Do you need one for your
Orange County, CA kitchen remodel?
Are you ready to embark on a major project to update your home? If your plans involve more than minor repairs or basic style changes, then it may be time to look for a licensed general contractor to manage your project.
A kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation is no small endeavor and typically involves multiple professionals to complete different aspects of the job. A complex project like this usually requires permits, inspections, and much more. Taking on anything more than a small DIY project without a licensed general contractor on your side could be detrimental to the success of your project and could have long-term financial implications for you.
While it may seem like managing a remodeling job yourself and working with unlicensed contractors will save you money, the benefits of working with a licensed contractor far outweigh any costs. Why? A licensed general contractor does the following for your kitchen renovation or bathroom remodeling project:
- Removes the stress of sourcing and managing multiple professionals.
- Handles all the details of the project.
- Takes care of obtaining necessary permits and inspections.
- Manages timelines, and matches up the permits, people, and materials, allowing your project to run more smoothly and efficiently.
- Understands safety regulations, code, and knows what issues could arise and how to avoid and handle them.
- Provides a warranty for work.
Choosing a contractor with a license means you are working with someone who has met the industry standards to get their license and who maintains these standards over time. You may save money in the short term by going with an unlicensed contractor, but you are taking a gamble that could cost you a lot of money in the long term.
The benefits of hiring a licensed contractor to manage this for you in completing a large project, such as a kitchen remodel in Mission Viejo or anywhere in Orange County are clear. When embarking on a project where you must obtain a permit, here are the options available (based on CALBO January 1, 2009 Owner-Builder Notification Handout):
- Hire a licensed contractor: in this scenario you are the customer, and the permit is in the name of the contractor. With this option, you get protection from poor workmanship and from financial risk due to injury.
- “Owner-as-worker”: this is the DIY option. You perform the work, the permit is in your name, and you take responsibility for the success or failure of the job.
- “Owner-as-contractor”: you act as your own general contractor with the permit in your name and hire your own sub-contractors. You are responsible for hiring licensed sub-contractors or bear the burden of risk associated with hiring unlicensed contractors.
- “Owner-as-employer”: the permit is in your name and you are fully responsible for employment requirements (including payroll taxes), supervision, and safety of anyone working on your property.
Only in the first scenario have you hired a professional who takes full responsibility for the permit and for everyone working on site at your home. The other scenarios may interest you particularly if you want to “cut corners” to save money, but you are taking on a much higher risk and greater responsibility.
If you want a stress-free approach to your kitchen renovation, bathroom remodel, or other home remodeling project, it makes sense to go with a professional who can handle all the details and make sure your project is a huge success. That leaves you to focus on the fun parts, like turning your vision into the kitchen design of your dreams. Contact us today to discuss your kitchen renovation or other home remodeling requirements!
