actions
- Request a copy of their general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage
- Verify insurance certificates directly with the insurance carrier to confirm they are current
A contractor who hesitates to share this information or makes excuses about expired documents is not someone you want working on your home. Licensing and insurance exist to protect you financially and legally if something goes wrong during construction.
Check References and Past Work
Any reputable contractor should be happy to provide references from recent clients. When you contact those references, ask specific questions beyond whether they were satisfied with the work. Important questions include:
- Did the project stay on budget, and if not, what caused the overages?
- Was the project completed on time or close to the original schedule?
- How did the contractor handle unexpected problems or changes during the project?
- Was the job site kept clean and organized throughout construction?
- Would you hire this contractor again without hesitation?
In addition to references, review the contractor’s online presence. Look at their portfolio on their website, read reviews on Google and Yelp, and check their rating with the Better Business Bureau. Consistent patterns in reviews – whether positive or negative – tend to be reliable indicators of what your experience will be like.
Get Detailed Written Estimates
Always obtain written estimates from at least three contractors before making a decision. A professional estimate should include a detailed scope of work, an itemized cost breakdown for materials and labor, a projected timeline with start and completion dates, payment schedule tied to project milestones, and information about warranties on both workmanship and materials.
Be cautious of estimates that are significantly lower than others. Unusually low bids often signal that a contractor is cutting corners on materials, underestimating the scope of work, or planning to make up the difference through change orders once the project is underway. The goal is not to find the cheapest option but to find the best value – quality work at a fair price.
Insist on a Written Contract
A handshake agreement is never sufficient for a home renovation project. Your written contract should clearly define every aspect of the project, including:
- Complete description of all work to be performed
- Total project cost and a detailed payment schedule
- Start date and estimated completion date
- Specific materials, brands, and finishes to be used
- Procedures for handling change orders and additional costs
- Cleanup responsibilities and debris removal
- Warranty terms for labor and materials
- Cancellation and dispute resolution procedures
California law requires that home improvement contracts exceeding $500 include specific consumer protection language, a three-day right to cancel, and the contractor’s license number. Never sign a contract that is vague, incomplete, or presented under pressure.
Watch for Red Flags
Experienced homeowners and industry professionals know the warning signs of a problematic contractor. Walk away immediately if you encounter any of the following:
- Demands for large upfront payments – California law limits initial deposits to $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less
- No physical business address or only a P.O. box
- Pressure to start work immediately without a signed contract
- Unwillingness to pull required building permits
- Asking you to obtain permits in your name instead of theirs
- No written warranty on their workmanship
- Cash-only payment demands with no receipt or invoice
Communication Matters as Much as Craftsmanship
A renovation project can last weeks or even months. During that time, you need a contractor who communicates clearly, returns calls and messages promptly, and keeps you informed about progress and any issues that arise. Pay attention to how responsive and transparent a contractor is during the bidding process, because that behavior is a preview of how they will perform once construction begins.
At ACE Design and Build, we believe in complete transparency. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We provide detailed written proposals, maintain open communication throughout every project, and stand behind our work with solid warranties. If you are looking for a contractor in Los Angeles you can trust, get in touch with our team for an honest conversation about your project goals and budget.