Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: Insuring construction of a major remodel

Probably the most important thing would be a completion date in writing which says that if work is not complete on or before this date then contractor will pay you $xx per day the project is not complete. Other than that, you need to make sure there is sufficient detail in your contract so that your contractor cannot "short" you, i.e. linoleum instead of tile, press-board instead of solid wood, one electrical outlet instead of several, wall lighting instead of overhead lightiing, etc. I am often amazed at how people will spend tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars remodeling their home, but try to save some money by not hiring an attorney to review and assit them with their construction contract.

Re: Insuring construction of a major remodel

You can check the contractor on the internet. Also check the amount that the contractor can charge up front, it once was $500 maximum. Also provide for work progress payments that comply with the statutory provisions for a home improvement contract. Personal referrals from prior customers can be helpful, but not necessarily fool proof. You could also check into the cost of a performance bond. Such a bond will pay if the contractor does not perform. Also check regularly on the work as to quality and code compliance.