5 Questions to Ask Your Home Remodeler in San Jose, CA

Introduction

Thinking about remodeling your home in San Jose? You’re not alone. Many homeowners are choosing to improve the homes they already own—by upgrading kitchens, expanding living areas, or converting garages into additional living spaces. In a competitive housing market like San Jose, remodeling can offer more value and comfort than moving.

But remodeling isn’t just about picking paint colors or new appliances. It’s a major investment that affects your daily life and your budget. Choosing the right contractor is one of the most important parts of the process. The contractor you hire will influence how smoothly the project goes, how much it costs, and how the final space turns out.

So, how do you know who to trust?

Start by asking the right questions. In this guide, you’ll learn five essential questions to ask a remodeler—and what to look for in their answers.

Key Takeaways

1. Always Verify Licensing and Insurance
   
   • Make sure your contractor holds a valid California contractor license and carries general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
     
   • Local experience matters—choose a contractor who understands San Jose’s specific building codes, zoning rules, and permitting process.
     
2. Clear Communication and Project Management Are Crucial
   
   • Ask how your project will be managed, who your main contact will be, and how often you’ll receive updates.
     
   • A professional contractor should provide a step-by-step project plan and timeline, and communicate proactively throughout.
     
3. Review Relevant Past Work
   
   • Ask to see examples of completed projects similar to yours (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms, ADUs).
     
   • Look for quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and styles that match your vision.
     
4. Understand What the Estimate Covers
   
   • Get a detailed, itemized estimate that includes labor, materials, permits, cleanup, and potential extras.
     
   • Ask what’s not included and how surprise costs will be handled before work begins.
     
5. Make Sure Permits and Subcontractors Are Properly Managed
   
   • Your contractor should take full responsibility for obtaining permits, scheduling inspections, and supervising all subcontractors.
     
   • Subcontractors should be licensed, insured, and held to high standards of quality and professionalism.
     
6. Ask Additional Questions Before Signing
   
   • Inquire about warranties, change orders, material selection help, and whether they provide references or a written contract.
     
   • The more you know upfront, the smoother the process will be.
     
7. Choosing the Right Contractor Makes All the Difference
   
   • The right remodeler is transparent, experienced, communicative, and familiar with San Jose homes and city processes.
     
   • A thoughtful contractor will help you avoid costly mistakes and deliver a finished space you’ll be proud of.

1. Are You Licensed, Insured, and Familiar with San Jose Building Rules?

This question should always come first.

Contractors working on projects over $500 in California must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Their license shows they’ve passed state exams and follow California’s building laws. You can verify a license online to ensure it’s current and valid.

But licensing isn’t enough. Your contractor should also carry:

• General liability insurance: protects your home from accidental damage
• Workers’ compensation insurance: covers worker injuries on your property

Without these, you could be held financially responsible for damage or injuries.

Additionally, remodeling in San Jose means following local building codes and requirements. These include:

• Earthquake retrofitting for older homes
• Height and setback limits for additions
• Energy and water efficiency standards
• Permitting procedures that vary by neighborhood

A remodeler who’s active in San Jose will be familiar with the city’s processes and can avoid the delays or penalties that come from overlooking important details.

Helpful Tip:

Ask for their contractor license number and insurance certificates. A trustworthy professional will gladly share them.

Real-World Example:

A homeowner in Almaden Valley hired a contractor from outside the area to build an upstairs addition. The contractor didn’t check local zoning restrictions, and halfway through framing, the city issued a stop-work order. The homeowner had to pay for redesign, delays, and reinspection. A local contractor would have handled those permits before the first nail was driven.

2. What’s Your Plan for Managing the Project?

A home remodel involves more than just skilled labor. It requires planning, organization, and clear communication. A professional remodeler should have a solid plan for managing each stage of the project—and for keeping you informed.

Ask:

• Who will be my main point of contact?
• How often will I receive updates?
• What is the expected timeline?
• What happens if something causes a delay?

Most successful remodeling jobs follow these stages:

1. Project design and planning
2. Finalizing materials and layout
3. Permits and approvals
4. Demolition and preparation
5. Framing, plumbing, and electrical work
6. Inspections
7. Finishing touches (cabinets, flooring, fixtures)
8. Final walkthrough and cleanup

Make sure you understand what to expect during each phase. Some remodelers use a shared calendar or an app to help homeowners stay informed about progress and schedules.

Example:

A San Jose homeowner remodeling a kitchen received weekly emails with photos and updates from her contractor. She knew what was happening even when she wasn’t home. Another family, working with a different contractor, had no communication for two weeks and was surprised by delays that could have been avoided.

Good communication isn’t a luxury—it’s a sign of professionalism.

3. Can You Show Me Similar Work You’ve Done?

One of the best ways to evaluate a contractor is by looking at their past work.

