Hiring a general contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. The right contractor turns your vision into reality. The wrong one turns it into a nightmare. Here’s how to make sure you choose wisely.

The 10-Point Contractor Vetting Checklist

1. Verify Their License

This is non-negotiable. California requires a contractor’s license for any project over $1,000. Go to cslb.ca.gov and verify:

  • License is active (not expired, suspended, or revoked)
  • Workers’ compensation insurance is current
  • Bond is in place
  • No outstanding complaints or disciplinary actions

2. Confirm Insurance

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing general liability coverage (minimum $1M) and workers’ compensation. Call the insurance company to verify — don’t just accept a document. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn’t have workers’ comp, you could be liable.

3. Check Reviews on Multiple Platforms

Don’t rely on one source. Check Google, Yelp, Houzz, Angi, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for:

  • Consistent quality across platforms (not just one 5-star profile)
  • How the contractor responds to negative reviews
  • Specific details about projects similar to yours
  • Recent reviews (not just old ones)

4. Ask About Their Process

A professional contractor should have a clear, repeatable process. At minimum:

  • In-home consultation and detailed assessment
  • Written scope of work and line-item estimate
  • Design phase with drawings or 3D renderings
  • Permit handling
  • Regular progress updates during construction
  • Final walkthrough before final payment

5. Understand Design-Build vs. Traditional

In the traditional model, you hire an architect, get plans, then bid those plans to contractors. This creates communication gaps and finger-pointing when things go wrong.

A design-build contractor handles both design and construction. One contract, one team, one point of accountability. For most residential projects, design-build is faster, more efficient, and produces better results.

6. Get Everything in Writing

Your contract should include:

  • Detailed scope of work
  • Line-item pricing (not a lump sum)
  • Payment schedule tied to milestones (not dates)
  • Start and estimated completion dates
  • Change order process
  • Warranty terms

7. Never Pay More Than 10% Upfront

California law limits contractor deposits to $1,000 or 10% of the contract price (whichever is less). If a contractor asks for more upfront, walk away.

8. Visit a Current Job Site

Ask to see a project in progress. Look for organization, cleanliness, professionalism of the crew, and how they interact with the homeowner.

9. Ask Who Will Be on Your Job

Will you have a dedicated project manager? Will the owner be involved? Who do you call when there’s a question? The best contractors assign one PM who is your single point of contact throughout.

10. Trust Your Gut

After meeting with a contractor, ask yourself: Do I trust this person in my home for 3-6 months? Do they communicate clearly? Do they listen? The relationship matters as much as the resume.

General Contractors by LA Area

Find a licensed general contractor near you:

Looking for a Licensed General Contractor?

Paradigm Builders — CA License #1100775. Design-build contractor serving all of Los Angeles.

Call 310-596-5000
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