In a perfect world, simply typing “general contractors in Mountain View, CA,” would only yield excellent results, and the first contractor you find would effortlessly create your dream home.
Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple.
While most contractors in California are hardworking, dedicated, reliable professionals, a few unscrupulous individuals take advantage of the inexperience of Mountain View homeowners.
How do you find a reliable contractor and the perfect professional who can work within your budget and understand your vision?
Knowing what to look for and how to hire a general contractor is a great place to start!
Here is the definitive guide to finding a reputable home remodeling contractor who will make your vision come true and your project a success:
Hiring A Reliable Mountain View, CA, Contractor For Your Home Remodeling Project? Follow These 5 Pro Tips
The start to any successful renovation starts with finding exceptional local contractors, but this is your maiden voyage, and you aren’t sure where to start or how to weed out the bad professionals.
Whether you are planning a small kitchen remodel or a massive, complicated house remodel, the road to finding the right contractors in Mountain View is the same:
Understand What Type of Contractors You Require For Your Mountain View Home and Your Budget
If you are intimidated by the logistics of planning and executing a home renovation, formulating a rock-solid budget is a great way to bring order to the chaos.
Understanding where and how one allocates funds allows you to determine if you can afford linoleum or natural stone but also helps you determine the type of contractors you need to finish the project.
Your typical general contractor will be a jack of all trades and able to perform a variety of on-site tasks, including:
- Purchasing materials
- New construction and renovations
- Painting
- Minor electrical and plumbing
- Flooring
- Siding
Of course, each professional is different, so make sure you understand the skillset of your general contractor based on the scope of your project.
For example, if you are planning a bathroom remodeling project, hire a general contractor with the necessary skill set to construct and remodel bathrooms, including plumbing.
Remember, general contractors work hand-in-hand with other professionals, including subcontractors and project managers, and the combined wisdom and skills of these individuals will make or break your renovation.
Familiarize Yourself With the Current Cost of Labor and Materials in California
Like groceries, single-family homes, and new cars, the cost of building materials has skyrocketed over the last few years.
According to the National Association of Homebuilders, the cost of building materials rose almost 20% in 2022 and has risen over 35% since the beginning of the Covid pandemic.
Why is this important – Understanding the cost of materials and typical costs of labor, including hiring design firms, contractors, and sub-contractors, will allow you to make a far more informed decision and determine if the contractors you are interviewing are trying to overcharge based on your supposed naivete.
Check Online Reviews
The internet is a potent tool and can make choosing a reputable contractor to renovate your California property much easier.
Online reviews can help you narrow your search, but only if you know where to look.
Check out these popular sites to help you maximize your internet search for the perfect contracting and construction team:
- HomeAdvisor
- Houzz
- Angi
- Porch
The Better Business Bureau provides a wealth of information and provides both reviews and complaints filed by past clients.
Many times, we are left wondering if the company also resolved the complaint; the BBB website also provides information about the steps any type of service company took to ensure their client was satisfied.
Schedule Interviews With at Least Three to Four Top Local Contractors in Mountain View
With a budget and a greater understanding of your project’s scope, it’s time to start narrowing down your options to the top three to four candidates.
Contact each contractor directly and ask specific questions to ensure they can truly meet your needs and all your expectations, including:
- The size and scope of the project: It is much more complicated to oversee a new construction rather than a smaller, innovative bathroom remodel.
- References and a list of satisfied clients: A reputable contractor will have a list of happy customers at their disposal; if they don’t, it’s a red flag (But we will discuss more about this later!)
- The project’s anticipated timeline: How long does the pro expect the job to take, based on experience?
- How are disputes handled: If you have a complaint, how will the contractor handle the process?
Do Your Homework and Perform a Criminal Background Check
Now that you’ve asked the right questions, it is time to do some additional internet sleuthing, complete with a criminal background check of the general contractors.
