06/11/2026
How do you know if a contractor is actually qualified?
A low price doesn't tell you much. It doesn't tell you if they're licensed, if they're insured, or who's actually going to show up at your house.
Before you hire anyone, check these five things:
βοΈ Verify their license (California: search CSLB.ca.gov)
βοΈ Ask for proof of insurance
βοΈ Look at projects similar to yours β not just their best work
βοΈ Find out who will actually be doing the work
βοΈ Get a detailed written estimate before anything starts
That fourth one gets skipped the most.
Some companies sub out everything. Others do the core work themselves and bring in licensed trades β electrical, plumbing β for the parts that require it.
At Holland & Sons, every piece of carpentry and millwork is built and installed by us. When a project needs licensed electrical or plumbing, we bring in people we trust. You'll always know who's in your home and why.
What's the first question you ask before hiring a contractor? Drop it in the comments.