Sacramento's Premier Home Remodeling Company
Are you looking for a contractor for a home remodeling project? If you’ve never hired a contractor for home renovations before, the process can seem overwhelming. Where do you start? It can seem difficult to find a reliable contractor, but there is a methodology for screening and vetting contractors. By following these steps, you can select an experienced, competent contractor for your home remodeling project.
A remodeling contractor is responsible for home improvement upgrades on existing rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, doing code-compliant work that will endure over time – structurally, functionally, and aesthetically. Remodeling companies are usually general contractors, capable of planning large projects, hiring and managing subcontractors, and providing oversight for quality control. They may also have their own construction team of experienced professionals. A reputable remodeling contractor will be licensed, insured, bonded, and have good references, reviews, and examples of their work.
Let’s look at the process for selecting an experienced and reputable remodeling contractor.
Before looking at local contractors, it’s important to clarify your project goals. What are you looking to do? Is it a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, room addition or a multi-room remodel? What is the total budget that you are ready to spend on this renovation project? Are there baseline goals that absolutely must be completed? What are your nice-to-haves in the project?
By defining the overall project goals, the must-haves, the ideal goals and a realistic budget range, you can make clear decisions about which contractors you consider for the job.
Do you have friends, family, or neighbors who have hired a remodeling contractor in the past? Find out who they recommend. You should also do an online search for remodeling contractors and see which companies have lots of positive reviews. Add some of those to your list of possible candidates. You might also ask local tradespeople, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors. They will have insights about which contractors are trustworthy and do the highest quality work.
Take some time to research the construction companies on your initial list. Look at their websites and dig deep. See if you can find out their history, experience, and general vibe. Look at their social media: Facebook Pages, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. What impression does their online presence give you? Do they seem helpful? Or are they always in sales mode? The way each contractor represents their company online can tell you a lot about how they approach home renovation projects.
What do past clients say about each contractor in your area? What words do they use to describe their work and their customer service? Pay attention to long descriptive reviews: these are probably legitimate homeowners. Short reviews that are just one sentence long, either positive or negative, might not be real. Check Google Maps/Google Business Profile, YouTube, Facebook, Yelp, HomeAdvisor, Angi, Houzz, Nextdoor, Better Business Bureau, Diamond Certified and other typical review sites for more insights on the contractors on your initial list. Look for signs of high customer satisfaction.
Before you start trimming your list, look for a Portfolio or photo gallery of each contractor’s work. It should be on their website, but you might also see some examples of their work on their Instagram or Facebook page. If possible, take note if they have before and after photos, take a look at their work as it progresses. The final photos should show examples of their workmanship in kitchen, bath, and home remodeling. Does the work look legitimate? Is their work high-quality? You’re looking for good photos of different projects, so you know they’ve done lots of remodeling work in your local area.
Using your current list of home remodeling contractors, make sure each of them is insured and bonded. They should have liability insurance and workman’s compensation insurance to protect you from any potential liability if there is an accident on your property. The contractors should also be licensed in your state. You can check contractor licenses in California at the CSLB website.
Also look at their total experience. Have they successfully completed projects like yours? How many years have they been in business? Also, do they have assets like a dedicated office location, land holdings, and ongoing relationships with banks, lenders, and building suppliers.
The real test is when you ask for client references. When you talk to the contractor’s past clients, they’ll tell you honestly whether they did good work or not, whether they’re happy with their remodeling work or not. Be sure to ask their past clients about the work quality, professionalism, customer service, and whether they stuck to timelines and budgets. See if it’s possible to observe a current work site to see how they manage a project, and see if the workers are happy and working efficiently.
Once you’ve selected a list of local contractors, it’s time to schedule consultations. When you go through the scope of your project, do they seem focused on your needs? Or are they headed straight for a sales pitch? A good contractor will answer all of your questions, and ask you follow up questions. They should be able to analyze your needs, listen to you, and use their expertise to give you some potential solutions.
Another thing to look at is the proposal. Is the contractor giving you enough time to consider the quote? Most estimates have an expiry date, and you shouldn’t feel pressured into making a hasty decision.
Once you have a short list of companies, schedule consultations with them and ask them questions about their process, how they manage their projects, and how they price their estimates. Find out the details of their payment plan structure, if they offer financing, and how they determine the total cost of a project. You should get quotes from at least three contractors, so you can compare not only pricing, but how they run their projects.
A large building project like a kitchen renovation, room addition, or bathroom remodel requires lots of communication. How do the contractors follow up after your initial consultation? Are their responses timely? Do they answer any additional questions or address your concerns professionally? You want to choose a contractor that keeps you in the loop and collaborates with you throughout the remodeling process. You’ll be working with them for days, weeks, or even months, so communication is a very important factor in your decision.
After you’ve evaluated your options and selected the best general contractor that fits the needs of your project and budget, it’s time to sign a contract. Make sure the contract covers important details like scope of work, project timeline, pricing, payment schedule, and warranty on workmanship. The contract should cover the concerns of the homeowner and the contractor, protecting both parties in case a dispute arises.
Once both you and the contractor sign the dotted line and any required deposit payment is made, the remodeling project will commence.
If you’re a Sacramento-area homeowner looking for a reliable home, kitchen, and bathroom remodeling contractor, put JC Construction & Remodeling on your list. For years, we’ve been providing Sacramento homeowners with innovative, top-quality kitchen, bath, and home remodeling services. We also do general contracting, ADU building, and custom built homes. Hundreds of homeowners have left five-star reviews for our elite contracting team. Contact us today to schedule a free remodeling consultation or call us at 916-644-7810.
JC Construction & Remodeling is more than just a construction company; we are your dedicated partners in transforming your vision into reality. With over a decade of industry experience, our locally owned and operated business has honed its craft, delivering exceptional home improvement solutions to our valued clients. Integrity and honesty are the cornerstones of our approach, guiding every interaction and decision we make. We understand that each project is unique.
Whether you’re looking to renovate your entire home or simply need a few repairs, our team is equipped with the expertise and resources to exceed your expectations. At JC Construction & Remodeling, quality is not just a goal; it’s a standard we uphold in every aspect of our work. Specializing in general home improvement and remodeling, we take immense pride in the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines our projects.
