How to Choose a General Contractor in Phelan, CA
Updated: Aug 5
When it comes to finding a general contractor for your home improvement job in Phelan, CA it can feel like a lot.
Maybe your thinking about the project for a while or perhaps it is something that has been on your to do list for years.
It could be a kitchen remodel that you've been dreaming of or perhaps you've had a bathroom that is just not functional for your family.
Whatever it is, you know it is now time to find someone you can trust with the job.
That's where the problem can start.
It is easy to be impressed by what you see from a contractor, his website, portfolio and maybe even a competitive bid, but remodeling is serious business.
The right general contractor will make sure to understand your needs, explain things clearly to you, communicate throughout the project, and treat your home as if it were his or her own from the first meeting through to the last walkthrough.
The following are some tips for making the best choice when it comes to hiring a contractor for your home improvement project.
Start Your Search With a Valid California Contractor License
It is critical to start your search by making sure the contractor you consider is actually licensed.
Not only are unlicensed contractors illegal in the state of California, they also will not carry the insurance needed for big jobs.
This is why it is so important that you start by visiting the website of the Contractors State License Board, also known as the CSLB.
Here you can research a contractor by license number, company name or personnel name.
Having a valid license number should be easy to find on a contractor's website, bids and contracts.
Doing this can give you a deeper insight to the contractor you are considering by telling you the status of his license, classification, bond information, worker's compensation and more.
It is easy to find a great recommendation from someone you know or feel great about talking to, but a few minutes spent doing research can put your mind at ease.
Make Sure The Contractor You Choose Matches the Job You Need Done
Not every contractor works on the exact same things.
While many are jack of all trades so to speak, some specialize in certain areas of home improvement.
You wouldn't take your car in to an electrician if you have a problem with the engine, would you?
The same goes for hiring a home improvement contractor.
Make sure the person you hire has worked on similar projects, understands those projects and can explain to you what is needed for your project.
While many general contractors can handle a wide variety of jobs, it is still important to make sure he or she knows what is involved with the specific job you have in mind.
Ask questions, like "Have you handled projects like this before?" and "How long do you think this project will take?"
You will want to feel confident that the work being done is what you expect and understand that he or she knows exactly what they are doing just as well as you do.
This is especially important if you're thinking about a major remodeling project of any kind.
Get More Than One Written Bid for Your Project
It is a good idea to get multiple bids, but make sure you're comparing apples to apples.
One contractor may be giving you a bid for a basic kitchen update, while another is quoting you for a complete kitchen renovation with demolition, new cabinets and countertops, plumbing and electrical work, tile work and more.
It is also important to keep in mind that the lowest bid is not always the best deal.
Sometimes it can be the most expensive deal if it does not include the things you need or expected.
Review each bid carefully to make sure what you're getting is exactly what you want and ask questions if you need clarification.
Written bids should give you a clear understanding of what will be done and shouldn't leave you wondering what is included or not included.
Ask About Insurance and Worker's Compensation Coverage
Insurance is an important topic when it comes to hiring a contractor, so it is always a good idea to ask about it.
The California Contractors State License Board recommends that you confirm that a contractor has workers' compensation and general liability insurance before hiring him or her, especially if the contractor has employees.
Workers' compensation protects the people who work for the contractor, but it also protects you in the event that someone is injured at your home.
General liability insurance also helps protect you in the event of damage or loss.
Asking about this type of thing should never make you feel uncomfortable.
A professional general contractor should understand that these are important questions and have no problem giving you the information you need.
Pay Attention To The Way You're Communicated With At First
One of the quickest ways to see what kind of contractor you're working with is to look at the way you communicate from the start.
Does he or she ask questions about what is important to you?
Do they answer your questions?
Do they listen?
Do they return your calls or texts, or do they make you chase them down?
Do they give you straight answers or make things sound better than they are?
During your remodeling project there will be decisions to make, changes to be made and things that will come up that you didn't think of.
That's all part of the process.
Good communication doesn't mean there will be nothing to change, it means you will always know what is happening.
At Eagle Mountain General Construction, we believe in communication, which is why we want to understand what you need and what you want.
Ask to See Similar Projects Completed Previously
A portfolio can tell you a lot about the quality of work a general contractor can provide.
When reviewing a portfolio, make sure to look at projects that are similar to the one you need.
If you're considering a kitchen remodel, take a look at kitchens, if you're thinking about new custom cabinets take a look at cabinets and so on.
While pictures say a lot about the work and the style, it is also a good idea to ask questions about the work being done.
How was the project handled?
Were there any problems or challenges?
How was communication during the project?
What materials were used?
A professional contractor that is proud of his work should have no problem sharing answers to these questions.
Another great way to look at the quality of work a contractor provides is to ask for references from people who have recently hired him or her.
Talking to someone who has gone through the process can give you a great idea of what to expect from start to finish.
Review the Written Contract Carefully
A contract is a document that tells you what to expect from your project before the work begins.
It should show who the contractor is that will be working on the project, what will be done, how much will be paid and any additional details that are agreed upon by both parties.
It is always a good idea to be very thorough on any contract you sign.
Never sign a contract you don't understand, and never sign a contract you rush through just to get it over with.
Review it carefully to make sure everything is as you discussed and ask questions if something doesn't make sense.
The Contractors State License Board also has great information about home improvement contracts, payments and more.
A good contract is simply about making sure there are no misunderstandings about the project at hand.
Be Wary of Contractors Offering Unreasonably Low Bids
As everyone knows, no one wants to spend more money than they have to.
That is why it is always a good idea to get a few bids for your project.
However, bids that are substantially lower than the rest should be taken with a grain of salt.
It is normal for a bid to be a little lower than the rest, but a contractor that is giving you a quote that is much lower, may be a red flag.
It could just mean the contractor made a simple mistake, but it could also mean the contractor simply does not know what they are doing or is not providing you with the services you actually need.
The cheapest bid can turn out to be the most expensive, so don't just ask yourself which contractor is the cheapest, ask yourself which contractor gives you the most sense.
Does the scope seem complete?
Does the contractor seem to understand the work?
Are they clear about what is included?
Do you trust them enough to ask questions?
The best choice is always a matter of personal preference.
Ask For A Contractor That Takes Time to Plan Before Breaking Any Walls
Great projects do not just happen overnight.
They are the result of lots of planning, vision, hard work and dedication.
A good general contractor will understand the importance of planning.
He or she will want to understand your needs, budget and wants in order to provide you with an amazing remodeling experience.
Planning also allows the contractor to avoid confusion about your project, saving you money by not having to explain things over and over again.
A contractor who takes the time to plan, isn't wasting your time, he or she is protecting your project from change orders and additional expenses.
Trust Your Instincts
Hiring a general contractor is not just a logical decision, it is also a personal one.
It is a personal choice to let someone into your home and trust them with your time, money and space.
You should always feel comfortable with the person doing the work.
It is also important to remember that while a good contractor will always tell you what you want to hear, he or she should also give you honest advice when it comes to your project, especially if you're thinking about a big remodeling project.
At the end of the day you should always feel like the contractor you've hired cares about your questions, opinions and wants.
Choose a Contractor That Listens
The best general contractor for the remodeling project in your home in Phelan, CA is someone who knows that it is about more than just building, it's about making your home work better for the people who live there.
At Eagle Mountain General Construction we believe in listening first, whether you're thinking about a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, new cabinets, room addition, roofing, concrete and more, we listen first to understand your remodeling goals before we develop our recommendations.
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