--- Cali Dream Construction | Design-Build General Contractor San Diego, California | Serving San Diego County and surrounding areas. Phone: (858) 434-7166 | Email: [email protected] | Website: https://maps.google.com/?cid=calidreamconstruction Licensed & Insured General Contractor (CA). Last updated: January 2026 ---
> A homeowner-friendly hiring guide for kitchen remodeling in San Diego, focused on scope clarity, contracts, and predictable results.
Next step: Call or text (858) 434-7166 for a fast, detailed estimate. Or: Request a quote at Start with your project type (scope clarity first)Start with your project type (scope clarity first)
Before you compare contractors, decide what you’re actually building. The best contractor in the world can’t give you a meaningful proposal if your scope is still fuzzy.
Start by identifying your scope lane:
- Refresh (cosmetic improvements, minimal system changes)
- Mid-range remodel (new cabinets and functional upgrades within the same footprint)
- Full reconfigure (layout changes, system moves, possible structural work)
If you haven’t done this yet, use the hub guide first. It will save you time and reduce contradictory bids.
Once your scope lane is clear, contractor selection becomes less about salesmanship and more about process: Who can define scope, plan permits when needed, and run a clean, predictable jobsite?
Questions to ask before you sign
Good questions aren’t “gotchas.” They’re how you confirm the contractor’s planning strength.
Ask these in San Diego:
- Who will supervise the job daily? Is there a consistent lead, or rotating crews?
- What’s included in the written scope? Cabinets, counters, backsplash, flooring, lighting, plumbing/electrical assumptions.
- How are allowances handled? Which items are allowances, and what quality level is assumed?
- What permit path do you expect for this scope? If systems/structure are touched, how will permitting be handled?
- What’s your change order process? How are changes priced, approved, and scheduled?
- What’s the realistic timeline—including ordering? Do they account for cabinet and stone lead times?
- How do you protect the home and control dust? What is standard for floor protection and cleanup?
- What’s the payment schedule and what triggers each payment?
- Can you work within my HOA/condo rules (if applicable)? Delivery windows, insurance certificates, work hours.
- What decisions do you need from me, and by when? This reveals how they manage the project.
- Detailed scope of work (not a one-line summary)
- Inclusions and exclusions (what is not included)
- Allowance list with dollar amounts and what each allowance covers
- Payment schedule tied to milestones
- Start date and working hours (and what affects scheduling)
- Permit responsibility (who pulls permits, who pays fees, who schedules inspections)
- Change order process (written approval before work proceeds)
- Warranty or workmanship expectations (basic clarity, not marketing)
- Cleanup and site protection expectations (floor protection, dust containment, debris handling)
- Avoid paying mostly upfront. A reasonable deposit may be needed for special-order materials, but large front-loaded schedules increase homeowner risk.
- Tie payments to milestones. For example: demo complete, rough inspections passed (if applicable), cabinets installed, counters installed, substantial completion.
- Keep retention for punch list completion. A small final payment after the walk-through helps ensure details get finished.
- Document changes. If the scope changes, the schedule and price should change with it—written and approved.
- License information and classification appropriate for the work
- Proof of insurance (and confirmation it’s current)
- Clarity on who is responsible for permit handling if permits are required
- “Was the daily jobsite kept clean and safe?”
- “Did the schedule match what was promised? If not, why?”
- “How were changes priced and approved?”
- “Did the crew show up consistently, or were there long gaps?”
- “Was communication clear—who was your point of contact?”
If a contractor can’t answer these clearly, it’s usually a sign the project will be run “reactively” rather than planned.
What a good contract should include
A solid contract protects both homeowner and contractor by making expectations explicit. At minimum, you want:
If you see vague language like “as needed” without definition, ask for it to be clarified in writing.
Payment schedule best practices (homeowner-safe)
Payment schedules can vary, but good schedules share one trait: they match payments to real progress.
Homeowner-friendly best practices:
If financing is part of your plan, build your payment schedule so it doesn’t create pressure to rush decisions or skip planning.
License and insurance verification (what to request)
Verification shouldn’t be awkward. A professional contractor expects it.
Ask for:
Also ask: “If a subcontractor is on site, who is responsible for their work and supervision?” You want one accountable party, not a blame chain.
You don’t need to be a construction expert to hire well—you need clarity and documentation.
How to check references and past work (without wasting time)
Reference checks work best when you ask specific, process-focused questions. Instead of “Were you happy?” try:
If possible, ask to see a project in progress, not just finished photos. A clean, organized jobsite with protected floors and labeled materials tells you more than a perfect Instagram image. In tighter San Diego neighborhoods, also ask how the (858) 434-7166 for a fast, detailed estimate.
--- Choose a contractor based on scope clarity and process—not hype. Request a quote at La Jolla, Encinitas, North Park, Clairemont, Chula Vista. Phone: (858) 434-7166 | Website: (858) 434-7166 for a fast, detailed estimate. ---
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