FAQ
The questions worth asking any contractor.
Including the ones that are uncomfortable to ask. If an answer here doesn't match what another bidder tells you, that's a useful signal.
Are you licensed, bonded and insured?+
Yes. 18 Remodeling Group Inc holds CSLB License #1088081 as a Class B — General Building Contractor, carries a $25,000 contractor bond, and carries workers' compensation coverage. You can verify all of it yourself at cslb.ca.gov by searching the license number — we'd rather you did.
What does a Class B license actually mean for my project?+
A Class B general building license covers projects that involve two or more unrelated trades. That's what a remodel is: framing plus plumbing plus electrical plus finishes. A specialty license — tile, painting, plumbing alone — doesn't cover running a whole remodel, even if the person holding it is excellent at their trade.
Do you pull permits?+
Yes, for work that requires them — structural changes, new electrical circuits, relocated plumbing, re-roofs and HVAC changeouts. Permits protect you: they create an inspection record and they keep the work from becoming a disclosure problem when you sell. A contractor who offers to skip the permit is offering to make the problem yours.
How do you price a project?+
After a site walkthrough we put together a written estimate broken down by scope, not a single lump sum. You should be able to see what the demolition, rough trades, materials and finish work each carry, and compare it line-by-line against another bid.
How are payments structured?+
California law limits the down payment on a home improvement contract to $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less. After that, payments follow a progress schedule tied to completed stages of work. Any contractor asking for a large deposit up front is outside the rules.
How long will my remodel take?+
A bathroom is typically three to five weeks on site, a kitchen six to ten, a re-roof two to five days, and a window, insulation or air conditioning change-out usually one to three days. Those clocks start after permits and long-lead materials are secured, which is the part most schedules get wrong.
Can I stay in the house during construction?+
For a single bathroom or a kitchen, usually yes, as long as there's a second bathroom or a temporary kitchen setup. For a re-roof, exterior painting or an air conditioning change-out you can stay in the house; only the noisiest hours are disruptive. We'll tell you honestly which one your project is before you sign.
Who is on site day to day?+
Our own crew handles the core carpentry and coordination, and licensed trade partners handle plumbing, electrical and HVAC. One point of contact runs the schedule, so you're never chasing four separate companies for the same answer.
What happens if something is wrong after you finish?+
We walk the job with you and write a punch list before final payment, then fix what's on it. After closeout, call us — workmanship issues that trace back to our installation are ours to correct. Manufacturer warranties on appliances, fixtures and materials are handled through the manufacturer, and we hand you that paperwork at closeout.
Do you work outside the San Fernando Valley?+
We're based in Woodland Hills, CA and concentrate on the San Fernando Valley and adjacent communities. If you're just outside our usual radius, call (818) 339-7573 and ask — the answer depends on the project.
Still have something specific? Send it over or call (818) 339-7573.
Tell us about your project.
Send us the room, the rough scope and a few photos. We'll come out, measure, and give you a written estimate you can actually compare.