How to Pick a San Diego Remodeling Company

Selecting the right general contractor in San Diego is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your project is completed on budget, within the stated time frame and according to your specific vision. Long before the first swing of a hammer, it's important that you begin your project by conducting extensive research about potential residential construction contractors in San Diego, their businesses and their recent and past projects. Below we'll describe what you should be looking for in your research, questions you should ask and things you should be aware of as you select your contractor.

Initial Research

Unless you're getting a recommendation from a friend or family member, you're likely to begin your search for a general contractor on the internet. Entering a search term like "San Diego Remodel" is a great way to begin looking for contractors in your area. Once you've found a few contractors you're interested in, you'll want to read through their websites and check out their online portfolios. Viewing an online portfolio is one of the best ways to see the quality of a contractor's work, the types of projects they've completed and the styles they are able to implement. If you want a very modern style kitchen, but your contractor has only built traditional kitchens, he or she may be unable to bridge the style gap between modern and traditional to create a kitchen that is what you envisioned. Be aware of a contractor who doesn't have a website; this may indicate a lack of professionalism.

Accreditation and Licenses

While reviewing each contractor's website you'll want to see if they are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and locate their state contractors license number. You can contact the San Diego BBB directly to find out if complaints have ever been filed, or are outstanding against your contractor. If the San Diego contractor you are considering is a BBB Accredited Business it means that they meet the BBB standards, which includes a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve all consumer complaints.

You should also look up each potential contractors license number on the California Contractors State License Board website. You can check to see the status of that contractor's license. It's important to note when the license was issued, if it's expired, the classifications the contractor holds, whether or not they are bonded and if they have workers compensation insurance. The length of time a contractor has been licensed and in good standing is directly connected to the standard of the work they do. With tough economic times, some San Diego remodeling contractors are allowing their licenses to expire and insurance to lapse in an effort to save money. This is a huge problem and something to be very aware of when looking at a contractor's license details. Not only is it illegal to contract without a license, entering into a project with a contractor who has an expired license could result in your project being stopped until the license is renewed, or worse, you could get pulled into legal actions against that contractor. Any work that is attached to real estate including painting murals, faux finishing, landscaping, and window replacement requires a contractor's license.

The classifications in a contractor's license describe the type of work they are licensed to do. If a contractor does a job he is not classified to do, his insurance typically will not cover any mistakes or problems that occur. Similarly you want to guarantee that your contractor is bonded. In a case where a bonded contractor finishes only half the work you have paid for, you can contact the bonding company and recoup the cost required to finish your project.

The Contractors State License Board is set up to protect consumers by licensing and regulating California's construction industry. While there are no guarantees in any project, by doing your homework and using the California Contractors State License Board's online resources to evaluate your contractor beforehand, you can protect yourself and avoid a potentially disastrous situation.

Meeting With the Contractor

Two of the main reasons you should meet with each potential contractor are communication and chemistry. Communication is key in any relationship, and the relationship you have with your contractor is no different. Make sure you speak the same language as your contractor (both literally and figuratively), that you are comfortable expressing your thoughts and concerns with your contractor, and that you understand his responses. Chemistry is important because your contractor is likely to be one of the first people you talk with in the morning and the person you interact with as soon as you get home from work. A feeling of respect, comfort and trust from both sides is imperative to the success of your project. During this first meeting you'll want to inquire about the contractor's business practices and have the him or her provide you with three references for work they have done in the last 30-60 days. Here is a list of questions you may want to ask your contractor:

Are the sub-contractors they hire also licensed and bonded?
The same licensing rules apply to sub-contractors. General contractors can be held liable if their sub-contractors are not licensed and bonded.

Does your contractor conduct background checks and drug tests on their employees?
Screening and drug testing of employees is very important. The use of alcohol or other substances while on the work site can greatly influence a person's ability to perform job functions safely and correctly.

Are most of their employees temporary or long term employees?
Although it's not always the case, many times long term employees will have more time invested and have more interest in the state of the company. Long term employment can also indicate that a company is being managed properly and that employees are happy.

What kind of rules and regulations do they have for their sub-contractors?
Many contractors establish rules like no food or drink in the home, or no smoking within a certain number of feet from the property site. Knowing these rules will help you better understand how each contractor's employees should be conducting themselves when they are on your property.

Does the contractor get along with your children and/or pets?
Again, your contractor will be in and out of your house for days, weeks or even months. If you have children or pets, you need to make sure you're comfortable with how your contractor interacts with them.

How often will he/she be on the job site?
The main contractor who is responsible for your project needs to be on the job site at least once a day, depending on the size of the job, to make sure everything is being done correctly.

How many jobs will they have going on at the same time?

Interview Past Clients

Once you have met with each contractor, asked all the necessary questions and requested a written proposal, you'll want to contact the three references you received from each contractor. These don't have to be long conversations, but you will want to make sure you ask these five questions:

1. Are you happy with the work that was done?
2. Was the work up to the standard and level of quality that you expected?
3. Was all of the contractor's paperwork in order?
4. Was the cost what you expected?
5. Was the project done on time and was the contractor respectful of your time (did they show up when they said they would)?

Written Proposal, Scope of Work and Notice to Owner

Once you've done all your research and asked all your questions, it's time to review the written proposals. One of the first things you'll want to be aware of is a bid that is significantly less than all the other contractors. Bids need to account for the proper wage for the craftsmanship, cost of materials and the cost of insurance. If one bid is much lower than the others, it may indicate that one of these three things are not included. Also, you may end up paying more in the end if these costs are not stated and agreed upon up front. Look out for hidden costs in low ball bids. They can often end up costing the same or more than other bids while producing inferior results.

Scope of Work -
A document outlining the scope of work should also be included with the written proposal. The scope of work defines the work performed or deliverables, time line and price for a given project. You'll want check to see if the scope of work includes all labor and materials for the project, design services, and cleaning and trash removal from the site. Sometimes materials will not be included in the scope of work because they have not been selected. Make sure to include the cost of these materials in your overall budget. Lastly, have the contractor walk through the house with you and take notes while they describe the work they will do, the time line and process for the project, and what will and will not be included in the scope of work.

Designer Capabilities -
Ask your contractor if they have design capabilities. If they have a designer on staff, you'll want to meet directly with that person. Make sure they have a design background, design experience and are qualified to perform the work you are requesting.

Notice to owner -
By law, your contractor is required to give you this document, which outlines the legal provisions that protect both parties. This includes a right for the contractor to put a lien on your property if payments are not made according to the signed agreement. It also includes other legal procedures and the right to mediation.

If you do not receive all of these documents, DO NOT sign a contract with this individual. If necessary, review these documents with a lawyer who specializes in construction law.

Quick Review

• Review contractor's website and online portfolio.
• Check to see the status of your contractor's state license (includes when the license was issued, if it's expired, the classifications the contractor holds, whether or not they are bonded and if they have workers compensation insurance.
• Make sure you have effective communication and good chemistry with your contractor.
• Ask them questions about their business practices.
• Contact three references and ask them about their experience with the contractor.
• Review the written proposal, scope of work and other paperwork.