Q: Do I need to hire an interior designer if I am working with an architect or San Francisco Remodeling Contractor?

A: There are some very talented and professional designers out there who are experts at making sure all the elements in the home will present a unified, cohesive design which suits the space and complements the home as a whole. They can make sure all the elements of the home work together as a cohesive whole.  Unfortunately, there are many people marketing themselves as “designers” whose only qualifications are a subscription to Sunset magazine. This unfortunate group typically has little or no understanding about the cost, construction practicality, or building-code-compliance of any given design. If you intend to hire a designer, you should choose carefully lest you spend a significant portion of your remodeling budget creating a design which you cannot afford or which does not comply with the limits of materials or with building code. Check references!  Many architects can also provide comprehensive interior-design services, however, so a separate designer is not always necessary.  A good San Francisco General Contractor can successfully collaborate with a designer, architect, engineer, and homeowner to make sure the design is developed in attainable direction

Q:How can I ensure that I hire a reputable San Francisco General Contractor?

A: By contacting the contractor’s references.  Ask to tour one of the contractor’s completed similar projects.  Also, always verify their contractor’s license, bond, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance.  The state Contractor’s License Board’s website 

(https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx ) is the place to start.

Q: What types of licenses and insurance should a San Francisco remodeling contractor have?

A:  They should have a B license (General Contractor.) A valid bond. Commercial general liability insurance of not less than $2mil, with a specific inclusion for work on condos/HOA’s if so engaged. Worker’s compensation insurance. Commercial vehicle auto insurance, including a “non-owned and hired” inclusion for employees driving their own vehicles on company time. The General Contractor should verify and provide written proof of all these same insurances for every subcontractor they bring to any job.

Q: How do San Francisco remodeling contractors usually charge for their services, with regard to deposits and the payment of balances?

A: In California, a General Contractor may request or accept, prior to onsite work having commenced in earnest, a deposit of 10% of the total contract price or $1,000.00, whichever is LESS. Contract payments are typically linked to progress milestones and/or sign-offs for various inspections.

Q: What are some steps that I can take to help ensure that the remodeling goes as smoothly as possible?

A: Choose design professional(s) and Remodeling Contractor carefully.  Avoid the misery of assuming you can act as your own General Contractor by merely hiring all the various subcontractors, picking out a cabinet finish and flooring material, and hoping everything will work out fine. It rarely will, and such projects inevitably cost more and take longer to complete than had a good San Francisco General Contractor been involved from the start.