It’s imperative to work with a general contractor who exhibits signs of trustworthiness for any home improvement project, kitchen remodel, or complete renovation to be successful. Working with contractors who have shady business practices or are not honest can lead to delayed projects, out-of-control expenses, and unsatisfactory results. 

There are hundreds of contractors in San Diego, and it can be challenging to select one with whom you feel completely comfortable. This blog lists the warning signs you need to look out for and green lights that indicate reliability when choosing a contractor.

General Contractor Red Flags

When you start searching for your general contractor in San Diego, you will be inundated with choices, each claiming to be the best. However, in the beginning, it’s advisable to look for red flags first to thin the herd. Once you have eliminated the contractors that are not up to standard, you can move forward to green lights to decide who best meets your needs. Let’s discuss the red flags that clearly demonstrate contractors you should avoid.

No Insurance or License

All contractors should be licensed to undertake construction projects in your state. The most fundamental license is the General Contractor License, which verifies the contractor’s ability to perform general construction work. Without this license, there is no way to be sure that the company has gone through the proper channels, which makes its integrity questionable.

Next, contractors should have a Specialty Contractor License to perform specific trade services like electrical work, landscaping or plumbing. Home Improvement Contractor Licenses are required for artisans who only focus on remodels instead of new builds. Lastly, commercial Contractor Licenses are required for commercial projects like malls or office buildings.

Poor Reviews or Non-Existent Online Presence

In 2025, there are very few businesses that do not have an online presence. Even those without professional websites will at least have a Facebook page. It is suspicious when a general contractor has no website, social media, or Google business listing. Online reviews and star ratings are excellent base-level indicators of a contractor’s general standing in a community.

It’s important to remember that reviews are not the only way to judge a contractor’s character because there are countless situations where a client may leave an undeserved negative review. However, if multiple reviews or comments mention similar experiences, it’s typically a reliable indication of a consistent problem. Furthermore, it’s concerning if there are no reviews available, as they may not have any successful projects or experience.

Requests for Full Upfront Payment

It’s normal for a contractor to require a deposit before starting a project. Providing a portion of the total fee upfront is a show of good faith. It allows the contractor to buy materials and pay for labor. If a contractor demands full payment upfront, you should proceed with caution as they may not be stable or trustworthy.

Related post: Should You Hire a General Contractor or Do It Yourself?

General Contractor Green Lights

Once you’ve identified reliable contractors, you can go through your list again to decide whose green lights align with your project. Don’t choose a contractor who has never done a similar project, even if they have excellent reviews and a fantastic portfolio. Find general contractors who understand your specific project scope by asking questions and requesting meetings and references.

Excellent Communication

Clear communication is a crucial part of building and maintaining a good relationship with your contractor. Contractors who respond to emails promptly, answer all questions and listen to ideas attentively to put their clients at ease throughout the process. Good communication skills also mean that your contractor will quickly pivot if you don’t agree with something without arguing.

Technical Expertise

A good general contractor will have an in-depth understanding of industry standards like building codes, state regulations, health and safety, and best practices. A knowledgeable artisan can offer solutions based on similar projects they completed and quickly adjust when problems arise. Look for reviews that mention good humor, ease under pressure, and reliability.

Extensive Portfolio

A reputable general contractor should have a portfolio of past projects that demonstrates their range, specialty skills, and ability to complete complex jobs successfully. Ensure that your contractor has examples of projects similar to yours and is willing to provide references for that project. The portfolio should also demonstrate the contractor’s mastery in their field through improvements over time.

Experience The Jeff Seals Difference

Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), adding a pool to your backyard, or rebuilding your porch, your contractor will determine the overall success of your project. Choose a general contractor whose experience and reviews reflect a trustworthy, reliable business that will meet your specific needs.

Contact Jeff Seals Remodeling to discuss our experience, view our portfolio, and read testimonials from previous satisfied customers. We will answer any questions you have to help you feel comfortable with our ability to handle your project. With 25 years of construction experience, we have the skills and knowledge to give you excellent results.