Deciding to remodel your home is very exciting and overwhelming. Understand why you want or need to remodel. Do you need more space for your growing family or life style changes? Is you home tired and out dated? Make a list of the things you like and dislike about the areas you want to remodel or add on to. Who will be using the space and what activities will take place. Involve your whole family in creating a list of needs and wishes for the project. Create a scrapbook of magazine pictures, architectural elements, style and surfaces you are drawn to.

Choosing the right contractor is the most important decision you’ll make during your remodeling project. Make sure you give a detailed scope of work and product selections to all contractors bidding. Your contractor and their crew will be in your home every day from dawn until dust; you must have trust in them and establish a good working relationship from the very start. If your project involves multiple changes, entire rooms or additions, you should consult a full service or design-build firm. Checking with the contractor’s past Clients is essential and can save you time and worry in making your decision. Your contractor must be someone you can maintain a working relationship with during the entire project, which could last several months.

• Look for a company with an established business history in your community.
• Does the contractor have a good reputation in the community?
• Is the contractor and office staff easily reachable?
• Ask for references where a similar scope of work was performed.
• Check with your local Better Business Bureau, are they in good standing.
• Hire a license contractor, check with the California State License Board.
• Is the contractor associated with professional organizations that are committed to continued education, such as NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).
• The most important question to ask yourself is: "Do I feel comfortable with and trust the person I am about to hire?"

How long have you been in business? Look for a company with an established business history in your community. Surviving in any business in today's competitive marketplace is a difficult task. Most successful contractors are proud of their history in the industry . Are you licensed and insured? California State License Board requires contractors to be licensed and bonded for work over $500. California also requires a contractor to carry worker's compensation. In addition make sure your contractor has liability insurance, for property damage and personal liability. Ask the contractor for his Pocket License and verify with a Driver's License. . Are there design services available? If you are considering a large or involved project, you will need design services. A design build firm is a one stop shop for design and constructions services. . Will we need a permit for this project? All cities require permits for remodeling projects and building alterations. Failure to obtain the necessary permits or to arrange obligatory inspections can be illegal. In some cases, if a project violates a zoning law or some other regulations, it may even have to be demolished if there is no way to comply with the law. A qualified remodeling contractor will be conscious of the permit process, and ensure that all permits have been obtained before initiating any work

• Were you pleased with the quality of work and service?
• Was communication easy, comfortable and constant with the office staff and field crew?
• Was the work site clean and safe?
• Was the project completed on time and on budget?
• Were they happy with the quality and value?
• Would you hire this company again, and refer them to friends and family?