9 Questions To Ask Your Remodeling Contractor

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Last updated on March 14, 2024

Remodeling is a significant investment, and there's certainly no shortage of contractors who claim they can get your job done without a glitch. With more than 40 years in the design and remodeling industry, though, Schloegel Design Remodel knows all too well what can happen when contractors are not properly vetted. Here's 9 questions to ask a contractor your considering using for your next remodel.

1. How long have you been in business and do you offer a warranty?

Construction warranty

Obviously, it’s important to make sure the business will be around to get the project completed. It doesn’t take long to find stories of homeowners abandoned mid-project by a contractor. Often when a contractor abandons a project, the homeowner has already put so much money into it that they don’t have enough in the budget to hire someone new to finish the space. You need to know that the agency or individual ensures you’ll either get what you pay for, or you’ll get your money back.

Additionally, it's important you're not on your own once your project wraps. Things shift after a remodel, it's physics. Ensure your remodeler has a warranty. Schloegel offers a 2-year warranty.


2. Have you done a project with a similar scope? If so, what was the budget?

You need to know if your potential contractor has the ability, as well as the resources to do the job. The project will go much more smoothly when the contractor knows exactly what needs to be done, and you’ll feel more confident, as well. Don't just take their word for it, ask to see plans and pictures!


3. What is the typical percentage of change orders on your projects?

A red flag is a short contract. That means a contractor hasn't done detailed work to pull together your scope of work and likely just includes allowances for items. A detailed contract will outline everything being removed, electrical scope of work, plumbing scope of work, and design selections. When a contractor puts together a rough estimate you're likely to run into lots of change orders. Ask lots of questions about your contract. Did the subcontractor provide a statement of work for this project or is it an allowance? If given allowances what type of standard are they using. For example, if you receive a countertop allowance is it for granite, quartz, or marble and what corresponding tier.

From project start to close, a contractor’s percentage of change orders will indicate how close they stay to the agreed-upon budget. Knowing how often remodelers submit change orders could clue you into whether you can trust the budget they’re giving you.


4. Do you provide a detailed timeline and finish date?

Remodeling timeline

You know what's worse than living through a remodel? Living through a remodel with no foreseeable end date. Ask if your contractor provides a set start and end date. Also, within those dates if they are able to provide a detailed timeline. This means they've planned for every part of your remodel and know how long each of the trades will be in your home. It allows you to plan your life around, especially during flooring installation and refinishing. Another crucial question, what percentage of their projects are completed by the provided end date. A low percentage is another red flag. 

                                                             

5. Can you offer references?

Google reviews are great but if you want a more detailed experience ask the remodeler for multiple multiple references. Those who have worked with them in the past will be a good source of information when considering hiring them. A few questions to ask their references:

 - Did your project go over budget?

 - Did your project adhere to the provided timeline?

 - Did the workers care for your home? Set up dust protection, kept the workspace clean, etc.

 - How was the quality of the craftsmanship?

 - Would you use them for a future project?

 - What was the best part of your remodeling experience?

 - What was the worst part of your remodeling experience?


6. Do they have a showroom or an office?

Design & Planning Team

Having a showroom can make the process easier regarding making decisions and selections, as it creates a one-stop-shop for construction and design selections. An office or showroom also indicates stability and a place where the contractor or someone with the business can be reached.


7. Do you employ your carpenters? If so, are members of your team certified?

Some contractors sub out entire projects, which can be unsettling considering you’re giving people access to your family, home, and belongings for a designated period. Your home may be a revolving door of unknown faces. It’s crucial to know that the people on your property are accounted for and have a good relationship with the business you hired.

Additionally, do the workers at your home know what they are doing? Asking if team members are certfied is one way of knowing their expertise. NARI Certified Professionals represent an elite group of remodelers who have been vetted and tested to the highest industry standards for technical and management knowledge by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. They are recognized as experts capable of delivering the highest quality service to clients.

See Schloegel's certified team members.


8. Are you Lead RRP Certified?

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requires that firms performing renovations, repairs and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes and other structures are certified by the EPA and use renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers. These required permits are for homeowner safety, and they ensure that the work at the house is up to code. If a contractor doesn’t have those permits, that raises a red flag.


9. Can you provide design services?  

Construction is only one part of a remodel. You will also need a design and selections. Are they able to help with cabinetry and counter services, or will you need to seek those services out elsewhere? Those questions need to be asked up front before you spend your time and money customizing a structure or space.

Kitchen rendering


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