20 Questions To Ask Remodeling Contractors
Investing in a luxury home remodel is a significant project. Knowing the right questions to ask your remodeling contractors is crucial to avoiding problems and stress during the renovation process.
Here are the 20 most important questions we recommend asking home remodeling contractors before you start your dream remodeling project in LA.
Essential 20 Questions To Ask Home Remodeling Contractors
Q: Are You Licensed & Insured?
For any projects costing over $500 in California, your contractor must be insured. Always check that your remodeling contractor is licensed by the CSLB before starting any work. Make sure they have general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Unlicensed contractors often mean poor work and legal issues. Without insurance, it also means you are liable for any accidents that happen on-site.
Overland Remodeling is fully insured and licensed by the CSLB.
Q: How Many Years of Experience Do You Have As Home Renovation Contractors?
It’s best to look for home remodeling contractors with a solid track record, with at least 10 years. The more experience your contractors have, the better they understand how to meet clients' expectations as well as local laws and permits.
At Overland Remodeling, we have over 15 years of experience remodeling homes across general Los Angeles, Hollywood Hills, Venice, Studio City, Westwood, El Segundo, and Manhattan Beach areas.
Q: Can You Provide References?
A reputable and experienced remodeling company will provide references upon request. Ask for at least three and contact them. Overland Remodeling will happily connect you to our previous high-end clients to see our recent work.
Q: Can I See Photos Of Past Projects?
Looking at a home remodeling contractor's portfolio is important since you can see the type of work they have previously done and look at projects similar to yours. We have an extensive portfolio showcasing our bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, and more for you to check on our Overland Remodeling site.
Q: Do You Have Ongoing Projects?
This shows not only popularity but also a chance to visit one of their ongoing project sites if allowed. At Overland Remodeling, we take on a limited number of high-end projects to ensure we give each project the correct amount of detail.
Q: Do You Have Experience With a Project Like Mine?
Your contractor should have previous experience doing high-end projects like yours and be able to show you finished project photos and give you time estimates.
Whether you want to do a high-end bathroom remodel in Westwood or a full home remodel in Hollywood Hills, we have experience in all types of remodeling projects at Overland Remodeling.
Q: Do You Offer Design Services?
Your home renovation contractor might offer in-house design or hire interior designers. It’s important to understand who's responsible for the designs, plans, layouts, and materials before starting your project.
At Overland Remodeling, we offer design services, helping you every step of the way from the layout to the detailed finishes.
Q: Do You Need Permits?
Permits are often needed for structural, electrical, and plumbing changes when remodeling and renovating. A good remodeling contractor will handle these for you and make sure everything is compliant and up to code.
Q: Will You Itemize The Bid?
Itemized bids are extremely important so you can get clarity over where your money is going. Don’t get lump sums. You should be able to see the materials, labor, contingency allowances, permits, and other costs clearly.
Q: What Is The Payment Schedule?
A clear payment schedule should include everything from deposits, progress payments, and final payment. No reputable remodeling company will ask for full payment up front.
Q: How Long Will the Project Take?
Ask for a written schedule and realistic timeline for your projects, and ask how they will handle any unexpected delays, such as weather changes, permit delays, or material problems.
Q: Will There Be a Project Manager On Site?
Project managers are ideal since they act as your main point of contact and ensure everything is going according to schedule and stays on track. Ask how often you will receive updates, too.
We have a dedicated project manager on site for all our big remodeling projects at Overland Remodeling who oversees operations.
Q: Do You Use Subcontractors?
Ask if your remodeling contractor hires subcontractors and how they are vetted. Make sure they are licensed and insured and that the contractors use them regularly.
Q: What Is Your Clean-Up Process?
Keeping a tidy space is important when remodeling, good contractors will have systems in place for clean up such as trash removal and dust extraction. At Overland Remodeling, we protect your home while renovating and do a complete removal after we have finished.
Q: How Do You Communicate With Clients?
Consistent communication is important when working with contractors. Ask how they will be updating you, either by phone or message, and how often you can expect to be updated on how the project is going.
We put client communication as a priority when working on your LA remodeling project and will update you according to your preference.
Q: How Do You Handle Changes to Orders?
Changes can happen. It’s a good idea beforehand to ask about the process when these changes happen before work continues. When changes happen during our remodeling projects, we document them in writing and provide any cost changes for approval before continuing.
Q: What Happens If There Is a Disagreement?
If a dispute arises, then ask about the process of conflict resolution and the contracts. Disagreements should be handled professionally with transparent communication.
Q: Do You Give Warranty?
You should get a written warranty from your contractor. Anywhere from 1-2 years is a standard for structural work and materials.
Q: What's Your Schedule Like?
Most remodelers are in demand and likely can’t start straight away. Make sure to ask when the expected start state will be and how many other projects they might be managing at the same time.
Q: How Much Will My Project Cost?
Make sure to ask for an estimate before. For a high-end full remodel in LA, it could be anywhere between $250,000- $700,000+, depending on multiple factors like the scale, materials, and location.
Your Trusted Home Remodeling Contractors In LA
At Overland Remodeling, we have been serving clients in LA for many years, remodeling luxury homes from bathroom remodeling to kitchen remodeling or full home renovations.
We pride ourselves on transparency and communication for peace of mind when you work with us. To ask any more questions, you can book a consultation here.