Selecting Architects & Contractors
Choosing the right architect or contractor is a critical step in rebuilding your home. Here are the best practices and step-by-step guidance for selecting and vetting potential contractors to help ensure a safe, compliant, and successful rebuild.
- 1. Research & Verify Credentials
- 2. Pre-Screen Potential Contractors
- 3. Compare Proposals
- 4. Check References
- 5. Review Contract Carefully
- 6. Start & Complete Project
Before hiring anyone, confirm that they are legally able to work in California and have the proper insurance coverage.
- Check California’s licensing board online to verify the license number and ask for both liability and worker’s compensation coverage.
- Confirm that the contractor is properly bonded. Contractors are required to have a contractor’s bond on file with the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in the amount of $25,000.
Download the Partner Selection Questionnaire to evaluate contractors and remove anyone who gives off red flags. Trust your instincts, a professional contractor will answer your questions and provide documentation without hesitation.
It is best practice to obtain at least three (3) bids and compare pricing. The lowest price is not always the best contract, so consider experience, quality, and communication as well.
Speak with several past clients and review completed projects. The best way to assess a contractor’s quality is to look at their previous work and listen to feedback from former clients. Visiting a project site or viewing photos allows you to evaluate workmanship and attention to detail.
When speaking with references, ask whether the project stayed on budget and on schedule, if any issues arose, and how they were resolved. It is also important that the contractor has experience rebuilding after a wildfire and understands wildfire-resilient construction methods. Experience with disaster rebuilds ensures they are familiar with specialized materials, fire codes, and resilient building practices.
Wildfire rebuilds often involve complex repairs and specialized materials. Make sure all costs and responsibilities are clearly defined in writing. A detailed bid protects you from unexpected expenses and ensures everyone agrees on the project scope. Avoid vague estimates such as “all materials included,” and ask contractors to explain how pricing may change during construction.
Never allow work to begin without a written quote and contract. Use payment schedules that align with project milestones to reduce financial risk. In California, a down payment for a home improvement contract cannot exceed $1,000 or ten percent of the total contract price, whichever is less. Keep all contracts, receipts, and change orders organized in one place so they can be easily referred to if needed.
Completing your rebuild will take several months. Maintain clear communication, track milestones, and document all changes. Delays are common during the rebuilding process, but transparency and careful scheduling can reduce frustration. Clear timelines help you plan for temporary housing, inspections, and insurance deadlines.
Knowing who to contact throughout the project prevents confusion and keeps progress on track. Request a written project schedule with start and end dates for each phase and confirm how often you will receive progress updates.