6 Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor

Remodeling your home is an investment, and if there's one thing we all know about investments, it's that protecting them is extremely important. So, how do you protect the investment you're making into your home? It starts with knowing what questions to ask!

Getting started on a remodeling journey shouldn't be hard or stressful. Do some research, reach out to family and friends for referrals, and utilize Google! There you will find experienced design-build contractors in your area to embark on this exciting journey with.

If you're looking for a design-build contractor in Des Moines, IA, you're in the right place. When sitting down for a remodeling consultation with Compelling Homes, we invite you to ask any and every question you may have. As they say, curiosity never killed a cat who was attempting to remodel his home! (Someone must have said that at least once). The more input, discussion, and brainstorming between our team and a homeowner ready to remodel, the better! This gives both client and crew a better understanding of the scope, goals, and expectations. 

What to Ask a Home Remodeling Contractor Before Signing the Contract

1. "Are You Licensed and Insured?"

Though most contractors are licensed and insured, it's never a bad question to ask. In the event of a mishap during your project if using an unlicensed/uninsured contractor, the liability would most likely land on you, the homeowner.

With the stakes that high, assumption is not your best friend, and asking whether the person you're hiring for the job meets the basic criteria of executing said job is not against the law. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel as though something is off, it probably is. Asking for their license number is a way to potentially call their bluff if you feel as though you are being fed insincere information.

2. "Does Your Remodeling Work Come with a Warranty?"

Many reputable design-build contractors offer a warranty on the work they provide, and will most likely be knowledgeable about the manufacturer's warranties for appliances, materials, and finishes being installed, as well.

Though nobody plans on things going wrong after your project is complete, it's better to ask during your consultation to be sure that both parties are on the same page a few years down the road!

3. "What’s Your Process for Cost Overruns and Change Orders?"

The wonderful thing about working with a design-build remodeling contractor is that the design-build method severely diminishes – if not almost negates – the possibility of cost overages. Whereas the traditional building method places designer, builder, and homeowner as separate entities responsible for relaying information between each party, the design-build method creates one singular team. This means that your initial goals, inspiration, and all details involved remain under the same roof, and aren't getting lost in emails and voicemails between two different firms.

During any given remodeling process, there can be issues with a number of things; from wrong materials being delivered to weather delays, or maybe you had a change of heart once they started putting in a certain material.

What you need to know is how these will affect you. By asking a potential contractor about their process when it comes to things like a cost overrun or a change order, you leave no room for surprises later on, and you're protecting your overall investment.

4. "Can I See Examples of Your Previous Projects?"

Asking a remodeling contractor for images, descriptions, and details of their past work is always a great way to see if they're the best fit for your project. Chances are, you're remodeling your home because it no longer fits the needs or lifestyle of yourself and your family, so making sure a potential contractor can produce the space you're dreaming of is important!

When looking over examples of their work, don't hesitate to ask questions. We can't speak for all design-build contractors, but here at Compelling Homes, the best part of our jobs is working with each homeowner to bring their dreams to reality. We thrive on unique ways to reach their envisioned goal and love to share those stories with potential clients. Remember: having a positive rapport with the team that will be in your home for weeks to months at a time is important!

5. "How Much Will This Project Cost?"

Of course, you will want to know how much the project will cost. The most important first step of remodeling after making the decision to remodel is to set a budget and stick to it. Experienced design-build contractors will have no problem doing this, as your entire team from beginning to end will be working together.

During your initial project consultation, express your budget, how flexible it is, and be sure there is always an open line of communication in regards to project cost as the design gets underway. You're allowed to ask, and we have no problem answering!

If you're looking for a ballpark range to get your budget-planning operation underway, we've compiled resources for expected whole home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom remodeling costs.

6. "What’s a Realistic Timeline for This Project?"

This may seem like another "obvious" question, but it's no less important to come to an agreed-upon timeline with your contractor than your budget! Remodeling your home will be a temporary intrusion into your everyday life (though it's worth it!), and you want to be sure you know when you can start planning dinner parties again.

Of course, timelines will vary depending on the size, scope, and area of your project. If you're curious, we at Compelling Homes have compiled some resources for expected bathroom remodeling and kitchen remodeling timelines.

During the initial project consultation where you discuss your budget, your contractor will also be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your needs, wants, current industry timeline expectations for materials and appliances, and any hard stops you may have. Throughout the process, you will have a more focused and dialed-in completion timeline.

Ready to Remodel Your Des Moines Area Home? Let's Talk!

Our team at Compelling Homes includes some of the most trusted design-build contractors in Des Moines. Don't stop at "good enough" when it comes to remodeling your home, make it Compelling!

While you're here, be sure to browse our project gallery to inspire your next remodeling project!

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