It is imperative to perform a comprehensive background check of an independent contractor, as most construction and contracting firms thoroughly screen and evaluate any prospective associate during the hiring process.
The process of finding the right contractor can take weeks, but you could save yourself a lot of time and headaches and instead work with the best of the best, the team at Clever Design & Remodeling.
We offer comprehensive bathroom remodel services in Mountain View, and if you need some work on your home’s exterior, we are the best deck builders in the Bay Area!
Look For These 4 Qualities When Hiring a Full Service General Contractor For Your House Remodel
Your home construction project is on the horizon, and you understand what is required of you to find a great kitchen remodeling or home remodeling contractor, on paper, at least.
What about the finer points and your gut feeling about a person?
What qualities should you look for in quality general contractors in the Mountain View area?
Here are some outstanding characteristics that any general contractor should possess:
Complete Customer Satisfaction, Customer Care, and Good Service
It’s your home, time, and money, so a good contractor’s primary goal would be the customer’s total satisfaction once the job is completed.
However, a great contractor isn’t only focused on the result but also worried about the journey.
This means that when hiring a professional to provide kitchen remodeling services in Mountain View, you should expect to be heard throughout the process.
If you are ever concerned about how your money is being allocated or if you are on budget and on schedule, the general contractors should always be available to answer your questions.
Transparent Pricing
Remember, the cost of labor and materials is rising, and your project manager and contractor should be upfront and completely transparent concerning your budget throughout the project.
If and when surprise charges occur, the contractor should be upfront and help you find ways to adjust your budget to accommodate these unexpected expenses.
As a rule, you should always set aside at least 20% of your home renovation budget for accidents, incidentals, and surprise charges.
Reputation
In the construction and contracting world, reputation is everything!
Your contractor should have a reputation for quality and excellence in the field and be known for creating a safe work environment for their employees and your family.
Your living space should be disrupted as little as possible during the process.
A great contractor will understand how much a remodeling project can interfere with your everyday life.
Insights and Knowledge
Great general contractors will be up to date on the latest kitchen color trends and be able to provide you with expert assistance in selecting materials for your Hillsborough bathroom remodels.
It takes years of experience and understanding of the unique and complicated nature of the home remodeling trend.
Luckily, if you want a company that will do an excellent job and is keenly aware of the latest fashions and trends in California home design, look no further than the designers, construction crew, and contractors at Clever Design & Remodeling!
Watch Out For These Common Red Flags When Planning a Complete Kitchen Remodel With General Contractors
Reimagining your master bedroom, kitchen, or two bathrooms in your home isn’t only about creating a beautiful living space but also about enhancing property value through home remodeling.
A good company will understand the importance of your property as an investment in your future and will do their best to perform quality work.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and you may come across some unscrupulous individuals posing as reputable remodeling contractors.
How do you spot the difference – Watch out for these common red flags to prevent yourself from falling victim to scam contractors:
Steer Clear of Contractors Who Don’t Offer Free Estimates
Whether you live in New York City, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, or New Orleans, there is one universal truth: All contractors will offer free estimates on their labor.
If the contractor tries to charge you for the estimate or expects complete payment upfront for the labor and materials, politely hang up the phone or walk away as quickly as possible.
Reputable general contractors will not only give you a free, no-obligation estimate, but they will also help you set up a payment schedule based on the completion of specific tasks and projects and the arrival of materials.
Read the contract extensively and watch out for these signs of a good contract:
- The agreement is written on the company’s letterhead.
- The company’s name, address, phone number, and license number are easily visible.
- The date when written.
- A detailed work description.
- The individual price of each task or project.
- Payment schedule.
- Termination clause.
- Necessary permits and the costs.
Wow! That Price Is Too Good To Be True!
You’re looking for trusted home addition contractors in San Jose and have received several price quotes from quality contractors in your area.
Most quotes are around the same price, that is, except for the one estimate that is far lower than the rest.
