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Inspired Remodels

bathroom renovation

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 Bathroom Remodeling – Thanksgiving Edition

By / Bathroom Remodel / Comments Off on Orange County Bathroom Remodeling – Thanksgiving Edition

If you’ve survived an Orange County bathroom remodeling this year, you’re thankful the work is complete and you now have a revived and refreshed space.

Even in the best circumstances, any major home remodeling disrupts the rhythm of everyday family life. Bathroom remodeling in the en suite bathroom spills into the bedroom and requires you to move to a secondary bathroom.

Remodeling a secondary bathroom puts it out of commission and requires sharing another bathroom space.

But once the work is done, the dust is cleared, and life settles down, you feel an immense sense of accomplishment.  Take a look at these recent Orange County bathroom remodeling projects.

Grey quartz countertops with white cabinetry and black accessories

Double Duty

Make the most of the space you have with a dual vanity. Include cabinetry, sinks, and mirrors for two along one wall.

Don’t think you need two walls to create two separate spaces. 

In this bathroom, gorgeous greige quartz countertops complement white cabinetry with black hardware. Each mirror provides individual task lighting.

Square sinks match the lines of the cabinet insets.

White picket tile backsplash with black accessories and dark cabinets

Here you see the same elements that appear to be completely different. You still have dual sinks, cabinets, and mirrors but it doesn’t even look the same

Instead of knockdown walls, this bathroom remodel adds white picket tiles to create a backsplash. Dual round mirrors share task lighting and square sinks still prevail, but the cabinetry is a different style.

Still, both rooms provide a space anyone would be thankful to have in their house.

Orange County bathroom remodeling after picture showing black subway tile installed with white grout in herringbone pattern

Spa Experience  in a Small Space

Experienced bathroom remodeling companies know how to squeeze maximum enjoyment from every square inch of space. Even if you don’t have a square to spare.

This Orange County bathroom remodel oozes luxury and spa vibes from every surface. A frameless glass shower stall, overhead rain shower head, dark herringbone tile with contrasting light grout, and light floor create a serene spa-like feel.

The Japanese-style soaking tube in bright white follows the clean-line aesthetics that start with the cabinetry and carry through to the hardware.

This room exudes elegance and classic style. In other words, it packs a huge punch in a small space. And most importantly, no element overwhelms the space.

San Clemente bathroom remodeling after photo adds 2 sinks, ebony wood cabintry, white marble vanity and lighted mirror

Super Sweet En Suite Bathroom Remodeling

Then there is the amazing en suite bathroom remodeling in San Clemente.

This homeowner had enough space to create a bathroom retreat. Sinks on opposite walls give each user all the personal space they need for morning and nightly routines.

A sit-down vanity space with exceptional lighting offers a place for make-up and other personal grooming.

Storage galore! There’s no need for a separate linen and supplies closet to keep this space amply stocked.

Add a glorious soaking tub accented with a foyer-worthy chandelier and you can see this space provides much to be thankful for.

Planning a bathroom remodel in 2024? Schedule a consultation with Inspired Remodels and plan a bathroom space to enjoy for years. You’ll be so thankful you worked with Inspired Remodels.

Shower Remodeling in Orange County

By / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement / Comments Off on Shower Remodeling in Orange County

A shower remodel provides a beautiful and usable new shower area. In addition, it adds value and style to your home. When searching for a shower remodeler in Orange County, look for someone with experience in bathroom design and renovation. You’ll also want to consider their portfolio of past projects and customer reviews.

shower remodeling with Dunes Leaf tile by Arizona Tile

Shower Remodeling Trends for 2023

As we look ahead to 2023, watch these shower remodeling trends.

  • Natural materials add warmth and texture to a shower area, creating a spa-like feel.
  • Large-format tiles make a small shower appear larger and more spacious.
  • Bold colors, such as deep blues and greens, brighten up bathrooms all over the US in 2023.

Shower Remodeling Tips

If you’re planning a shower remodel, keep these tips in mind. First, set a realistic budget for your project. The cost of a shower remodel varies depending on the materials and design. Second, consider the function of the shower area. Do you need additional storage or seating? Would you benefit from a walk-in shower or a built-in bench? Finally, work with a professional shower remodeler to design and complete the project.

shower remodeing adds frameless glass

A Shower Remodel Like This Requires a Pro

Why Hire a Shower Remodeler

Hire a shower remodeler. This isn’t a DIY job unless you are highly skilled and a licensed plumber. A professional shower remodeler brings the expertise and experience to handle any shower renovation project, no matter how complex.

Remodelers like Inspired Remodels have access to high-quality materials and products not available to the general public. This ensures that your shower renovation project is of the highest quality and will last for years.

A professional shower remodeler saves you time and money by completing the project efficiently and effectively and avoiding costly mistakes DIY’ers make.

A well-designed and functional shower significantly increases the value of your home. A professional shower remodeler can help you create a beautiful and functional shower that will make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Joe Mueller – Your Orange County Shower Remodeler

Picking a Remodeler

When choosing a shower remodeler, do your research and find a professional with the skills and experience to handle your project. Here are some tips for picking a pro:

Look for a home remodeler that specializes in shower remodeling. Not every general contractor brings the same level of expertise in shower design and renovation.

Check their credentials and licenses. Make sure the remodeler provides copies of the necessary licenses and insurance to work on your project.

Look at their portfolio of past projects. A good shower remodeler should be able to provide examples of their work and customer reviews.

Get multiple quotes. Make sure to get a quote from Inspired Remodels. Then compare.