2025 is shaping up to be a record year for home renovations, with U.S. remodeling spend projected to exceed $509 billion. In Southern California, homeowners are racing to upgrade their kitchens, bathrooms, and ADUs — but with high demand comes higher risk.
From hidden costs to missed deadlines and “nightmare contractor” stories, remodeling horror shows are all too common. So how can you protect yourself before signing that contract?
Start with these 7 insider questions to help you vet any renovation contractor or remodeling company. Whether you’re building an ADU in Los Angeles or redoing your kitchen, these questions will help you spot red flags, confirm credentials, and secure your investment — before it’s too late.
At Better Together Builders, we believe your home is #builtbettertogether. Here’s how we do things right.
1. Are You Licensed, Insured, and Bonded?
This isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s required by California law. A legitimate contractor should be:
- Licensed – A current California General Contractor license (ours is #1047689)
- Insured – General liability and workers’ compensation policies
- Bonded – A surety bond that protects you if they don’t finish the job
Ask for proof of the following:
- Contractor license number
- Insurance certificate (with coverage limits and expiration date)
- Bond amount and issuing company
2. Who Handles Permits and Inspections?
Your contractor should — not you.
A permit is official approval from your city to start work. An inspection verifies the job meets building code. Cutting corners here can lead to fines, delays, and even forced tear-downs.
At Better Together Builders, we manage:
- In-house permit runner services
- Pre-inspection checklists
- Live updates via WhatsApp group chats
Whether you’re navigating Los Angeles building permits or smaller city jurisdictions, we handle the paperwork so you don’t have to.
3. Can You Provide a Fixed-Price Bid With Clear Allowances?
A fixed-price bid means the total cost is locked in — unless you approve a change in writing. An allowance is a placeholder budget for items you haven’t chosen yet, like tile or light fixtures.
Your bid should clearly show:
- Labor and materials
- Permit fees
- Trash and debris removal
- Contingency buffer
- Allowances by category (e.g., “Tile: $12/sq ft”)
We recommend requesting a table like this:
| Line Item | Quantity | Unit Cost | Allowance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tile Flooring | 200 sq ft | $12 | Yes | $2,400 |
4. What Is the Schedule of Values and Payment Milestones?
A Schedule of Values breaks down the project cost by construction phase. This ensures payments are based on completed work — not arbitrary dates.
Typical milestones include:
- Initial deposit
- After demolition
- After framing
- Post-mechanical installations
- After drywall and painting
- Final walkthrough
This structure protects both your timeline and your wallet.
5. What’s the Realistic Start and Completion Date?
Reputable builders offer realistic estimates with built-in buffers for things like inspections or back-ordered materials. At Better Together Builders, we use a detailed Gantt chart to outline the full schedule by phase.
Ask for:
- Start and completion ranges in writing
- Key dependencies (e.g., city approvals, weather, material delays)
6. How Will You Minimize Disruption to My Family?
Living through a remodel can be chaotic — but it doesn’t have to be miserable.
Here’s how we reduce disruption:
- Dust containment walls and negative-air machines
- Portable restrooms for the crew
- Weekend-only noisy work (if needed)
- Shared schedules in your WhatsApp group
Sample daily schedule:
| Time | Activity | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 AM | Framing | Moderate |
| 10–12 PM | Electrical Rough-In | Low |
| 1–3 PM | Drywall | Moderate |
| 3–5 PM | Cleanup | Low |
7. Who Will Be My Day-to-Day Point of Contact?
You should never have to wonder who to call. We assign you a dedicated project manager — your single point of contact throughout the job.
You’ll also have access to:
- Weekly on-site meetings
- WhatsApp group chat with your project team
- Email and phone support with a 24-hour response guarantee
How Do You Handle Change Orders and Scope Creep?
A change order is a written and priced agreement to modify the scope. Scope creep happens when extra work sneaks in — often without documentation — and inflates your budget.
Our 3-step process for any changes:
- We send a written proposal for your review.
- You approve in writing via email or portal.
- We update the schedule and contract before moving forward.
What Warranty Do You Offer on Workmanship and Materials?
By law, California requires a 1-year warranty on labor. We go further — with a 3-year workmanship warranty and all manufacturer warranties passed directly to you.
What’s covered:
- Cabinet alignment
- Grout and tile cracking
- Leaking fixtures or fittings
What’s not:
- Normal wear and tear
- Damage from pets, kids, or moving furniture
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I move out during a major remodel?
If your kitchen, bathrooms, and entry points will be unusable for more than 4 weeks, moving out can reduce stress and speed up the project timeline.
Do quotes include permit and inspection fees?
Yes. Our fixed-price bids list every required permit and inspection fee up front — no surprises later.
How do 3D renderings help avoid costly mistakes?
We create detailed 3D renderings of your space so you can approve layouts, finishes, and lighting before we build. It’s the best way to prevent expensive mid-project changes.
How can I verify subcontractor insurance?
Ask for insurance certificates that name you as an additional insured, then call the insurance company to confirm the policy is active and aligned with your project dates.
Let’s Build It Better
Hiring the right contractor can make or break your renovation. At Better Together Builders, we’ve helped hundreds of Los Angeles homeowners remodel with confidence — from concept to 3D rendering to final walkthrough.
Ready to get started? Contact us today and see why homes are always #builtbettertogether.
