Over the years, the progression of bad trades people started about 20 years ago. Now, I think it has gone full song. There are more bad ones then there are good in residential construction but some of the good ones are still out there but are getting very difficult to find.

The reason I started making cabinets again 20 years ago was the amount of bad cabinet makers/wood workers that are out there. Thankgoodness we only make them for our own clients and not anyone else. Crappy attitude, horrible work ethics and it isn't sold at home depot, they can't make it. Using Pine to pass for Maple, that kind of siht. I am having a hard time with finisher/painter. I have a 80k cabinet job in Palos Verdes that are coming out of my shop and I am the GC on the job. Looks like my guys will have to do the lacquer job.

One last thing - make sure they not only have insurance but you also check it’s valid.

If someone working has a fatal accident on your property and you find out they don’t have valid insurance you’ll be boning up on your umbrella policy T&Cs post haste. That’s after the cops, ambulance, fire, OSHA and the rest are done camping in your driveway..

And yes. It does happen.

Typically an inspector does not have time to run a school. But they should have the various code books in their vehicle. And they should cite the code section upon request.

I highly recommend general contracting it yourself if you are organized and detailed. I built my backyard swimming pool and am currently remodeling my kitchen (all the way back to the studs).

Learn about https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/legal_issues_for_consumers/mechanics_lien/What_Is_A_Mechanics_Lien.aspx first.

The PRA (Public Records Act) will allow you to visit your city or county's Building and Permits Office. You can walk in and request to see anyone's permits within their jurisdiction. In your case, you can ask for room additions. The permits will provide the address and names of customers and also the names, phone numbers, and price of each contractor required to do permit work. I asked for 10 residences in the past 2 years and they provided it to me for free. Of course a smile and kind words help. Some have the permits uploaded on their respective website.

I asked for the compliance building codes for my particular job and what jobs needed permits. I met with the Building Inspector and he was happy to help because I wanted to ensure each job was done correctly. It worked out very well and if a job had a particular portion that did not pass, the Building Inspector told me immediately and explained the remedy. They are on the sides of the owners to make sure the contractor's work is completed correctly.

I drove out an knocked on the doors of the customers and asked them to tell me about the work quality, promptness, cleanliness, and price if they were willing to tell me. Most provided the information and even offered to show me the work that was done.

Learn the job steps of your build. Incredibly, YouTube has a lot of great videos!

I saved at least 40% and invested that money into higher quality products and still saved at least 25% overall.

PM me if you need any details or more information on what worked best for me. Good luck, David