Choosing the right general contractor is the single most important decision in any construction or remodeling project. The right builder makes the process smooth and the result excellent. The wrong one costs you money, time, and peace of mind. Here is how to choose well in Los Angeles.
Start with the license
In California, any construction project over $500 in labor and materials must be done by a contractor licensed by the CSLB (Contractors State License Board). Always verify the license number online before you sign anything. An unlicensed contractor is a serious risk, with no accountability and no protection for you.
10 questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? Ask for the license number and proof of insurance, and verify both.
- Have you done projects like mine? Experience with your specific type of work matters more than general experience.
- Can I see recent projects and talk to those clients? Real references from real jobs tell you the most.
- Who will manage my project day to day? Know your point of contact and who is actually on site.
- How do you handle permits? A good contractor pulls proper permits and never suggests skipping them.
- What does your estimate include? Look for a detailed, line-item breakdown, not a single lump sum.
- How do you handle changes and overruns? Understand the change-order process before you start.
- What is the payment schedule? Payments should track progress. Be wary of large upfront deposits.
- What is your timeline? Get a realistic schedule with key milestones in writing.
- What warranty do you offer? Understand what is covered after the work is done.
Red flags to watch for
- A price far below everyone else. It usually means corners will be cut or costs will climb later.
- Pressure to decide immediately or to pay a large deposit up front.
- No written contract or a vague, one-page estimate.
- Reluctance to pull permits. This protects them, not you.
- Poor communication during the bidding stage, which only gets worse once work begins.
Why the cheapest bid is rarely the best
It is tempting to hire the lowest bidder, but the cheapest quote often leaves out costs that reappear later, uses lower-quality materials, or reflects a rushed, understaffed job. Compare bids on scope and detail, not just the bottom-line number. A slightly higher bid with a clear, complete scope usually costs less in the end.
Get everything in writing
A solid contract protects both sides. It should spell out the scope, the materials, the price, the payment schedule, the timeline, and how changes are handled. Never rely on verbal agreements for anything that matters.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a contractor is licensed in California?
Look up the license number on the CSLB website. It shows whether the license is active, bonded, and insured, and any history of complaints.
How many bids should I get?
Three is a good target. It gives you a sense of the fair market price and lets you compare scope, detail, and communication across builders.
Looking for a builder you can trust?
JJP Construction is a licensed general contractor serving Los Angeles, and we are happy to answer every one of these questions. Book a call and see how a transparent, detail-driven builder approaches your project.
