Decision guide
How to Choose a Kitchen and Bath Remodeler
Pick the delivery model first (design-build, general contractor, or showroom-led), then check the CSLB license, and only sign a written contract that respects California's payment limits: no more than $1,000 or 10% down, whichever is less.
Three ways to hire
| Model | How it works | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Design-build firm | One company designs and builds under one contract | Owners who want one point of responsibility |
| General contractor | Builds from plans you bring (from a designer or architect) | Owners who want to bid identical drawings |
| Showroom-led | A cabinet or bath showroom designs; a contractor installs | Cabinet- or fixture-driven projects |
Full comparison: design-build vs general contractor.
Check the license
Look up every bidder on the CSLB license check. Confirm the license is active, the name matches the contract, the classification fits (a B General Building license is common for multi-trade remodels), and workers' compensation is on file if they have employees. Check that bond and complaint history look clean.
Know the contract rules
- Down payment no more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less.
- Written contract required for home improvement projects over $500.
- Payments can't exceed the value of work performed.
Source: CSLB, What Is a Home Improvement Contract.
What a good quote includes
- A detailed scope: demolition, plumbing and electrical changes, waterproofing method, tile areas
- Allowances for finishes, in dollars, and who orders what
- How hidden conditions (rot, galvanized pipe, old wiring) will be priced
- A written change-order process
- Permit, inspections and the water-conserving fixture requirement
- A schedule with start date and expected duration
- Warranty terms in writing
Ready to compare quotes? A local remodeler can look at your room and give you a written quote.
Get a QuoteRed flags
- A large deposit or cash-only terms
- "We don't need a permit for this"
- No license number on the contract, or a license in a different name
- Pressure to sign today for a special price
- Vague allowances that will almost certainly be exceeded
Questions to ask every remodeler
- Who will be on site day to day, and who do I call with questions?
- Which waterproofing system do you use, and do you flood-test shower pans?
- How do you price surprises behind the walls?
- Who pulls the permit and schedules inspections?
- In Rossmoor: have you worked through the mutual alteration process?
Cost context before you meet anyone: bathroom costs ยท kitchen costs.
Choosing a remodeler: questions
What license does a kitchen or bathroom remodeler need in California?
Remodels that involve several trades are typically done under a B (General Building) license. Specialty licenses, such as C-36 Plumbing or C-54 Tile, cover single trades. Look up any license on the CSLB license check and confirm it is active.
How much can a remodeler ask for up front?
For home improvement work, the down payment cannot be more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less (CSLB).
Do I need a written contract?
Yes, for any home improvement project over $500, and payments can't exceed the value of the work performed (CSLB).
Design-build or general contractor?
Design-build puts design and construction under one contract, which simplifies decisions and responsibility. Hiring a designer or architect first and bidding the drawings to general contractors gives clearer price comparisons. See the full comparison.
Next step
Talk to a local remodeler
Tell us about the room and a local remodeler can walk you through scope, permits and a written quote.