On the surface, this might seem like the most cost-effective route to your dream home.
Still, in reality, the lowball estimate is based on a contractor who cuts corners, purchases inferior products, or doesn’t have the necessary licensing and insurance to work in California legally.
Instead, choose a contractor not on the price alone but on the professional reputation, years of quality work, and outstanding service.
Stay away from contractors who also insist you pay in cash, and that cash must be paid upfront!
Instead, the general contractors should accept several different forms of payment and provide you with a detailed payment schedule.
The Contractor Has Bad Online Reviews or No Reviews At All
Online reviews are essential and a deciding factor when you make almost any decision, from finding a new nail technician to a qualified roofer or babysitter.
When you search for Clever Design & Remodeling online, you will find several glowing reviews for one of the best expert kitchen remodelers or expert ADU contractors in the Bay Area.
If the reviews are overwhelmingly poor or you cannot find a single online review about the contracting firm or independent contractor, this is an obvious sign to keep looking.
High-Pressure Selling Tactics
Trustworthy contractors in Mountain View, CA, will help you work within your budget to provide full home remodeling solutions that you can afford and will love, both now and in the future.
Be wary of a contractor trying to persuade you to purchase materials or add-ons you simply cannot afford.
Look for a contractor who will make your existing structure shine and, if necessary, discuss only more expensive options to maximize your property’s potential, such as room additions or unlocking potential with accessory dwelling units.
No Business Address, Phone Number, or Verifiable Website
A company is only as successful as its online presence, so most have a fantastic website and are active on social media.
Use caution when hiring a contractor who doesn’t have a website, business address, or verifiable phone number.
Often, fly-by-night independent contractors without the proper bonding, licensing, and insurance will work from home and offer you a lower price because they do not have the latest equipment either.
Be wary of “independent contractors” who are new to the area and are not forthcoming about their experience in the field.
Instead, look for a contracting team that you can trust!
Clever Design & Remodeling: Your One-Stop Shop for San Francisco Bay Area Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels
With decades of experience serving the incredible San Francisco Bay Area’s fantastic residents, the Clever Design & Remodeling team can honestly do it all!
What sets us apart from other construction and contracting firms in California?
In addition to providing you with a comprehensive kitchen remodeling guide and unique San Mateo bathroom remodeling insights based on our collective years of experience, we also offer something that the competition doesn’t: our 3D remodeling tool!
The use of 3D technology is beneficial for many reasons, including:
- It prevents accidents and mistakes before they happen.
- A 3D rendering is more accessible for a homeowner to conceptualize.
- The model allows you to play around with design elements and create a space you never thought possible.
Our Contractors and Project Managers are Second to None
We don’t mean to brag, but our fantastic team of managers, contractors, designers, and builders is the best in the business!
We offer you a commitment to excellence, and whether you need Palo Alto home addition services or want to hire us to perform a modest kitchen remodel, our team will walk you through the entire process.
If you want to hire the best remodeling contractors in the Mountain View area, you don’t need to look any further than the Clever Design & Remodeling team!
Have Questions About Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit? We Have the Answers!
From creating passive rental income to building a safe space for your aging parents, there are many reasons why California property owners are constructing ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, in their backyards.
We are proud to offer comprehensive ADU services in Mountain View.
What can our team provide you – Experience, expertise, and help designing an ADU: A step-by-step guide!
We can help you secure the proper permits and understand the laws and limitations of your particular count because our team is well-versed in the ever-changing ADU laws and regulations.
Services We Offer in Popular Locations Throughout the Bay Area
In addition to designing and constructing accessory dwelling units, we offer a variety of services and business-free estimates that are sure to meet your needs, including:
- Kitchen renovations
- Bathroom remodels
- Room additions
- Deck building
- Whole home remodeling
Our Bay Area Customers Also Ask
How much will I pay for a full kitchen remodel in Mountain View, CA?
The average San Francisco-area kitchen remodeling project takes around four to 12 weeks to complete.
