A bathroom or kitchen remodel is usually a five-figure decision, made with someone you met a week ago. These questions help you compare contractors on what matters, and in California several of the answers are set by law, so you know what a correct answer sounds like.
Licence and insurance
1. What is your CSLB licence number, and can I look it up?
In California, contractors must be licensed for most remodelling work. Enter the number at cslb.ca.gov and check that the licence is active, the name matches the company you are talking to, and the classification fits the job. (Ours is #1130134.)
2. Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation?
The CSLB record shows workers’ compensation status. Ask for a certificate of liability insurance as well. If an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, you may be exposed.
Price and payment
3. Will I get a written, itemised contract?
California requires a written contract for home improvement work over $500. It should list the scope, materials, price, payment schedule and start and finish dates.
4. How much is the deposit?
For home improvement contracts, California limits the down payment to $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. A contractor asking for much more up front is a red flag.
5. Is the price fixed, or an estimate?
A range is fine for planning. Before you sign, you should have a fixed price for a defined scope.
6. How are changes handled?
The right answer: every change is written down with its price and approved by you before the work is done. Remodels, bathrooms especially, often turn up hidden damage, so the process matters.
7. Will you provide lien releases as I pay?
Suppliers and subcontractors can place a lien on your home if they are not paid, even when you paid the contractor. Ask for conditional and unconditional lien releases with each payment.
Permits and schedule
8. Who pulls the permits?
The contractor should. If someone suggests skipping permits to save money, walk away. Unpermitted work can surface when you sell or file an insurance claim.
9. What is the schedule, and how will I hear about delays?
Ask for dated milestones and how you will be told if one moves. On-site time for a kitchen or bathroom is typically 4–8 weeks once permits are issued; permits often take 4–10 weeks.
The people and the work
10. Who will actually be in my home?
Your own crews, subcontractors, or a mix? Who is the day-to-day contact, and how do you reach them?
11. Can I see work like mine?
Ask for real photos of a similar project, ideally with before, during and after shots. The during photos show what was done behind the walls. Here is one of ours.
12. Where can I read your reviews?
Look on independent platforms such as Google and Yelp, and read the full reviews, not just the star rating.
Know your right to cancel
Most home improvement contracts signed at your home come with a written notice of your right to cancel: three business days, or five if you are 65 or older. A contractor who rushes you past it is telling you something.
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