You might think gathering enough money is the hardest part of a home renovation—and, of course, funding can be a chore. But choosing a remodeling company might be even trickier.
To partner with the best possible contractor, you’ve got to ask the right questions first.
Indeed, this relationship is a “two-way street, requiring effort from both parties,” says Pamela O’Brien of Pamela Hope Designs.
But, she adds, a well-prepared client can really simplify the entire project.
When choosing a remodeling group, be sure to broach these six topics. You’ll know right away whether you’ve found your dream team.
1. The team’s readiness
Photo by Silver Leaf Construction & Renovation
You’re looking for Boy Scouts-level preparedness here. O’Brien urges folks to put together a written project scope and tentative meeting schedule to share at the initial get-together.
“A good contractor should have read any documents that were sent over in advance and be on time for the meeting,” she notes.
If your early communications and in-person check-ins don’t run smoothly, it’ll speak volumes about your project’s future flow.
2. The time frame and logistics
Delays and changes will happen with any significant remodeling project. But it’s still important to ask whether the team is able to finish by the deadline you’ve agreed upon, says Adam Graham, an industry analyst at Fixr.
“An experienced company should be able to judge the scope of the project well enough to determine whether the timing is too tight,” he adds.
And don’t forget other logistical issues, such as where the workers will break for lunch (on your patio, off site, etc.) and which facilities they’ll use.
Got a small home? You might not be willing to share your bathroom with six other people.
“Depending on the size of the team and the length of the project, a port-a-potty might be a necessity,” says Graham.
3. Staffing levels
There’s nothing wrong with a mom and pop operation. But if you can’t easily reach your contractor with questions, then you might want to rethink your choice.
Having someone available to answer emails, pick up the phone, and send invoices is important, says O’Brien.
“There are a lot of small operators who work independently, and sometimes documentation and communications suffer as a result,” she adds.
Also, be sure to determine whether the company uses subcontractors.
“It’s important to check that the subs have all the necessary documents and experience to work on the project,” says Graham. “And that they are held to the same standard as the remodeling team itself.”
4. Any management software
Calls and meetings can be tedious; but with a construction software system in place to help with tracking, the project becomes streamlined for all involved.
“This technology has a learning curve,” points out O’Brien. “But once everything’s stored in one place, all parties have easy access to the process and the project.”
And while you’re on the topic of transparency, be sure to ask if the company is insured and bonded.
“This seems obvious, but I continue to be shocked at how many people operate without proper insurance,” O’Brien adds.
Bottom line: Check the coverage.
5. Referrals and photos
Look for companies with experience in the home area you’re renovating, and be sure to discuss the type of look you want.
“This way, you can expect them to be able to foresee any issues and easily overcome problems that crop up along the way,” O’Brien says.
You don’t need to see the exact bath or kitchen remodel you want on a contractor’s site. But photos and referrals from similar jobs are critical.
A good remodeling team should have images of past projects and be able to connect you with customers, willing to discuss the work that was done, O’Brien explains.
6. Regular meetings
“Ask whether the folks you’re considering hold weekly or biweekly or monthly construction meetings,” she suggests. “For large projects, this is a must.”
Having prescheduled check-ins on the books “allows for issues to be quickly discussed and resolved on a regular basis,” she adds.
And if you don’t need to meet, then “everyone has a free hour in their schedule!”
Who doesn’t love that?
