# Blog | Valley Home Construction Straight answers for Sacramento homeowners on hiring a contractor, permits, deposits and timelines, from Valley Home Construction, a licensed builder since 1988. Source: https://www.valleyhomeconstruction.com/blog/ Home / Blog 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. 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. Read the answer → EVERY ANSWER ## Find your question by topic All 10 Hiring a contractor 3 Rules and permits 3 Planning a remodel 4 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. Read the answer → 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. Read the answer → 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. Read the answer → Planning a remodel ### How long does a bathroom remodel take? A cosmetic refresh moves fastest. Moving plumbing or wiring adds a permit and inspections. Read the answer → 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. Read the answer → 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. Read the answer → 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. Read the answer → 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. Read the answer → 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. Read the answer → 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. Read the answer → ## 1,000+ Sacramento projects completed ★★★★★ 4.9 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." James Google 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." Jeff Google review ★★★★★ "I especially appreciated the daily communication & updates as the project progressed." Anna Marie Google review Start your project → 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. Start your project → Call (916) 375-8800 SINCE 1988 1,000+ SACRAMENTO PROJECTS CSLB #982830 BBB A+ 4.9 ★ ON GOOGLE