Remodeling your home is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. Whether you’re updating a kitchen, reimagining a bathroom, or tackling the full-home, the outcome largely depends on one key choice: the contractor you hire.

Start by Defining What “Success” Means to You

Before meeting with contractors, take a step back and decide what a “successful remodel” looks like for you. For some, success means staying within budget or finishing on time. For others, it’s about craftsmanship, comfort, or the relationship with the team working in their home.

Write down your top priorities and use them as a benchmark when evaluating potential contractors. This simple step helps you compare contractors through the lens of your own goals, not just by speed, price, etc.

Verify They’re Insured

One of the easiest yet most critical checks is confirming that your remodeler is fully insured. Without workers’ compensation or general liability coverage, you could be held financially responsible for injuries or damages that occur on your property. Always ask for proof of both policies before work begins.

Confirm They Handle Permits Correctly

Pulling the proper building permits is essential for safety and compliance. Permits ensure that local inspectors review plans and that work meets code requirements. If a contractor tells you that a permit isn’t necessary, that’s a red flag. Unpermitted work can cause serious issues later, including fines, denied insurance claims, or complications during resale.

Expect a Detailed, Written Contract

A professional remodeler provides a comprehensive contract that clearly outlines the scope of work, materials, payment schedule, and procedures for change orders. Before signing, ensure that every detail aligns with your expectations, including how scheduling and communication will be handled. Even though the timeline isn’t always part of the contract itself, a written project schedule helps keep everyone accountable and informed.

Ask for References

Quality contractors build their reputation on satisfied clients. Ask for a list of references that span several years, not just recent projects. When contacting past clients, ask questions like (see below). The consistency of these answers will reveal whether the remodeler truly delivers reliable results.

Understand How They Do Business

Not all contractors operate the same way. Most use one of two business models:

• Traditional “Bid-Build” Model: Homeowners do the planning themselves, then solicit bids from contractors to execute the plans. This approach works best for smaller, straightforward projects but can lead to surprises if plans are incomplete or impractical.
• Design-Build Model: The contractor manages both design and construction under one roof. This integrated process improves communication, ensures realistic budgeting, and provides a single point of accountability.

Choosing the model that fits your project and comfort level is crucial to avoiding stress later.

Take Time to Decide

Selecting a remodeler shouldn’t be rushed. Research and compare everything mentioned above, and trust your instincts about what you find. The right contractor will welcome your questions, explain their process transparently, and make you feel confident that your vision will be respected.

By defining your goals, verifying credentials, and understanding how contractors work, you’ll be equipped to make a thoughtful, informed decision. The result? A remodel that not only enhances your home, but also your daily life for years to come. Download the full guide below.