fbpx

Call us today! 949-716-1938

Inspired Remodels

bathroom remodeling

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.

 

 

 

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.

Orange County Bathroom Renovation Company Inspiration

By / Bathroom Remodel / Comments Off on Orange County Bathroom Renovation Company Inspiration

If your en suite is no longer sweet, it’s time for a bathroom renovation. Get a little inspiration from Inspired Remodels. This Orange County bathroom renovation company breathes new life into drab and boring bathrooms. Check out what’s happening in Orange County bathrooms and start planning your bathroom renovation!

Soaking Tubs Galore

What’s hotter than a soaking tub? A soaking tub by a fireplace!

bathroom renovation company adds fireplace to san clemente bathroom

Now that’s an incredible look, amazing luxury, and totally achievable when Inspired Remodels in your bathroom renovation company.

Prefer a garden soak? No problem. Check out this Tustin bathroom renovation.

sleek master bathroom renovation puts tub under 2 windows

Who wants to sit with their eyes closed when they can gaze into the blue sky?

What about a real spa experience?  Porcelain and ceramic tiles finished to emulate wood make it possible.

Get the look of wood without worrying about the water. Inspired Remodels makes it so!

Frameless showers

Standalone showers offer the ability to quickly clean up or indulge in a gentle Spring rain. And modern bathrooms often feature a separate tub and shower. The frameless shower elevates any bathroom renovation design.

bathroom renovaction company after picture with frameless shower and soaking tub

By eliminating the metal frames, you maximize the eye appeal.

Don’t trust a handyman to pull this look off. You need an experienced design/build team to create a frameless shower that is beautiful, functional, and above all safe.

after house remodeling project pictue of bathroom shower with grey tile and a white sink

Because this shower bares all, feel free to go wild with your tile selection. Designs, patterns, and textures shine through the frameless glass.

Orange County bathroomm contractor adds a shower bench to a Ladera Ranch bathroom

Stunning!

Embrace the Outdoors

Let the sunshine in and soak in the rays as you soak in the tub or luxuriate in the shower. Inspired Remodels knows how important light is in the bathroom. As renovation contractors, they seek to make the most of natural light.

Placing the elements of the design near windows maximizes exposure. Noting the window exposure maintains privacy.

Who wouldn’t feel better looking out at this view?

Farmhouse inspired master bathroom with shiplap and white cabinets

Embracing the natural environment and incorporating it into the design makes the most of your natural assets. It’s the modern way to design functional and beautiful rooms.

Your Orange County Bathroom Renovation Company

When it’s time to turn your bathroom aspirations into reality, you want to work with an inspired bathroom renovation company. You want to work with Inspired Remodels.

Trusted by Orange County to design and build stunning en suite bathrooms, full bathrooms, and half baths as well as kitchens, living spaces, and bedrooms.

Schedule an appointment today.