Hiring a contractor for your kitchen remodel, bathroom upgrade, or full home renovation is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. The right professional can transform your vision into reality. The wrong one can turn your project into a nightmare of delays, hidden costs, and poor workmanship.
Most contractors are honest, hardworking professionals — but like in any industry, there are secrets they don’t always share upfront. As a homeowner, knowing these “insider truths” gives you the power to plan wisely, protect your budget, and set the right expectations.
Here are the 10 secrets most contractors won’t tell you — and what you can do to ensure your renovation project is a success.
When you receive estimates from multiple contractors, it’s tempting to go with the lowest bid. What most contractors won’t tell you is that bids are not always apples-to-apples.
Pro Tip: Always ask for a detailed, itemized estimate. Compare line by line — labor, materials, permits, disposal fees — so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Many homeowners assume their contractor will be focused solely on their project. The truth? Most contractors work multiple jobs simultaneously.
That means your project could stall when your crew is pulled onto another site. You may even see progress happening in spurts — a few days of intense work followed by silence.
Pro Tip: Before signing a contract, ask directly:
This ensures accountability and sets realistic expectations about the timeline.
In most cities, permits are required for electrical, plumbing, structural, or major remodeling work. What many contractors won’t tell you is that they expect the homeowner to handle permits — unless you specifically ask.
If permits aren’t pulled and your city finds out, you could face fines or be forced to tear out completed work.
Pro Tip: Always confirm in writing:
For Long Beach homeowners, make sure your contractor is familiar with local building codes and city requirements.
When you hire a contractor, you might assume they personally handle the work. In reality, most contractors act as project managers, bringing in subcontractors for:
This isn’t necessarily bad — specialists often deliver higher quality — but it means your contractor may not be on-site every day.
Pro Tip: Ask for a list of subcontractors before work begins. Research their reputation, licensing, and insurance to ensure your project is in safe hands.
Contractors often provide an estimated timeline, but what they don’t emphasize is that delays are common. Weather, permit approvals, subcontractor scheduling, or material shortages can push completion dates back weeks or even months.
Pro Tip: Add a timeline clause in your contract with penalties for significant delays (excluding weather or supply chain issues). This encourages your contractor to prioritize your project.
Contractors often present you with a base bid — then recommend upgrades throughout the process. These “change orders” can significantly increase your final bill.
Examples:
While upselling isn’t inherently bad, contractors rarely explain that upgrades are a major source of profit.
Pro Tip: Decide early what your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves are. This prevents getting talked into upgrades that blow your budget.
In California, contractors performing jobs over $500 must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). However, some contractors operate without proper credentials, hoping homeowners won’t verify.
Unlicensed contractors can’t pull permits, often lack insurance, and leave you vulnerable to liability.
Pro Tip: Always verify licensing on the CSLB website. Confirm their insurance coverage for both liability and workers’ compensation before signing anything.
Change orders — adjustments to the original contract — often cost more than if you had included the item from the start. Contractors know many homeowners change their minds mid-project, and this is where markups come in.
For example:
Pro Tip: Spend extra time in the planning phase. The more decisions you finalize up front, the fewer costly changes you’ll face later.
Contractors often see their role as building, not cleaning. Unless specified in the contract, post-construction cleanup may not be included — leaving you with dust, debris, or even leftover materials.
Pro Tip: Add cleanup to your written agreement. Specify:
This ensures your home is livable once the project wraps.
Most contractors are happy to provide references, but keep in mind — they’re usually only giving you their happiest clients.
Pro Tip:
Seeing how they handle active projects reveals far more than polished before-and-after photos.
While the top 10 secrets above are the most important, here are additional truths many contractors don’t volunteer:
Knowing what contractors won’t tell you is the first step to protecting your project. Here’s how to stay in control:
By approaching your project informed and prepared, you’ll ensure your contractor respects your time, budget, and vision.
For homeowners in Long Beach, California, remodeling projects often involve unique challenges:
Understanding these 10 secrets most contractors won’t tell you ensures you’ll hire a professional who knows how to navigate Long Beach’s housing market while protecting your investment.
Contractors bring skill, experience, and resources — but as a homeowner, you bring the vision and investment. By knowing these secrets, you can set clear expectations, avoid costly mistakes, and create a collaborative relationship with your contractor.
At Shore Construction, we believe in transparency. We share these insights not to scare you, but to educate and empower homeowners so you can approach your project with confidence. We pride ourselves on being the kind of contractor who tells you the truth up front, respects your budget, and looks out for your best interests at every step.
If you’re ready for a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or full home project in Long Beach, and you want a contractor who values honesty, quality, and long-term results, we’d love to talk.
📞 Contact Shore Construction today to schedule your consultation and experience what it’s like to work with a team that puts your needs first.
562-824-5757
shoreconstruction90803@gmail.com
