What is the best way to find a reputable contractor in Southern California (LA Area)?

Question

I've heard nothing but horror stories about contractors. I'm remodeling my home and I'm willing to pay a little extra for a good one. Anyone know how I can find reviews, referrals or recommendations. I don't just want to pick one out of the phone book, but I havent seen anything good online yet either.

Answer 1

that's a tought one
best bet is always referral
or g crusing around for remodels in progress and apporach the homeowner, and aks them about their satifaction
a good contractor is always busy and in demand, that's fact
yes there are a lot of hacks, especialy in the LA area ( I live in the OC where there is a better caliber of contractor down here )
check Contractor State Licensing Board website for contractors current license status
don't get a very young and fresh minted contractor, he simply does not have enough time in to know all the codes ( and LA code are amoung the toughest ) and all the little details necessary for a remodel. Commerical contracts will want nothing to do with you, remodeling is one of the hardest sectors fora contractor ( B licensed ), most are all in ones where they handle most of the work, subbing out HVAC, PLumbing and Electrical, depening on the capicity of the contractor, the more he does, the less likely you'll find a good contractor as very few General contractors can do it all. Ideally you want one that does the team concept, that is one who works with the same subs over and over. They tend to work far better than getting varying subs and hoping they will always mesh together on a project. It's best of you bushed up a little on construction to know how a house is built, what to expect, so that you can spot hack work and have it corrected or the sub fired.

The biggest challange you will find will be lien releases, licenses and insurance ( workmans comp). Any good competant contractor will have that and gladly offer copies, the hacks won't.
Never hire witohut workmans comp!!! Any good contractor will have references current to 6 months back. Never pay more than 10% on begining of a project, ( as per LAW ) and never allow front loading of contracts in progess payments ( that is more billed than work / materials done, also illegal ). tr yto avoid chaingi your mind on decisions, make them firm and you keep to yout budget. Cost overruns are usally the fault of the homeowner due to constant changes and thus create change orders usaully time and materials. Watch any epsisode of flip this house and you see exacly what I mean.

The last 10% of a contract is retention ( 10 percent of each draw is typically held back ) to make sure all odds and ends are taken care of . NEVER give out money until conditioanl releases are signed on progress and uncoditional on final payments, ask and GET material releases as well, you nned to know that all labor ( yes even the illegal they picked up from home depot must sign ) is fully paid and material so no mechanic liens may be placed on your property, that is one huge part of all the horror stories you hear about.


Remember contractors work for you, not the other way around, so any contractor that acts as if he is doing you a favor is one not to be considered. Don't be suprised if you call up and aks for estiamte of general job walk and go few responses, the good one are slammed with work and are having a tough time find time to do even job walks.

Answer 2

Once you narrow down your selection, you can also ask for referrals of other jobs that were done and/or before and after photos if the company has them. You want to see the work they have done and also (like another post metioned) go with a company that has been in the business for a long time. There are a lot of codes and guidlines to watch out for and someone who has been in business for a short while just will not know them all. Good luck =)

Answer 3

Check with your local Better Business Bureau and ask for references. Take the time to see the contractors previous work and speak with former customers. My Mom got really burned by a contractor that did an addition on her home, he was licensed and taught at the junior college. Buyer beware....

Answer 4

I don't know where you are at,but in our newspaper there is a company called "Angies List"...I think they are all across the country now...They hire people who are usually retired or have their own business and can do anything !! You have to become a member by paying $35.00 a year.....Then you can ask Angies List for a carpenter, drywaller, concrete man, Interior decorator, what ever you need........Look them up in the phone book, or newspaper....or call information in your area...Good luck!
Oh, and I think who ever you need, you and that person discuss the price .......They're usually reasonable

Answer 5

Use the Blue Book. look at the Better Business Bureau to see if they have some claims against them.