Top 5 Red Flags When Hiring a Contractor in Los Angeles
Learn the top warning signs to watch out for when hiring a contractor in Los Angeles. Protect your project, your home, and your wallet with these smart tips.
Don’t Get Scammed: Know the Red Flags Before You Hire
Los Angeles is full of skilled tradespeople — but it’s also a hotspot for contractor scams and half-finished projects. If you’re planning a home remodel, addition, or repair, choosing the wrong contractor can cost you thousands and leave you with unfinished work.
To save you from that nightmare, here are the top 5 red flags to watch out for before you hire anyone to work on your home.
🚩 1. No License or Insurance
This is non-negotiable.
If a contractor isn’t licensed in the state of California and doesn’t carry general liability insurance, run. If anything goes wrong — injuries, damage, or faulty work — you’re financially responsible.
Pro Tip: On LA Rebuilders Network, every contractor is verified to be licensed and insured.
🚩 2. Pushes for a Large Upfront Payment
A common scam: they ask for a big deposit, then disappear.
In California, contractors legally can’t ask for more than 10% of the project cost or $1,000 (whichever is less) as a down payment. If they’re asking for more, it’s a huge red flag.
Always get a written contract with a payment schedule tied to milestones (e.g. framing done, drywall complete, etc.).
🚩 3. No Portfolio or References
You wouldn’t hire a wedding photographer without seeing their past work — your contractor should be no different.
If they don’t have:
- Before & after photos
- Client testimonials
- Recent reviews
…it probably means they either don’t do good work — or they haven’t done enough of it.
We encourage all pros on our site to upload photos and reviews, so you know exactly what to expect.
🚩 4. Doesn’t Offer a Written Contract
No contract = no accountability.
If they won’t provide a scope of work, detailed estimate, and timeline in writing — walk away. This is where most disputes begin.
Your contract should include:
- Total cost
- Materials used
- Start & finish dates
- Cleanup responsibilities
- Payment schedule
We also provide downloadable templates for contracts and estimates to help you avoid the guesswork.
🚩 5. Poor Communication from Day One
If they ghost your calls, take forever to respond, or don’t answer questions clearly — don’t assume it’ll get better after you hire them. In fact, it usually gets worse.
Strong communication = strong results.
Our directory allows you to message multiple pros at once and compare how they respond. The good ones will stand out fast.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the right contractor is half the battle in getting your home project done right.
At LA Rebuilders Network, we connect homeowners with verified, reviewed, and responsive pros across Los Angeles — without the stress or markup.
You can post your job, browse trustworthy workers, and get free estimates in minutes.
Start Your Search Here
👉 Post a Free Job Now
Tags: contractor scams LA, how to hire a contractor, red flags remodeling, licensed contractors Los Angeles, home renovation tips LA, rebuild LA fires