Planning Your Project
What to Ask Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
Choosing a remodeling contractor is a big decision. You're trusting someone with your home, your money, and a project you've probably spent a lot of time thinking about.
It's easy to focus on the estimate or pictures of completed projects. Both matter, but they don't tell you everything about what working with a contractor will actually be like.
Before you sign a contract, there are a few conversations worth having.
Do They Understand What You're Trying to Accomplish?
A good conversation should start with what you want to change about your home and why.
Maybe your kitchen doesn't have enough storage. Maybe your bathroom layout isn't working, or you need more room for a growing family.
Pay attention to the questions a contractor asks. Are they taking the time to understand how you use the space? Are they explaining what's possible and what might require a different approach?
You should come away with a sense that they understand the project, not just the work involved.
What Does the Estimate Actually Include?
Two estimates for the same remodel can look very different, even when the final numbers are close.
One might include demolition, materials, electrical changes, and cleanup. Another might leave certain items out or use allowances for materials you haven't selected yet.
Ask what's included, what's excluded, and which decisions could affect the final cost.
A written scope of work is important. It gives you something specific to review and helps everyone understand what's being agreed to before construction begins.
Who Will Be Managing Your Project?
The person who gives you the estimate may not be the person coordinating the work.
Ask who will oversee construction, who your main contact will be, and how the different trades will be scheduled.
You don't need to know every person who will work on your home. But you should understand who's responsible for keeping the project moving and who to contact when you have a question.
Don't Just Look at Reviews. Ask for References
Online reviews are a good starting point, but there's value in talking directly with homeowners who have worked with a contractor.
Ask for references from completed projects, preferably ones similar to yours.
And don't just ask whether they're happy with the finished results. Ask what the experience was like along the way.
Did the contractor communicate well? Were unexpected issues explained? Did the work get completed? Would they hire that contractor again?
We've had homeowners call us partway through a remodel because their contractor stopped showing up, leaving them with unfinished work and no clear answer about when it would resume.
It happens, and it's one reason checking references matters. Speaking with past clients can't guarantee that everything will go perfectly, but it can tell you a lot about how a contractor follows through.
Are They Properly Licensed and Insured?
This is something worth verifying, not just asking about.
If you're hiring a remodeling contractor in Greater Lansing, checking their Michigan license is one step you can take before signing a contract. You can check a contractor's license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Ask about liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, where applicable, and request proof of coverage.
These aren't the most exciting parts of planning a remodel, but they're important protections to understand before work begins.
What Happens When the Plan Changes?
Remodeling an existing home can uncover things nobody knew were there. Water damage behind a wall, outdated wiring, or structural issues may need to be addressed before work continues.
Ask how your contractor handles unexpected discoveries and changes to the original scope.
Will you receive an explanation of the additional work? How will the cost be determined? Will you approve changes in writing before the work moves forward?
It's also worth reviewing the payment schedule and making sure it's clearly outlined in your contract.
You can't anticipate every situation, but you can understand how decisions will be made if something changes.
Take the Time to Ask
You don't need to know everything about construction to hire a remodeling contractor. That's why you're hiring someone with experience.
But you should understand what you're agreeing to, who will be responsible for the work, and what to expect once construction begins.
Ask questions, check references, and take the time to review the details before signing.
A little more conversation at the beginning can help you make a more informed decision about who you trust with your home.
Thinking About a Project of Your Own?
When you're ready to talk about what you're considering for your home, we'd be glad to hear from you.