When you decide to take on a home remodel in Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, or any other area of Orange County, California, choosing the right general contractor is key. Choose the wrong one, and your project can drag on much longer than it needs to, or worse, you could end up with a home with a lot of problems due to shoddy work. In the absolute worst-case scenario, you could hire someone who will take your money and then disappear on you without completing the job.
Do Your Due Diligence
Don’t just take the word of a general contractor who says all of the right things and makes a lot of promises. There are plenty of slick-talking con men and women who can be very convincing. They will tell you about all of home remodels in Mission Viejo and Laguna Hills they’ve done and all of their happy customers. They will probably even show you beautiful photos of the work they’ve completed.
Remember that words are just words, and it’s easy to pull photos of home remodels off of the internet. You need to dig deeper before hiring a general contractor for your home remodel in Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, or Orange County.
First and foremost, you need to make sure that the general contractor is licensed and insured. A reputable contractor will have a license in good standing with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). They should also carry liability insurance. This protects you in case the contractor does any damage to your home during the course of your home remodel.
Second, you want to ask for references. Get the contact information of past clients for whom the contractor has done home remodels. When you talk to the past clients, ask them how the process went, and whether they were satisfied with the end results. Keep in mind that the general contractor will only give you the contact information of the most satisfied customers, so take their experiences with a grain of salt. You can also do some internet research about the contractor or contracting company. Look for reviews, complaints, and any other information you can find.
A major home remodel is not the time to take a chance on a general contractor with little experience. Look for one who has been in business for at least 5 years and has completed multiple large remodeling projects.
Communication Is Key
Make sure to have a lengthy conversation with any general contractor you are considering for home remodels in Mission Viejo or Laguna Hills. With projects like these, you’ll want to make sure your general contractor is someone you can communicate with well. Do you get the sense that they will listen to your ideas and concerns? Will they provide you with regular updates during the construction process?
This person will be your point person on the home remodel, but they will likely also be communicating with multiple subcontractors, inspectors, and city officials. For the process to go smoothly, your general contractor needs to be a good all-around communicator and project manager.
Prioritize Quality Work
Your home in Mission Viejo or Laguna Hills is likely one of your largest assets. You want to make sure your home remodel is on par with your home’s value. Therefore, you might not want to go with the general contractor who gives you the cheapest bid. Instead, look for a contractor who places a high priority on quality work that will hold up over time.
