When searching for the right contractor for your San Diego home remodel there are many things to consider. In addition to learning more about the potential contractor’s qualifications, you should also research the previous clients and jobs they’ve done. Here are some points to consider:

1. Verify that the contractor has a valid California State Contractor’s License that is current and active. Go online to cslb.ca.gov and follow the prompts
2. Ask for proof of current Workman Compensation and Liability Insurance coverage. Note: California contractor law does require workman compensation coverage but does not require liability insurance. When you ask for proof of liability coverage if the builder declines and says “you don’t need that” a red flag should appear in your mind about this company.
3. You should not only call as many references as possible but ask to be taken to 3-4 recently completed jobs to see for yourself and to speak with the customer. Ask the contractor to wait outside when you ask the customer candid questions about the transaction and process of plans, permits, and construction.

Questions to ask customer references:

• Did you have an opportunity to see and approve the plans prior to the job start?
• Did they start when they said they would?
• Did you have to move out when the work was being done?
• Were there long gaps of time where nothing was happening on your job?
• VERY IMPORTANT: Did they ever ask for money before the phase of work was completed and before they were entitled to be paid? Did workers or sub contractors make asides or complain they were not being paid on time or were worried about getting their money at all? This is a most serious red flag.
• During the job did they return your calls promptly and discuss and resolve any issues to your satisfaction?
• Were you comfortable with the caliber of people, employees and sub contractors who came to work on your home?
• Did they protect your yard and home during the project?
• Did they clean the work area before leaving for the day?
• Was the quality of the work up to your expectations and what they promised?
• Did the job get completed on time? If not, in your opinion what was the reason for missing the promised completion time? If the job was not done on time, ask what the customer would say their opinion was why they ran over time.
• If you requested additional work exclusive of the scope were they timely with a price for the added work and in your opinion was that pricing reasonable?
• If requested did the builder furnish material and labor lien releases in a timely manner?

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