5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Contractor in Burbank, CA (And How to Avoid Them)
Hiring the wrong contractor is one of the most stressful — and expensive — mistakes a homeowner can make. We’ve seen it happen too many times: a project that starts with excitement ends in delays, hidden costs, and poor workmanship.
Here are the 5 most common mistakes Burbank homeowners make when hiring a general contractor — and exactly how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Hiring Without Checking the License
In California, every general contractor must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Yet many homeowners skip this step entirely.
An unlicensed contractor might offer a lower price — but if something goes wrong, you have zero legal protection. No recourse. No insurance. No accountability.
How to avoid it: Go to cslb.ca.gov and verify the license number before signing anything. At VB Alliance Construction Co., our license number is #1131445 — you can look it up right now.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Lowest Bid
We understand — budgets matter. But the lowest bid is almost never the best deal.
Contractors who underbid often cut corners on materials, skip permits, or add surprise charges once the project is underway. What looks like a $15,000 savings can turn into a $40,000 nightmare.
How to avoid it: Get 3 bids and compare them line by line. If one bid is dramatically lower than the others, ask why. A good contractor will explain every item in writing.
Mistake #3: Not Asking About Permits
Many homeowners don’t realize that most remodeling projects in Burbank require permits — kitchen remodels, bathroom additions, ADUs, structural changes, and electrical work all need city approval.
Working without permits can result in fines, forced demolition, and serious problems when you try to sell your home.
How to avoid it: Always ask your contractor: “Will you pull the permits for this project?” A licensed, reputable contractor handles permitting as a standard part of the job.
Mistake #4: Paying Too Much Upfront
A contractor who demands 50% or more before work begins is a red flag. This is one of the most common patterns in contractor fraud.
California law actually limits upfront deposits to 10% of the total contract or $1,000 — whichever is less — for most home improvement projects.
How to avoid it: Never pay more than required by law upfront. Set up a payment schedule tied to project milestones — and get it in writing.
Mistake #5: Not Getting Everything in Writing
A handshake deal might feel friendly. But when the scope of work, timeline, or materials aren’t in writing, disputes are inevitable.
A proper contract should include: detailed scope of work, materials list, project timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms.
How to avoid it: If a contractor resists putting things in writing, walk away. Every legitimate contractor will provide a detailed written contract before work begins.
The Bottom Line
Hiring a contractor in Burbank doesn’t have to be stressful — as long as you know what to look for. Verify the license, compare bids carefully, confirm permits are included, protect your deposit, and get everything in writing.
At VB Alliance Construction Co., we check every box. We’re licensed, fully insured, and have been serving Burbank and Los Angeles County homeowners with honest, quality work since 2018.
📞 Call us for a free estimate: 747-717-2333
🏢 License #1131445
📍 Burbank, Los Angeles County & Bay Area