Orange County remodeling contractor Archives

custom cabinets make use of space in corner

Hire the Right Local Home Remodeling Contractor

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

This article was originally published December 2020. It has been updated to provide more current information.

Are you ready for a new bathroom, fireplace or kitchen remodel, or thinking about trendy barn doors and wood-look tile? Take your time picking a contractor. Avoid hiring the first local home remodeling contractor that provides you with a quote. Often, hiring a home remodeling contractor without due diligence leads to regret.

So, take your time. Hire the right local home remodeling contractor for the work you need to be done. Just follow these steps.

Research Online and In-Person

Did you spend hours shopping for appliances, flooring, fixtures, and lighting online and in stores? It would be best if you spent at least that much time and effort researching the local home remodeling pool. Call, text, and email friends, family, and neighbors who hired a local contractor within the last 2 years.

Many contractors place a sign in the yard of the home where they are doing work. So, when you see those signs, reach out to the homeowner. Ring the doorbell and ask about the work being performed. Afraid to ring the bell? Then write a note and leave it at the door. Provide the homeowner with your name, phone number, and email along with the best times to talk. Let them know you just want a little feedback.

Always remember to ask about the work that was done. Because a contractor installing barn doors requires a different skill set than those needed for kitchen remodels. Gain insight into the contractor’s subcontractor network by asking about the full scope of work.

Don’t Compare Apples to Oranges and Oranges to Lemons

Make sure your three quotes represent the same scope of work with the same quality material. Otherwise, it is impossible to compare the quotes. Try to give each local home remodeling contractor the same specifications and scope of work you desire. Get as granular as possible, including drawings, materials, and preferred products. Otherwise, the three contractors will bid based on the products they commonly use. And when it comes to the final price, assumptions play a big role.

Get a complete list of materials included in the work. Make sure you know how the contractor calculated the allowance for overages. If overages aren’t included, find out why. Who pays? You can be sure it won’t be the contractor! When a quote appears much lower than the others, the devil is in the details. This contractor wants you to purchase certain fixtures or lighting and will just provide the labor.

Ensure quotes for custom cabinets include the same quality construction from the same materials.

Make sure all bids include applicable permit fees and requires the local home contractor to be responsible for the permit. Any contractor that asks you to pull a permit has a problem with their license.

Verify License and Insurance

After you narrow down the list of contractors, start checking their background.

Check the general contractor’s license online with the State of California. Use this link https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx and type in the name of the contractor. You will find out if the contractor is licensed and the status of the license. When you click on the license number you can determine the status of the contractor’s bond, workmen’s compensation insurance, and the contractor’s history.

Run from any contractor without a bond or worker’s compensation insurance. Otherwise, if there is a problem, liability falls in your lap. Therefore, ensure the contractor bears responsibility for any employee or subcontractor injury on the job.

Inspired Remodels is the local home remodeling contractor to hire

Go ahead! Do your homework. Include Inspired Remodels in your research. Get to know the Orange County remodeling contractor with a stellar portfolio and integrity.

Local Home Remodeling Contractors are Orange County’s Property Brothers

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

Brothers Joe and Jason Mueller are turning homeowner’s remodeling dreams into reality. These local home remodeling contractors have a winning formula for turning “blah” bathrooms into luxury spas and “so-so” kitchens into splendid spaces for preparing and sharing food. Their creations delight and amaze Orange County homeowners who want a new look for their home. Whether it is traditional, transitional, contemporary or modern Inspired Remodels delivers time and again.

The Design-Build Difference

So, what’s the difference? Part of the winning formula is the way the brothers approach home remodeling and construction. In the traditional model, you work with a designer or architect to create the design of the remodeled or added space. The design documents establish the layout of walls, cabinetry, fixtures and finishes. Next step: hire a contractor to build based on the design. The homeowner is the go-between.

Inspired Remodels takes a different approach. It might even remind you of the HGTV hit, Property Brothers. Joe works with the homeowner to create a design that incorporates the must-have design features to make the room workable. Next, he layers on the finishes and fixtures to delight the eye. Joe’s design presentation shows how the finished project will appear. Then Jason springs into action. As the project manager, he brings in skilled tradesmen to do the work. Just as on the TV show, one brother is the design visionary and the other brother is a construction wizard. These local home remodeling contractors are a real dynamic duo.

