I’m a Builder + Palisadian : Part Four

How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Rebuild

By Kambiz Kamdar, November 9th, 2025

As rebuilding moves forward across the Palisades, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right contractor. This person or team will be with you for the long haul, managing more time and money on your home than any vacation or hotel you’ve ever researched.

By now, you’ve hopefully selected your architect and finalized the design of your new home. Whether you’re rebuilding to the same size, expanding, or downsizing, the next major step is selecting the contractor you trust to bring it to life.

How to Find Contractors

Word-of-mouth remains the most reliable way to find quality builders. Mostly because the people you ask, know you and you trust their opinion, that’s why you asked them!

If a neighbor just wrapped up a rebuild or a friend recently worked with someone they trust, go take a look. Ask questions. See the craftsmanship up close.

But even with a great referral, don’t stop there. Do your homework.

At Pali Builds, we maintain a list of contractors currently working in the Palisades based on permits pulled, plus a directory of others who’ve asked to be included. As you drive around town, you’ll also see contractor signs and banners everywhere. There are a lot of names out there, and it can be tough to tell who’s who.

You can browse verified contractors currently rebuilding in the Palisades at www.PaliBuilds.com

Step 1: Verify Their License

Start with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

1. Search by company name or license number
2. Look carefully at the “qualifying individual”

Make sure the license holder is the actual person you’re meeting with. Too many companies operate under someone else’s license. If something goes wrong and the contractor disappears, the person whose license was used may not have ever set foot on your job. Sadly, this is happening right now in the Palisades.

Step 2: Visit Active or Recently Completed Jobs

Don’t rely on projects from years ago. Ask to see their portfolio of projects!

Codes, processes, and rebuild requirements have changed dramatically. Walk their current jobs. Talk to homeowners. Look for professionalism, organization, and consistency.

Step 3: Review Their Contract and Cost Breakdown

Once you feel good about a contractor, it’s time to dive into the details.

What to look for in a contract:

1. A complete, itemized cost breakdown
2. Proof of general liability and workers compensation insurance
3. Clear exclusions (these matter more than people realize)

Push to get as many items included in writing as possible. Documented clarity now, prevents expensive surprises later.

How to evaluate the numbers:

1. Review the Schedule of Values line-by-line
2. Confirm the finishes you want are included
3. For allowances, ask the contractor to separate labor and materials

Knowing the material budget up front tells you if your preferred tile, flooring, plumbing, etc. are actually realistic.

Step 4: Know the Legal Limits on Deposits

Under California law, a contractor can only collect 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is lower, as the deposit.

Legitimate contractors in Los Angeles have credit with suppliers on net-30 terms. If someone is asking for a large upfront payment, that’s a red flag. If they say they need it for materials, ask for the supplier invoice and pay the supplier directly.

A Note on the Palisades Builders Coalition

During this rebuild effort, I’ve gotten to know many excellent builders. Four of us came together to form the Palisades Builders Coalition to help homeowners navigate the rebuild process. Visit the Coalition’s site at www.PaliBuilders.org

Our mission isn’t to vet contractors.

The Coalition’s Mission Is To:

1. Advocate pro-building public policy
2. Bring builders together to solve logistical challenges
3. Communicate building choke points to city leaders
4. Provide helpful information to home and property owners
5. Encourage ethical building

The Real Costs of Construction

A contractor who gives you a firm price per square foot without a full set of plans — especially without structural plans — is guessing.

I don’t bid any project without the structural set. In the Palisades, topography and soil conditions vary wildly. Two lots on the same street can have completely different foundation requirements.

A good example: one of my rebuilds on Jacon sits on a flat site, but we’re still required to install caissons and deepened footings because of the bedrock profile. Foundation and framing costs are the biggest variable from lot to lot. Even if finishes are identical, structural design alone can swing total costs by 10 to 30 percent.

Coming Next Week

1. How to protect yourself during construction
2. How to avoid contractor abuses
3. How to keep your project lien-free so every subcontractor and supplier gets paid propery

If you’re beginning your rebuild journey, visit PaliBuilds.com for resources, contractor lists, and trusted local professionals.

We’re rebuilding the Palisades together — one smart decision at a time.