Remodeling a home in Los Angeles can be one of the most rewarding investments a homeowner makes—but it can also turn into a costly nightmare if you choose the wrong contractor. With so many options across LA County, how do you ensure you’re partnering with a trustworthy professional who will deliver quality results, on time, and on budget?
This in-depth checklist from Saban Global outlines the 7 most important things to confirm before signing a remodeling contract in Los Angeles. Whether you’re renovating a kitchen, building an ADU, or doing a full-scale home makeover, these contractor criteria will help protect your vision, your wallet, and your peace of mind.
1. Verify Licensing, Bonding, and Insurance
Before anything else, confirm the contractor holds:
- A valid California State License (CSLB) for the work being performed (e.g., General B for remodeling).
- An active contractor bond (minimum $25,000 in California).
- General liability insurance ($1M+ recommended).
- Workers’ compensation insurance if they employ a crew.
You can look up the license on the CSLB website to verify status and history.
Why it matters: Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured contractor puts you at legal and financial risk if something goes wrong—like property damage, worker injuries, or unfinished work.
2. Demand a Detailed Scope of Work (SOW)
Your contract should include a fully itemized Scope of Work that lists:
- The materials to be used (with brand/model where possible)
- Specific labor and construction steps
- Start and completion dates
- Stages of inspection or client approvals
Pro tip: Avoid vague language like “install kitchen cabinets” without clarity on make, model, or hardware. Every deliverable should be clear and measurable.
3. Ask About Permits & Inspections
Your contractor should:
- Pull all required city or county permits
- Schedule required inspections (rough-in, framing, final, etc.)
- Understand LADBS and local zoning for hillside, fire zone, or historic areas
If they suggest skipping permits “to save money,” consider it a red flag. Unpermitted work can lead to:
- Legal penalties
- Forced demolition
- Reduced resale value
4. Review the Warranty and Post-Project Support
A reputable LA contractor will offer:
- At least a 1-year labor warranty
- Manufacturer warranties for materials and fixtures
- Clear policy on handling punch list or defects post-completion
Ask: “If something breaks or doesn’t meet the agreed design after you leave, how will you handle it?”
Saban Global offers full post-build support and maintenance guidance.
5. Get References and Check Past Work
Before you sign:
- Request 3–5 local references (ideally in your area or with similar projects)
- Visit at least one completed project in person
- Look up Google reviews, Yelp, Houzz, and BBB ratings
- Confirm the contractor has a track record in Los Angeles, where permitting and terrain are often complex
Warning signs:
- No website or digital presence
- No local references
- Inconsistent reviews or complaints about communication or delays
6. Confirm Communication, Timeline & Project Management
Look for a contractor who:
- Offers a single point of contact (project manager)
- Provides weekly updates with photos or on-site meetings
- Shares a Gantt chart or calendar showing major milestones
- Uses a digital portal for messaging, invoicing, and file sharing
At Saban Global, we manage everything from design approvals to final walkthroughs with transparency and constant updates. We’re proactive problem solvers—not reactive excuse-makers.
7. Contractor Red Flags: What to Avoid at All Costs
Here are warning signs that a contractor might be unqualified, untrustworthy, or worse:
- Refuses to pull permits or says they’re “not needed”
- Insists on cash-only payments
- Uses aggressive sales tactics or pressure to sign quickly
- Offers pricing that is drastically lower than all other bids
- Doesn’t have a physical office, website, or documented past projects
- Avoids putting details in writing
If something feels off—it probably is. Walk away before it becomes a costly mistake.
At Saban Global, we provide full transparency from Day One: detailed contracts, licensed professionals, verified references, and total project visibility.
Bonus Tip: Compare Apples to Apples
When reviewing estimates:
- Ensure all bids include the same scope of work and material specs
- Look beyond just price—factor in timeline, quality, experience, and communication style
- Remember: the cheapest bid often leads to the most expensive outcome long-term
Why Homeowners Choose Saban Global
Los Angeles homeowners trust Saban Global for:
- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured service
- Precise, itemized contracts
- Dedicated project managers
- Decades of experience across LA’s most prestigious neighborhoods
- Start-to-finish support—including permitting, design, construction, and final detailing
Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, custom home build, or luxury bathroom remodel, we bring clarity, craftsmanship, and peace of mind.
Conclusion
Before you sign a remodeling contract in Los Angeles, protect yourself by running through this contractor checklist. Confirm licensing, get everything in writing, and make sure your contractor is experienced in local compliance.
Your dream home deserves a contractor who understands both the vision—and the responsibility. At Saban Global, we do both.
