How to Find the Right Help for Your Next Renovation

Renovating your home can be exciting. It can also quickly turn into a nightmare if you hire the wrong people. Choosing reliable contractors can save you stress, money, and time. Here's how to find the best help for your next renovation.

Start with Clear Goals

Before you pick up the phone or start searching online, decide exactly what you want to achieve. Are you updating your kitchen? Expanding your bathroom? Or maybe transforming your basement into a home theatre?

Knowing your goals makes it easier to explain your needs. It also helps potential contractors provide accurate quotes and timelines.

Make a List of Priorities

List everything you want done, from essential upgrades to "nice-to-haves." For example, if you’re renovating a kitchen, your list might include:

• Replace cabinets

• New countertops

• Install modern appliances

• Add lighting under cabinets

Having this list helps when discussing your plans with contractors.

Ask for Recommendations

Personal recommendations can be gold when finding reliable help. Ask friends, family, or neighbours who've recently renovated. Social media is another useful place to gather suggestions. Local Facebook groups can give honest insights about contractors in your area.

Check Reviews Online

Online reviews are helpful too. Websites like Angi, Yelp, and Google Reviews let you see feedback from previous clients. However, take reviews with caution. Sometimes, competitors or disgruntled employees might leave unfair feedback.

Just like you’d request a newspaper to remove an article that's incorrect, contractors often manage their reviews. Look for patterns in reviews rather than focusing on one or two negative comments.

Verify Credentials and Experience

Hiring licensed, insured, and experienced professionals matters. Never skip checking these details. Licenses ensure contractors meet specific standards and regulations. Insurance protects you from financial loss if an accident happens during your project.

Ask contractors directly for proof of their license and insurance. Experienced professionals will happily show you these credentials.

Why Experience Matters

Experience helps contractors handle unexpected issues better. Sarah, a homeowner in San Diego, recently learned this the hard way:

"I hired a contractor who offered the lowest quote. He seemed nice, but problems soon popped up. He underestimated the plumbing work, causing delays and extra costs. If I'd hired someone with more experience upfront, the project would've gone smoother."

Avoid making the same mistake. Ask contractors how long they've been in business and how many projects like yours they've completed.

Get Multiple Quotes

Never settle for the first quote. Even if the contractor seems great, it’s smart to compare at least three different quotes. This ensures you’re getting fair pricing. According to HomeAdvisor, most homeowners collect 3 to 5 quotes before making a decision.

Comparing Quotes the Right Way

When comparing quotes, check what's included carefully. Sometimes, one quote seems cheaper because it doesn't include important details, like materials or permits. Make sure you're comparing "apples to apples."

Look beyond just price. Consider reputation, experience, timeline, and what's included in the project.

Communication Is Crucial

How quickly does the contractor respond to your messages? Do they listen to your concerns and answer your questions clearly? Good communication is vital throughout your project.

You’ll be working closely with your contractor. You want someone approachable, respectful, and willing to discuss changes openly.

Test Communication Early

Try reaching out with a few questions early on. See how promptly and professionally the contractor replies. Poor communication upfront usually signals problems later.

Mark, a homeowner from Portland, discovered this during his bathroom renovation: "The contractor rarely replied to emails or calls. It caused confusion and frustration. I ended up finding someone new halfway through.

Communication skills should’ve been higher on my list from the start." Make sure your contractor is accessible and responsive.

Check Past Work

Photos and testimonials from previous projects give you a real sense of the contractor’s quality. Don’t hesitate to ask for examples of their recent work. A professional should proudly show off past successes.

Visit Completed Projects

If possible, visit some of their completed renovations. Seeing the finished product yourself gives you the clearest idea of their workmanship. You’ll see details photos might miss, such as finishes and overall craftsmanship.

Lisa, from Chicago, shared her story: "Our contractor showed us photos of his renovations, but we also visited one in person. We noticed how neatly he completed each room. This gave us confidence we'd made the right choice." Seeing actual results boosts your confidence in their abilities.

Have a Clear Contract

Always insist on a written contract detailing the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and warranties. Clear contracts protect you and the contractor. They ensure everyone understands exactly what's expected.

What to Include in a Contract

• Detailed project description

• Start and completion dates

• Payment terms and milestones

• Who handles permits and materials

• Warranty details

• Procedure for handling changes or disputes

Never start a project without a detailed, signed contract.

Understand Payment Terms

A good contractor won’t ask for full payment upfront. Usually, you'll pay a deposit and then smaller amounts as the project progresses. Be cautious if a contractor demands the entire amount immediately.

Typical Payment Schedule

Most projects follow a structure like:

• 10-20% initial deposit

• Progress payments at agreed milestones (e.g., demolition completed, plumbing installed)

• Final payment upon project completion and approval

This method motivates the contractor to complete work promptly and properly.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Even the best plans encounter surprises. Old wiring, hidden plumbing issues, or structural problems can arise. Budget extra money and time for unforeseen challenges.

Experts suggest adding 10-20% to your renovation budget to cover unexpected costs. Being prepared prevents stress and financial strain.

Trust Your Instincts

Lastly, listen to your gut feelings. Renovations can be stressful, but you should always feel comfortable with your chosen contractor. If something feels off or unclear, reconsider your choice.

Emma from Perth explains it well: "I interviewed a contractor who seemed perfect on paper. Yet something didn't feel right during our conversations. I ended up choosing someone else I felt genuinely comfortable with, and I'm glad I trusted my instincts."

Trust your intuition and pick a contractor who makes you feel confident and secure.

Finding the Right Help Makes All the Difference

Renovations can transform your home into something truly special. But only if you choose the right professionals to guide you. Follow these practical steps—research thoroughly, check credentials, compare quotes, communicate clearly, and trust your instincts.

Doing this groundwork upfront ensures your next renovation runs smoothly and meets your expectations. Happy renovating!

All images in this are article are from a Northamptonshire family home designed by Sarah Fortescue.

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Our writers like to blog about interiors. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs. Download our free bathroom renovation guide here.