It is cheaper to do it right than doing it over!!! Residential General Construction
Remodeling Questions Homeowners Ask First
Please reach us at Curt@GoAskCurt.com for more answers.
I’m Curt, owner of Curt’s Construction Company in Fremont, California. I’ve been building and remodeling homes since the late 1970s and still work hands-on.
These are common questions homeowners ask before hiring a remodeling contractor.
Choosing a remodeling contractor isn’t about finding the lowest bid.
It’s about finding someone who understands planning, permits, sequencing, and problem-solving before work begins.
I recommend homeowners look for direct experience, clear communication, and accountability from the person actually doing the work — not just managing it.
Remodeling bids vary because many contractors price only what’s visible on day one.
I budget projects by first identifying structural unknowns, code requirements, and sequencing issues that homeowners are rarely told about upfront.
I would rather explain real costs early than surprise a homeowner later. That approach often prevents change orders, delays, and budget overruns.
This approach is best for homeowners who want fewer surprises rather than the lowest initial number.
Timelines depend less on size and more on planning.
Most delays I see come from late design decisions, permit reviews, or discovering hidden conditions once walls are opened.
Since COVID, the permit process has shifted almost entirely to remote review and no-contact approvals. That change has added waiting periods that no contractor can compress, especially when multiple departments are involved.
I spend more time upfront planning so the construction phase moves steadily once permits are issued, even when surprises appear.
This planning-first approach works best for homeowners who value steady progress over rushed schedules.
Most issues during a remodeling project are best addressed through direct communication.
I always recommend homeowners speak with their contractor first and give them the opportunity to clarify or resolve concerns.
Many problems come from misunderstandings about scope, timing, or expectations, and those are often resolved with a clear conversation and documentation.
If a concern cannot be resolved directly, homeowners in California can review guidance from the California Contractors State License Board to understand formal options and consumer protections.
Clear contracts, documented milestones, and open communication reduce the likelihood of disputes before they ever reach that point.
In California, a contractor is limited to a maximum deposit of 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less.
That initial amount is not a down payment for the entire job — it’s meant to cover early costs like planning, scheduling, and initial materials.
I don’t use broad percentage-based payment schedules because they can feel arbitrary and don’t always reflect real progress.
Instead, I use clearly defined payment “monuments” tied to visible stages of work or required inspections.
Each payment corresponds to a completed phase, allowing funds to be allocated toward labor and materials as the project progresses.
This makes it easier for homeowners to see where their money is going and ensures payments align with actual work performed.
This approach works best for homeowners who value transparency, accountability, and steady progress rather than vague percentage billing.
I personally handle residential remodeling projects in Fremont and nearby Alameda County communities like Milpitas, Newark, and Union City.
Because I am an owner-operator, I don’t just manage the work — I design, build, and oversee the project myself.
That allows me to take on projects where details, sequencing, and problem-solving matter, rather than high-volume production remodels.
This approach works best for homeowners who value planning, craftsmanship, and direct accountability, rather than fast, production-style remodels.
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