The Customer Service Difference

Home remodeling is stressful. Inspired Remodels works hard to minimize the stress. Your house is your home – it’s not just another job site. That’s a small difference in attitude that makes a big difference in your discomfort level during the remodeling process. Inspired Remodels wants to makes the process as easy as possible. You know remodeling is messy, but Inspired Remodels is known for paying attention to keeping things as neat as possible. Just look at what Maria has to say:

“Very conscientious about neatness. Joe and the team are awesome! Love the finished product and would gladly have them come again.”

In addition, Jason, as your project manager, is designated to be at your side every step of the way. That means you have a dedicated point of contact if questions or concerns arise. Communication is so much easier when you only need to work with one person.

Your home remodeling contractor is only as good as the people performing the work. Inspired Remodels carefully vets the craftsmen they bring into your home. Only the best of the best will do for your project.

Pick a Side or Pick a Room

No, we don’t mean to pick one brother over the other! We want you to see for yourself how Inspired Remodels makes interior remodeling dreams come true. So, pick a room in your house, pick a side of your house, or look at a whole house remodel. Review the kitchen remodel portfolio. Peruse the bathroom remodel examples.

That’s just the beginning. Custom fireplaces, entries, outdoor kitchens and even more. Inspired Remodels can add a room or remodel the entire home. Don’t move – improve.

Call today (949) 716-1938.

Why Work with a Design Build Remodeling Contractor

By Inspired Remodels / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

If you are remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or any other room in your house it pays to work with a design-build remodeling contractor. It is much more efficient, reduces the chances of communication errors, and makes for a smoother experience. Here’s why.

Traditional Model

With the traditional model, you would hire a designer to create your design. This person would work with you to come up with the floor plan, layout, finishes, and fixtures associated with the remodel. They would come up with specifications and turn the job over to you. The designer or planner may or may not be able to make recommendations for a contractor to do the work. They may or may not be willing to manage the work. Commonly, you take the architectural plans, find your contractor, and supervise the job. If there is any question about materials or the plan, the contractor lets you know, you check with the designer and then get back with the contractor.

This isn’t the easiest or most efficient way to do the job. But it does give you the benefit of the services of an experienced designer.

Design Build Model

With a design-build model, the contractor provides design services. The contractor has a person on staff who works with you to create your design. You sit down with your idea book and the designer listens to how you want to use the space as well as your wants and needs. The designer then works with you to create a plan that incorporates what you want out of the space with the budget you have established.

Once the designer is finished the plans are turned over to the build portion of the company. The general contractor brings in the necessary materials and subcontractors to do the work. If there is a question about the plan, communication is easy because the contractor and designer are not only on the same team, they work for the same company.

This model reduces homeowner stress. It also improves communication. Design-build increases the probability that the job will be completed on time and budget.

Sample of Work by Inspired Remodels – Orange County’s Design Build Remodeling Contractor

Work with a Professional Remodeling Contractor

No matter which approach you take, work with a professional remodeling contractor. A professional remodeling contractor knows what permits must be pulled, has relationships with professional tradesmen, carries liability insurance, and is licensed by the State of California.

A professional won’t burn you on your kitchen remodel or leave you underwater with a bathroom do-over. Most of the horror stories you hear are the result of working with unlicensed contractors, so hire a pro.

Inspired Remodels is Orange County’s Design Build Remodeling Contractor

Get Inspired from Floor to Ceiling

Want the best for your next bathroom or kitchen remodel? Hire the best. Hire Inspired Remodels. Joe and Jason Mueller will sit down with you to discuss your project. They turn your dream into reality. They craft kitchens that function as well as they look, bathrooms and bedrooms that provide a retreat, custom cabinets, and fabulous fireplaces. Whether you need one room or a whole house, Inspired Remodels is up to the task. Just check out what their clients have to say on Yelp. Then call (949) 716-1938 and schedule your appointment today.