How to Pick a Contractor in Los Angeles: 10 Questions to Ask

Short answer: pick the contractor who can show an active license, give you a clear written scope and price, explain who will be on site, and answer these ten questions without hedging. Here are the questions, and what a good answer sounds like.

1. Is your license active, and can I check it?

Every contractor doing work over a small dollar amount in California needs a license. Check it on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website. Our license number is 1091248. A good contractor gives you the number without being asked.

2. Can I see recent projects in my area?

Ask for finished projects, photos and, if possible, names of past clients. Real photos of real work are a good sign. Browse our portfolio for examples.

3. Will I get a written scope and a written price?

A line by line scope lets you compare bids fairly and protects both sides. Be careful with a one line number that does not say what is included.

4. Who handles design, engineering and permits?

For most remodels that touch plumbing, electrical or structure, you need plans and permits. Ask who prepares them, who submits them and who meets the inspector. We prepare the drawings, submit the permit application and schedule the inspections. See our permit guide.

5. What is the schedule, and what could change it?

A good contractor gives you a realistic range and explains what could move it, such as permit review, special order cabinets or surprises behind the walls. For example, most kitchen remodels with us take about 10 to 16 weeks, and a full home remodel typically takes 8 to 12 months.

6. How are changes priced and approved?

Changes happen. Ask how they are written down, priced and approved before work continues. Nothing should be added without your written approval.

7. Who will be on site, and who do I call?

Ask whether you will have one project manager and how often you will get updates. With Girl Flip, you deal with the same team from the first walkthrough to the final one.

8. What happens when you find a problem behind the walls?

In older Los Angeles homes, outdated panels, galvanized pipe and unpermitted prior work are common. A good contractor stops, shows you what was found and brings you a fix and a cost before continuing.

9. How do payments work?

Ask for the payment schedule in writing and tie payments to completed stages of work. The CSLB website explains the rules for home improvement contracts.

10. How do you communicate?

Ask how fast they return calls, how they share progress and who answers when something goes wrong. A clean job site and clear updates matter as much as the finished work.

Red flags

• A price that arrives with no written scope
• Pressure to sign today
• No license number, or a number that does not check out
• A contractor who will not tell you who will be on site
• No plan for permits on work that clearly needs one

Why some homeowners choose a women led contractor

Many clients tell us they felt heard from the first call. Girl Flip is a licensed, women led, family owned contractor, and you can read more on our women owned contractor page and our about page.

Common questions

How do I verify a contractor license in California?

Use the license lookup on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website. Search by the license number and check that it is active and in the right classification. Our license number is 1091248.

Should I get more than one estimate?

Yes. Compare written scopes line by line, not only the totals, so you are comparing the same work.

What is a fair way to schedule payments?

Tie payments to completed stages of work, and ask the contractor to explain the payment schedule in writing. The CSLB site explains the rules that apply to home improvement contracts.