Ask to see:

• High-quality before-and-after photos
• Examples of similar projects (such as bathrooms, kitchens, ADUs, or room additions)
• Descriptions of any challenges they solved

Check whether their design style, materials, and attention to detail align with what you want for your home. If you’re in a historic part of San Jose, ask if they’ve worked with homes built in the 1920s or 1930s. If you live in a modern neighborhood like Evergreen, check whether they’ve remodeled homes with similar layouts.

Example:

A homeowner in Willow Glen wanted to convert their attic into a home office. One remodeler showed three attic conversions with skylights, built-in storage, and quiet insulation. Another had only basic photos of general interior work. The homeowner chose the remodeler with direct experience—and was thrilled with the result.

Seeing real projects helps you assess craftsmanship and gives you peace of mind.

4. What Does Your Estimate Include—and What Might Cost Extra?

Not all estimates are created equally. A lower price might look good at first—but may leave out important costs that show up later.

Ask for a detailed, itemized estimate that includes:

• Labor
• Materials (and whether these are specific brands or general allowances)
• Permit fees
• Demolition and debris removal
• Painting, hardware, and finishing touches

Also ask:

• What’s not included in this estimate?
• How do you handle surprises, like hidden damage or material changes?
• Will I have to sign off on any extra charges before work begins?

A good remodeler will explain what’s included, what could change, and how they’ll communicate updates. That helps you budget better and avoid stress.

Tip:

Ask if the contractor builds in a “contingency buffer” for unexpected issues like dry rot, plumbing problems, or old wiring.

Example:

Two contractors give estimates for a kitchen remodel. One is $12,000 lower, but it doesn’t include permits or plumbing updates. The other estimate includes everything, from electrical upgrades to cleanup. The cheaper option ends up costing more once all the add-ons are billed.

At Elevated Edge Construction, we offer detailed, transparent estimates. We also offer financing through Enhancify, which allows families to choose a payment plan that fits their budget.

5. Who Handles Permits, Inspections, and Subcontractors?

Many home remodels in San Jose require building permits and city inspections. If your project skips these, you could face serious issues down the road—like fines, delays, or trouble selling your home.

Ask your contractor:

• Do you apply for all the necessary permits?
• Who schedules and attends city inspections?
• What happens if something doesn’t pass inspection?

Also, ask how the contractor manages other workers. Most remodelers hire subcontractors for things like:

• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Drywall
• HVAC systems
• Flooring or tile installation

Ask:

• Are subcontractors licensed and insured?
  
• Do you work with the same team regularly?
  
• Who checks their work for quality?
  

Example:

A family hired a contractor who let an unlicensed plumber install their bathroom pipes. During inspection, the city flagged several issues and required the family to tear open the walls to fix the work. A licensed subcontractor would have avoided the problem.

A contractor who handles permitting and manages the team properly protects your home and keeps your project on schedule.

Bonus Tips and Questions

To go even deeper in your decision-making process, here are a few more helpful questions:

• Do you offer a written warranty? Find out what it covers and how long it lasts.
  
• Will I get a written contract? It should include costs, timelines, materials, and responsibilities.
  
• Can you help with design choices? Some contractors assist with material selection, layouts, or finishes.
  
• How do you handle changes during the project? Make sure all changes are agreed upon in writing.
  
• Can I talk to past clients? A reputable contractor will happily provide references or reviews.
  

Asking these questions helps you avoid confusion and feel more in control of the process.

Conclusion

Remodeling your home is a big commitment. From design to final inspection, there’s a lot to coordinate. The contractor you choose will influence how smoothly the work goes and how happy you are with the final results.

By asking these five key questions—and a few extras—you’ll be in a better position to make a smart, informed decision. Look for someone who is licensed, experienced, detail-oriented, and easy to communicate with.

At Elevated Edge Construction, we’ve served homeowners across San Jose and the Bay Area since 2007. We specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodels, ADUs, additions, and whole-home transformations. Our team handles everything from permits and planning to the final walkthrough—and we take pride in doing it right.

Ready to get started?
Visit https://eecinc.us/get-a-quote/ or call 408-402-4009 to book your free consultation today.

Let’s build a space you’ll love to live in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This article has been a collaboration between Elevated Edge Construction and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on May 05, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with Elevated Edge’s expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.

George Shafazand CEO

With over 17 years in the construction industry, George Shafazand has extensive experience in construction management and real estate development. He has successfully led multi-residential, commercial, and retail projects from planning to completion. He specializes in construction administration, project management, land development, and contract negotiations to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. As a Project Manager and Owner’s Representative for over a decade, George has overseen feasibility analysis, entitlements, funding, contract negotiations, and construction execution. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, multiple property management certifications, and is an active member of the California Bureau of Real Estate.

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