How to Find a Trustworthy Remodeling Company in San Jose

If you’re looking to remodel your house, finding a reputable company to work with is essential to the success of your project. Who you choose to work with impacts the total renovation cost, the quality of the work, and your overall experience throughout the process. There are several considerations to keep in mind as you look for a trustworthy remodeling company to work with in San Jose.

1. Look for References & Reviews

Ask subcontractors, material suppliers, or even your family, friends, and local customers for recommendations. You can also look up the company’s online reviews. Additionally, you can verify their reputation with your local trade association or union, consumer protection agency, customer fraud unit, or the Better Business Bureau.

2. Shop Around

Get at least three written quotes based on your project before deciding on one. Give all the companies the same project proposal so that they can give you an accurate plan, scope, and specifications.

Be wary of companies that give you quotes that are substantially lower than their competitors. Either they’ve made a mistake calculating the costs or aren’t including all the aspects of the work that their competitors did, so you’ll run into disputes later on. The other possibility is that the company is unlicensed and will cut corners and do subpar work to increase its profits, leading to costly repairs for you down the line.

3. Ask for their License

California’s Department of Consumer Affairs has a Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Remodeling companies are required by law to operate under a CSLB license number. Although most contractors are responsible and honest, a few do slip through the cracks. They may have a license number listed on their card, flyer, or website, but the license might no longer be valid. This is why it’s important for you as a homeowner to take the extra step to check a company’s license status online. You can also check their status by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752). By being proactive about your remodeling project, you can sift out unlicensed or sketchy remodeling companies.

4. Verify Their Location and Contact Information

When you’re considering a company for your remodeling project, verify their current location and telephone number. When you run into any issues during or after the project, you want to be able to easily contact the company. Dealing with contractors that do not have a brick-and-mortar location or that only use cell phones makes this more difficult.

The company’s address is one of the records you’ll find when you look up their license status. When you meet with the contractor, ask to see their picture I.D. and pocket license (or CSLB registration license if they’re a salesperson hired by the contractor) to be sure you’re working with the right person.

5. Make Sure Their Experience Aligns with Your Project

The remodeling company you’re interested in needs to have experience with your particular project. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, for example, search for a company that has experience with that. You can ask to see their portfolio or check out finished projects from the references and reviews you’ve consulted.

6. Verify Their Workers’ Compensation and Commercial General Liability Insurance Coverage

Any remodeling company you’re considering working with should have workers’ compensation insurance as required by the CSLB. If they do not have it and you still hire them, when an injury occurs on your property, you might have to pay for the injuries and rehabilitation, which your homeowners’ insurance may or may not cover. So it’s not important for them to just have workers’ compensation insurance but have adequate coverage. Ask for details about what it covers.

Although general liability insurance is optional for contractors, understand that without it, you will run into issues if there’s damage to your property. If they do not have general liability insurance, find out how they plan to cover any damages. Insurance information for both types should be written into your contract.

7. Find Out What Their Bonds Cover

Remodeling companies are also required by the CSLB to have a contractor license bond of $15,000 to cover any work they perform. Contract bonds cover the completion of the project and the materials used in the process. Blanket performance and payment bonds filed by companies with the CSLB allow them to ask for more than the standard 10% down payment, even up to the full payment. You can learn more about all the bonds through the CSLB.

7. Find Out What Their Bonds Cover

Remodeling companies are also required by the CSLB to have a contractor license bond of $15,000 to cover any work they perform. Contract bonds cover the completion of the project and the materials used in the process. Blanket performance and payment bonds filed by companies with the CSLB allow them to ask for more than the standard 10% down payment, even up to the full payment. You can learn more about all the bonds through the CSLB.

What Factors Impact the Cost of Remodeling a House in San Jose?

• The type of remodeling
• How extensive the project is
• The size of the area needing renovation
• The age of the house – older homes are more expensive to remodel
• The site preparation that needs to be done before the renovation, i.e., excavation, landscaping, and structural changes to the home
• The materials you choose – standard or prefabricated materials will be less expensive than customized or luxury ones
• If you need a permit for the remodeling

How Do I Cut Down on Remodeling Costs in San Jose?

Remodeling can be costly, but there are ways that you can lower the final amount you spend.

Check whether your home qualifies for San Jose government incentives. This is often the case with historic homes and improvements that add energy-efficient upgrades.

Research different remodeling companies and what they’re offering before committing to one.

If you’re looking to complete several remodeling projects, consider using the same company, as you’ll likely get discounts.

Opt for standard or prefabricated materials rather than luxury or customized ones.

If you have some remodeling experience, there may be elements you can DIY.