What San Diego Homeowners Should Know Before Starting a Home Improvement Project

When planning a home improvement project, many homeowners assume all contractors operate on a level playing field and that the main difference between companies is price. In reality, choosing a contractor based on cost alone is one of the most common and costly mistakes consumers make.

A local San Diego reporter recently highlighted several important steps homeowners should take before starting any home improvement project. These recommendations are a great foundation—but understanding the bigger picture can help you avoid unnecessary risk, stress, and long-term expense.

Essential Steps to Take Before Hiring a Contractor

• Verify Licensing and Identity: Ask to see the contractor’s pocket license and a valid photo ID. This confirms the contractor is properly licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and that the person you are dealing with is legally responsible for the work.
• Limit Your Down Payment: Never pay more than 10% down or $1,000—whichever is less. This is California law and is designed to protect homeowners from paying too much upfront before work begins.
• Insist on a Detailed Written Contract: Your contract should clearly spell out everything that has been agreed upon, including the scope of work, materials and specifications, total price, payment schedule, and estimated start and completion dates. Vague contracts often lead to disputes, change orders, and unexpected costs.
• Know Who Is Working on Your Home: Obtain contact information not only for the contractor, but also for key subcontractors and suppliers. Transparency and accountability are critical if questions or issues arise during construction.

The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make: Choosing Based on Price Alone

Many homeowners believe that remodeling is a commodity and that all contractors provide essentially the same service. This assumption can lead to serious problems. A lower price often reflects shortcuts—such as unlicensed subcontractors, lower-quality materials, inadequate insurance, or minimal project oversight.

These shortcuts frequently result in delays, change orders, failed inspections, or repairs that cost far more than the initial savings.

How to Truly Protect Yourself

Instead of comparing bids line by line, homeowners should compare the overall process, accountability, and long-term value. Important questions to ask include:

• Who is responsible for design, permits, and construction documentation?
• How are changes handled once construction begins?
• What warranties are provided, and will the company be around to honor them?
• Can the contractor provide recent references for projects similar in scope and complexity?

Choosing an experienced, well-established design-build firm may cost more upfront, but it dramatically reduces risk, improves communication, and delivers a higher-quality, longerlasting result.

The true value of a remodeling project is not measured by the lowest bid—it’s measured by durability, craftsmanship, and peace of mind.

In San Diego, where permitting, inspections, and coastal conditions can complicate even well-planned projects, experience and process matter more than ever. Choosing a Design – Build Specialist with over 50 years of experience provides insurance to homeowner’s.

Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel, a San Diego design-build remodeling and construction firm serving the area since 1975. For more information about how Murray Lampert is helping homeowners navigate the current building environment, visit www.murraylampert.com or call (619) 848-1433.