You can typically expect to spend between $25,000 to $165,000.
Of course, each remodeling project is different, and the overall cost is dependent on several factors, including:
- Your kitchen’s square footage
- Cost of labor
- Materials
- Geographic location
- The project’s size and scale
Want to learn more? Check out this ultimate kitchen remodeling manual.
What questions should I ask my contractors in Mountain View during the hiring process?
Inquire about the following:
- Licensing: All contractors in California must be licensed through the Contractors State Licensing Board or CSLB.
- Bonding: Licensed contractors in California are required to possess a surety bond, which protects both the contractor and the homeowner if the project cannot be completed for any number of reasons.
- Insurance: At a minimum, California licensed contractors should possess at least six types of insurance, including general liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, and professional liability insurance.
Additionally, there are various licenses a general contractor can obtain, including a general building contractor, residential remodeling contractor, or specialty contractor license.
Don’t hesitate to ask your contractor these questions, too:
- Where do you source your materials?
- What permits will this job require?
- What safety precautions do you take?
- How do you hire subcontractors?
How can I plan a stress-free ADU project?
The best way to plan any ADU project is to work with a professional team that is experienced, knowledgeable, and prides itself on great customer service!
At Clever Design & Remodeling, we can help you with all facets of designing and constructing an ADU, including assisting you with maximizing your ADU Investment: Comprehensive ROI Guide and providing you with simple, space-saving ideas for Bay Area ADUs!
How much does it cost to construct an accessory dwelling unit in California?
Otherwise known as a “granny pod” or a “backyard cottage,” there are four main types of accessory dwelling units:
- Detached ADU
- Attached ADU
- Garage or basement conversion
- Junior ADU
Each type has laws and regulations, including the dimensions and proximity to your property line.
Additionally, each typically has a different price tag, and the average cost will depend on the labor and materials and the type of ADU you construct.
However, on average, a typical accessory dwelling unit for a single or multi-family home in California costs roughly $145,000.
What is the average cost of a room addition around San Francisco?
A room addition is the ideal way to maximize your property’s square footage and make your home more liveable, which is essential if you have a growing family or want to sell your home in the competitive California housing market.
May homeowners add another bedroom, bum out their kitchen, or add another bathroom for their guests.
Typically, a home addition in the Golden State will cost anywhere from $450 to $750 per square foot.
If you need more assistance or aren’t sure which home addition project is right for you, read our Bay Area Home Addition: A Complete Guide!
Home Remodeling Contractors in Mountain View Reviews
The best contractors in Los Altos, California
“My bathroom remodeling project was completed in a few weeks!
Clever Design did such an amazing job on one bathroom that I cannot wait to hire the team to redo my master bathroom! 5/5 stars! I would recommend this crew to all my friends and family!.”
My Silicon Valley master bathroom is luxurious!
“I’ve worked with Element Home Remodeling in the past and was not happy with the finished product.
My friends worked with Clever Design in the past and raved about their kitchen remodel, so I decided to give them a call!
I am thrilled with the finished project and cannot wait to get started on my own kitchen renovation!”
I am thrilled with the final outcome of my Santa Clara home remodel
“Kitchen remodels can be overwhelming, which is why you want a great team at your side! I found that team in Clever Design!
I love my marble countertops and hardwood floors, and the new island has made making breakfast for my kids so much easier!”
I love my upgraded San Jose home!
“Everyone warned me that room additions are expensive and difficult to plan, but this is not the experience I had with Clever Design & Remodeling.
They offered me great communication throughout the entire experience, and my son loves his new construction bedroom!”
A wonderful construction team and good contractor in Los Gatos
“There are a lot of remodeling contractors in the Los Gatos area, but none compare to Clever Design.
They provided me with a fair, free estimate and helped me throughout the entire process, even when my granite countertops arrived damaged.
I would recommend this team to anyone looking to upgrade their home.”
