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Inspired Remodels

Bathroom Remodel

How to Avoid Being Scammed by General Contractors

By / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on How to Avoid Being Scammed by General Contractors

Want to renovate or remodel but fear getting ripped off? Orange County homeowners need not worry about being scammed by general contractors if they take a few simple steps to protect themselves. Remember, good general contractors book months in advance. Often, handmen scramble for jobs and tell you they can start immediately.

Immediate availability and high-pressure sales tactics serve as two huge screaming red flags. Here are other ways to avoid being scammed by a contractor.

man using laptop to check general contractors license online with state website

Let your fingers do the walking to check credentials online

Credentials Matter

Do you trust a dentist to perform brain surgery? Both went to medical school and sport the name doctor.  That doesn’t make their credentials to do the job equal.

Never hire a plumber to wire your new bathroom. Avoid contracting with an electrician to make structural changes (remove walls, etc.) to create an open kitchen.

Instead, hire Orange County-based general contractors who hold a State of California license. Make sure the license is in good standing.  These credentials assure you that the contractor passed skills and knowledge tests to prove their knowledge of safe construction practices.

Insurance Protects You

Ask for proof of insurance and bond. For large jobs, ask for a certificate of insurance, naming you as a temporary additional insured.

Alternatively, check the contractor’s bond and worker’s compensation insurance status when you check the license status online. Simply click on the license number and bond and insurance details appear.

bandage on finger

Why is this important? General contractors without liability and worker’s compensation insurance transfer their risk of loss to you.

If an employee of an unlicensed general contractor gets injured while working at your home, you are responsible for their medical care. Did you know that?

If a contractor fails to complete the job, their bond makes you whole.

To avoid general contractor scams, always verify licenses and insurance.

glasses on general contractor contract pages

Get it in writing and read the contract

Get It in Writing

When talking to a potential contractor, request a written contract outlining all details of the work, payment schedule, and estimated completion schedule.

Avoid the general contractor who asks you to pull the permits. That’s a big red flag.

Compare your estimates and ensure you compare apples to apples. Estimates should include the same features and finishes. Beware of the low-ball contractor.

When you agree to the terms, insist on a written contract. Include all project details, materials, payment schedule, start and end dates, and the dispute resolution procedures.

General Contractor Scams Red Flags

Beware of:

  • High-pressure sales tactics. Run away when told you must sign immediately to “get on the schedule”.
  • Extremely low price. This contractor plans to add extra charges as the work proceeds.
  • Requests for large sums in advance. No reliable contractor asks for more than one-third of the amount before work begins. Only pay in full once the work is completed.
  • Inability to offer references. This contractor burned too many bridges to provide good references.

Trust your instincts. If something sounds too good to be true, it is probably a scam.  Only deal with established and trusted Orange County general contractors like Inspired Remodels.

 

 

 

Orange County Shower Remodel Inspiration

By / Bathroom Remodel / Comments Off on Orange County Shower Remodel Inspiration

In an inspired remodel, the shower doubles as a showstopper. Get inspired for your bathroom update with a little Orange County shower remodel inspiration from Inspired Remodels. From shaking things up with tile shapes, textures, and patterns to elevating the shower spray, these Orange County shower remodels set the stage for functional and beautiful bathrooms.

Orange County Shower remodel features white subway tile in herringbone pattern with black grout

Use Pattern In the Shower

Tile offers countless opportunities to accent color, texture, and design. But don’t forget, installation patterns provide another powerful design tool.

Herringbone patterns elevate humble, plain white subway tile when installed in a herringbone pattern. Herringbone brings all the drama of a chevron pattern without the extra labor to cut each tile at a 45° angle. You also use less tile.

Don’t forget the grout! Contrasting grout creates patterns between the tiles. The stark contrast between white tiles and black grout or black or gray tiles and white or brown grout creates visual interest.

young woman singing in shower using shower head as a microphone

Multiple Shower Heads = Twice as Nice

Get ready to crank up the power in your next shower singing performance with multiple shower heads.

shower remodel adds rain shower head and adjustable height handheld shower

A rainfall shower head provides gentle, sensual water spray while handheld heads double as microphones and allow you to target certain areas.

Use an additional pulsating spray on sore calves or the back while luxuriating under the soothing spray from the main shower head. Or use two large shower heads to convert your shower into a human carwash.

Orange County shower remodel after photo with white tile and bronze rainshower head and adjustable handheld shower head

Handheld shower heads evolved considerably beyond the original shower massage. Today, adjustable-height shower heads move with ease on slide bars to deliver water exactly where you want it. Wall-mounted nozzles deliver invigorating spray.

