How to find a

good contractor

Finding the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your rebuild. A good one will be a good communicator, keep you on schedule, protect your budget, and handle the details with care. A bad one can cost you months, money, and your sanity. 

Here’s how to find the right fit - and avoid the common traps.

This guide was built in partnership with the AIA. 


It was fact-checked by licensed professionals and building experts. 


Consult a builder or architect for specifics to your situation.

Start with

referrals

Ask people who have built (or extensively remodeled) a home before - They’ll tell you who actually showed up, stayed on budget, and followed through. 

TIP: If you don’t know anyone, ask your friends if they know people who have.

Other great starting points:

  • Your architect or project manager - they usually know who’s reputable and reliable and will have pre-existing relationships

  • AIA or local builders’ associations for licensed general contractors in your area

Your Neighborhood Captain - Just be sure to ask if they are taking any payment or commission from the contractors they recommend

Check Licensing

and Insurance

Always confirm the contractor’s license through the California State License Board (CSLB).

You’ll see:

  • Whether their license is active

  • Their classification (you want a Class A or Class B – General Building Contractor)

  • Any complaints or disciplinary actions

  • Bond status and insurance

TIP: Their insurance and bond being active is one of the few protections you have if something goes really wrong, so this is very important. 

Ask for:

  • Proof of general liability insurance

  • Proof of workers’ compensation insurance (if they have employees)

  • Recent client references you can call

If they hesitate or make excuses - that’s a red flag.

Interview

at least 3

Even if you think you’ve found “the one,” get multiple bids.

This helps you compare not just pricing, but communication and professionalism. You’d be shocked at how many deals fall apart at the outset when someone reveals that they struggle to answer basic questions, or only communicate via fax machine, or don’t have a cell phone, etc. 

Questions to ask:

  • Have you built or repaired fire- or smoke-damaged homes before?

  • How do you handle unexpected issues or cost changes?

  • How do you bill (fixed bid, time + materials, cost-plus)?

  • Who will be my main point of contact on-site?

  • How often will they be on site?

  • How many projects are you managing right now?

Pay attention to how clearly they explain things. If they can’t make it understandable, they may not be organized.

Verify their

experience

Look for contractors who:

  • Have experience working in your area (they’ll know local inspectors)

  • Understand fire-resilient construction (IBHS, Chapter 7A, ember-resistant vents, etc.)

  • Are familiar with insurance-funded or SBA-financed rebuilds (these require detailed documentation)

  • Have worked on projects permitted with your local authority (LA County, City of LA, City of Malibu, etc.)

What to avoid

  • Contractors who want a big deposit upfront (over 10% or $1,000 - whichever is less - is illegal in CA).

  • Anyone unwilling to put everything in writing.

  • Out-of-town companies chasing disasters (verify a local license).

Your architect might help

“If you have an architect, they are here to be your partner through this phase as well (if they have bidding in their contract), and can help with the administrative load of this phase. They can also help to advise on the selection process.”

- Jessica Orlando, Vice-President, AIA

Tip:

There are entities who can help you get bids from contractors and negotiate this process for you, (but they typically charge a fee). 

A great reduced cost option is Brass-Tacks, an Altadena outfit started by total loss survivors.