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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 Local Home Remodeling Contractors: Bring Dream Homes to Life

By / Home Improvement / Comments Off on Orange County Local Home Remodeling Contractors: Bring Dream Homes to Life

Home remodeling is an exciting process, but it can also be stressful. Whether you’re redoing your kitchen, adding a room, or updating your bathroom, the process can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Orange County is home to talented, skilled, and experienced local home remodeling contractors like those at Inspired Remodels. These pros bring your dream to life.

Why Choose Local Contractors?

Local contractors understand the unique character and style of Orange County homes. They know the local building codes and regulations and have established relationships with area suppliers and subcontractors. So, they get the job done efficiently and cost-effectively. As a result, you experience minimal disruption.

In addition, local home remodeling contractors worry about their reputation. They emphasize high standards of workmanship and customer service.  Because they rely on word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews, they go above and beyond to ensure satisfaction.

Choosing the Right Local Home Remodeling Contractor

Selecting the right contractor for your home remodeling project is crucial for success. Use these tips to help you choose wisely:

  1. Ask Around – Ask friends, family, and neighbors for referrals. Word-of-mouth referrals are a reliable way to find a reputable contractor.
  2. Check Credentials – Make sure the contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded. Check their credentials with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  3. Review their Work – Look at the contractor’s portfolio of completed projects. This gives you an idea of their style and quality of work.
  4. Get Multiple Bids – Get bids from at least three contractors. This will help you compare prices and services and ensure you get a fair deal.
  5. Communication is Key – Choose a contractor who communicates well and listens to your needs. A good contractor will keep you informed throughout the project and address any concerns you may have.

Inspired Remodels: Local Home Remodeling Contractor With the Most Trusted Team

Choosing a local contractor for your home remodeling project is smart. Hiring Inspired Remodels is brilliant.  Inspired Remodels is a design and build firm. From start to finish, you have one point of contact. Your project will always include quality materials from trusted vendors, proven installation methods, and only the best local tradesmen. Let Inspired Remodels bring your dreams to life. Schedule a consultation today.

How to Hire a Home Remodel Contractor

By / Home Improvement / Comments Off on How to Hire a Home Remodel Contractor

Earlier this month we looked at hiring a kitchen remodel company. The skill set for remodeling a kitchen is similar, but there are some specific things you need to know before you hire a home remodel contractor. Chances are, your home remodel contractor will be working in more than one room. They might even add a room to your house. Here’s how to hire a home remodel contractor in Orange County.

Understand the Regulatory Requirements

Some jobs require permits and others do not. Failing to get permits when permits are required leads to problems down the road. Your insurance company may refuse to cover your house if it violates code and the costs to bring your home into compliance will probably be greater than if you had followed code in the beginning. That’s because engineers may be brought in to assess the structure.

So, just start by finding out what work requires a permit and what does not. Then when talking to your home remodel contractor, find out if they will be responsible for pulling the permits. If the contractor asks the homeowner to get the permits that’s a warning sign. The contractor may have problems with their license or insurance that will be uncovered during the permit application.

discuss budget with kitchen model company before picking a design

Be Honest About Your Budget

You know how much to have to spend on your remodel project. Be honest with the contractor about it. A seasoned contractor knows that you should include a contingency amount in the total budget. An experienced home remodel contractor can also tell you if your budget is realistic.

Get the work to be covered by your budgeted amount in writing. In other words, make sure you have a contract and the contract specifies the amount budgeted. You will also want to include a change order process. If during the project changes are required to the scope of the work (such as discovering a load bearing wall), the contract should include a process for approving these changes.

If the contractor excludes items from the contract, find out the value of these items to make sure you are still on budget. For example, if the project includes the installation of barn doors but the contract doesn’t include the actual cost of the doors, you need to make sure they are in your budget.

Also, remember that when it comes to home remodeling materials and workmanship the cost reflects the quality.

hire a home remodel contractor you can connect with

Connect with the Contractor

Don’t hire a home remodel contractor that you can’t personally connect with. This company is going to be in your house and they may be there for weeks.

You need a contractor with a personality and style that meshes with your own. You also need to know you can connect with the contractor when you have questions or a problem occurs. A reputable home remodel contractor like Inspired Remodels will provide you with a point person for the entirety of the project. Make sure this is a person that works well with your personality and style.

Home remodeling is stressful. Dreading a conversation, text or email with the contractor only adds more stress. So, select someone you can communicate with.

check the license of your home remodel contractor online

Check those Credentials and References

This is so obvious but it must be said. Check the references and credentials of the contractor. It’s easy to check a license online with the State of California and with sites such as Google and Yelp, it’s easy to find references. Be like Nike and just do it.

Orange County Home Remodel Contractor with Integrity

You won’t go wrong if you go with Inspired Remodels. That’s the home remodel contractor with integrity and a long list of happy customers and successful projects.

Contact us online or call (949) 716-1938 and schedule a consultation today.