Whether you shower solo or with a friend, don’t shower with only one shower head.

 

Accent Tiles Add Interest to Every Shower Remodel

Just as accent tiles breathe life into the kitchen backsplash, accent tiles bring color and life to every inspired Orange County shower remodel.

Accent tiles embellish niches, floors, and benches in the modern Orange County shower. Match with floor tiles, complement wall tiles, or use accent tiles to bring together disparate design elements in a cohesive look.  

After shower remodel blue and green floor tile matches wall tile behind white tub

Benches make showers safer and more comfortable to use. Decorate them with accent tiles! This design takes the wall tile by the tub and repurposes it as an accent tile in the shower. Looks stunning.

Start an Inspired Orange County Shower Remodel

Inspired Orange County shower remodels begin with Inspired Remodels. Bring your ideas to Joe and Jason Mueller, the Orange County brains and talent behind Inspired Remodels.

Use their design and build model to plan and execute a shower remodel that won’t make you crazy. With one point of contact from start to finish, you enjoy a smoother remodel and less disruption to your life.

Schedule a consultation online or call (949) 716-1938.

4 Fall Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

By / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on 4 Fall Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

As summer fades into fall, Orange County homeowners pivot their attention from outdoors to indoor spaces. If refreshing your home’s interior strikes your fancy, check out these four kitchen and bathroom remodeling ideas. Get inspired by the work of Inspired Remodels.

Kitchen and bathroom remodeler after photo White countertops, walnut cabinets, and  blue glass herringbone backsplash

Add a Backsplash

Backsplashes make a splash in bathrooms and kitchens alike. Functionally, backsplashes prevent water from damaging drywall and make cleaning surfaces easier. From a design perspective, backsplashes provide a place to let your creative spirit shine.

In kitchens, use mosaic tiles, herringbone patterns, or subway tiles in designer colors for a classic yet contemporary look.

kitchen and bath remodeling after photo White picket tile backsplash with black accessories and dark cabinets

In bathrooms, create a backsplash and accent walls with textured tiles, glass tiles, or use marble or stone to add a touch of elegance.

Choose materials and colors that complement the existing decor, to create a cohesive and stylish look If the backsplash isn’t part of a comprehensive kitchen and bath remodeling project,

 

kitchen and bath remodeling after photo white lower cabinets, white upper cabinet, white quartz countertop

Add a Kitchen Island

A kitchen island addition significantly enhances the functionality and aesthetics of the area. It serves as an extra workspace, a spot for casual dining, and even additional storage.

If you love to cook, add an island with a prep sink or stovetop to work more efficiently. Is yours the home where everyone gathers?  Create an island space that doubles as a buffet.

Use pendant lighting to transform an island into a focal point. Mix and match island cabinets and countertops to contrast with existing cabinets and countertops.

Modern coastal kitchen design with black and white custom cabinets

Whether your kitchen is large or small, a well-designed island transforms the space into a more practical and beautiful space.

Black slab front custom cabinets with white counters for a modern contemporary bathroom

Update Countertops

New kitchen or bathroom countertops create a fresh, new look without full kitchen and bathroom remodeling headaches or expenses.

Orange County homeowners love quartz countertops for the kitchen. Unlike granite, quartz doesn’t require sealing, making it an easy-care surface.

Orange County general contractors after pic of black and white kitchen remodel

In the bathroom, granite has been the go-to option for years, but quartz is quickly gaining popularity for the same reasons people love it in the kitchen.

New countertops elevate the look of your kitchen and bathroom, giving them a fresh, modern vibe without the need for a complete remodel.

Accessorize

Sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest difference.

Swap out the hardware on cabinets and drawers and update the look of your kitchen and bathroom without breaking the bank. These days, popular finishes include brushed nickel, matte black, and brass because they go with everything from traditional to modern styles.  

kitchen and bath contractor after picture brown cabinets with white countertop and full length wall mirror

In the bathroom, add lighted mirrors for enhanced visibility and the feeling of spa-like luxury every time you walk in the room.

Update the lighting fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to create a dramatic impact without remodeling the entire kitchen or bathroom. Layer your lighting with ambient, task, and accent lighting to create functional and beautiful rooms.

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Design/Build Pros

Whether you plan on a minor renovation to the kitchen or bath, get a quote from Inspired Remodels. This Orange County kitchen and remodeling contractor employs a design/build approach to home improvement.

Enjoy a single point of contact and a team of professionals who make your remodeling dreams a reality.

Schedule an appointment today.