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REMODEL ANSWERS · SACRAMENTO

Straight answers before you start your remodel

The questions Sacramento homeowners ask us most, from permits and deposits to timelines and who to hire. Answered by a licensed builder, here since 1988.

Open living space with hardwood floors and bay windows, looking into a remodeled kitchen, by Valley Home Construction Start here · Planning a remodel

How do you plan a home remodel in Sacramento?

Plan it in order: pick a licensed contractor, learn the permit and deposit rules, choose when to start, and see the design before any work begins.

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Open living space with hardwood floors and bay windows, looking into a remodeled kitchen, by Valley Home Construction Planning a remodel

How do you plan a home remodel in Sacramento?

The whole path in order, from picking a contractor to the rules, the timing and the first call.

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Marble-tiled walk-in shower with a hexagon mosaic floor, built by Valley Home Construction Rules and permits

Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in Sacramento County?

Yes, if the remodel touches plumbing, electrical, gas or mechanical work.

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Kitchen mid-remodel with new white cabinets set and a template on the island, a Valley Home Construction job Hiring a contractor

How do I choose a general contractor?

Check the license and the insurance, and get a written estimate before any work starts.

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Bathroom with a green vanity, frameless glass shower and clerestory window, built by Valley Home Construction Planning a remodel

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

A cosmetic refresh moves fastest. Moving plumbing or wiring adds a permit and inspections.

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White marble walk-in shower, floor to ceiling, built by Valley Home Construction Rules and permits

Do you need a licensed contractor or a handyman?

A handyman can take small jobs under $1,000. Past that line, California requires a license.

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Remodeled primary bathroom with a freestanding tub and corner glass shower, built by Valley Home Construction Planning a remodel

Remodel or move? The Sacramento version

Remodel if your lot can give you the space you're missing. Move if it can't.

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Bathroom with a dark double vanity, tall linen tower and marble-look floor, built by Valley Home Construction Hiring a contractor

What red flags mean I should walk away from a contractor?

An illegal deposit, a license that won't verify or a skipped permit means walk away.

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Primary bathroom with marble walls, a dark double vanity and a glass shower, remodeled by Valley Home Construction Rules and permits

How much can a contractor legally ask for as a deposit in California?

California caps the deposit at $1,000 or 10% of the price, whichever is less.

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White kitchen with a mosaic tile backsplash and light wood floors, remodeled by Valley Home Construction Planning a remodel

Is fall a smart time to remodel your kitchen?

Yes, for most Sacramento homeowners: mild, dry weather and year-end appliance sales.

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Sage green kitchen with an island and stone backsplash, remodeled by Valley Home Construction Hiring a contractor

What should you check before hiring a builder?

Six things to check before you sign, from the license to how you'll hear about progress.

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1,000+Sacramento projects completed

Grace, Google reviewerGregorio, Google reviewerJack, Google reviewerJo, Google reviewerPriscilla, Google reviewerRich, Google reviewerSteve, Google reviewerTaylor, Google reviewer4.9 on Google
★★★★★

"Ed Lane and his team displayed exceptional professionalism and craftsmanship... The team is incredibly skilled, friendly, and communicative, making the whole process smooth and stress-free."

JamesGoogle review
★★★★★

"The process was clearly outlined, our vision of what we wanted in the kitchen was well documented and Ed and his staff were extremely hard working and professional."

JeffGoogle review
★★★★★

"I especially appreciated the daily communication & updates as the project progressed."

Anna MarieGoogle review
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FREE CONSULT · DESIGN INCLUDED · WRITTEN ESTIMATE

Want a licensed crew and a clear price before work starts?

One call gets you a designer, a written estimate and a start date. If the job changes, you'll see the new price in writing before we do the work.

SINCE 19881,000+ SACRAMENTO PROJECTSCSLB #982830BBB A+4.9★ ON GOOGLE