You’ve decided to give your home a fresh new look — maybe a dream kitchen, an upgraded bathroom, or an open-concept living space that feels more modern. The vision is clear, the budget is set, and the inspiration is flowing. But before any hammers swing or tiles are laid, there’s one crucial decision that can make or break your remodeling experience: hiring the right contractor.
Finding a remodeling contractor isn’t just about choosing the person with the best price or the flashiest website. It’s about finding someone who understands your vision, respects your investment, and delivers great work you’ll be proud of for years. Whether you’re planning a minor facelift or a complete home transformation, these tips will help you choose a contractor who brings both skill and professionalism to the table.
Define Your Goals Before Making Calls
Before you start reaching out to contractors, be specific about what you want to achieve. Are you remodeling the kitchen to improve function, increase home value, or refresh the style? Are you just replacing the finishes, or will you be knocking down walls?
Having a well-defined project scope will help you communicate your expectations clearly. Think about what features matter most, what your non-negotiables are, and where you might be flexible. Include rough square footage, preferred materials, and a timeline, if possible. Contractors appreciate a homeowner who comes to the table prepared, as it allows them to provide more accurate estimates and realistic feedback right away.
Having a well-defined project scope will help you communicate your expectations clearly. Think about what features matter most, what your non-negotiables are, and where you might be flexible. Include rough square footage, preferred materials, and a timeline, if possible. Contractors appreciate a homeowner who comes to the table prepared, as it allows them to provide more accurate estimates and realistic feedback right away.
Ask for Referrals from People You Trust
The best way to find a dependable contractor is by word of mouth. Ask friends, neighbors, coworkers, or your real estate agent if they’ve worked with someone they would recommend. Firsthand experiences are incredibly valuable, especially when they come from people who’ve completed similar renovations in the area.
If someone raves about a contractor, ask detailed questions. Did the project stay on schedule? Were there any surprise costs? How was the communication throughout the process? You’ll get a much clearer picture of how a contractor operates through real-life examples than through online reviews alone.
If someone raves about a contractor, ask detailed questions. Did the project stay on schedule? Were there any surprise costs? How was the communication throughout the process? You’ll get a much clearer picture of how a contractor operates through real-life examples than through online reviews alone.
Review Their Portfolio — And Ask Questions
Look at before-and-after photos of past projects to evaluate the contractor’s artistry and design style. A solid portfolio should showcase a range of work, from modern kitchens to classic bathroom remodels, with attention to detail and quality finishes.
But don’t just look at the photos — dig deeper. Ask the contractor to walk you through one or two projects in detail. What was the homeowner’s goal? What challenges came up and how were they resolved? The answers will give you a better understanding of how the contractor handles real-world projects, not just polished pictures.
But don’t just look at the photos — dig deeper. Ask the contractor to walk you through one or two projects in detail. What was the homeowner’s goal? What challenges came up and how were they resolved? The answers will give you a better understanding of how the contractor handles real-world projects, not just polished pictures.
Read Reviews and Research Their Reputation
Online reviews can provide valuable insight, but they should be considered alongside referrals and in-person impressions. Read reviews on sites like Google, Houzz, and Angi, and look for consistent themes. Do clients praise the contractor’s punctuality, responsiveness, or attention to detail? Are there any recurring complaints?
Pay special attention to how the contractor responds to negative feedback. A thoughtful, respectful reply can show professionalism, even in the face of criticism. No contractor is perfect, but how they handle issues can tell you a lot about their integrity. You should also check if they have complaints filed with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). This step helps you spot red flags early in the process.
Pay special attention to how the contractor responds to negative feedback. A thoughtful, respectful reply can show professionalism, even in the face of criticism. No contractor is perfect, but how they handle issues can tell you a lot about their integrity. You should also check if they have complaints filed with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). This step helps you spot red flags early in the process.
Interview Multiple Contractors
It can be tempting to go with the first contractor who seems like a good fit, especially if you’re eager to get started, but don’t skip the interview process. Talking with multiple professionals allows you to compare personalities, prices, communication styles, and proposed solutions.
When interviewing, ask clear questions about their process, timeline expectations, payment structure, and how they handle project changes. Are they open to collaboration? Do they listen closely to your concerns? You’ll quickly see who values transparency and who might be vague or evasive.
The goal isn’t to find the cheapest bid; rather, it’s to find someone who’s honest, reliable, and a great match for your project goals.
When interviewing, ask clear questions about their process, timeline expectations, payment structure, and how they handle project changes. Are they open to collaboration? Do they listen closely to your concerns? You’ll quickly see who values transparency and who might be vague or evasive.
The goal isn’t to find the cheapest bid; rather, it’s to find someone who’s honest, reliable, and a great match for your project goals.
Get Everything in Writing
A verbal agreement is never enough when it comes to remodeling. Your contractor should provide a detailed written contract before any work begins. This document should include:
- A complete scope of work
- Start and completion dates
- Payment schedule
- Specific materials and products
- Change order policies
- Warranties and guarantees
- Cleanup and disposal details
Carefully review the contract and make sure you understand every section. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or request changes before signing. This agreement protects both you and the contractor by setting clear expectations from day one.
Ask About the Team and Subcontractors
Many remodeling contractors work with a team of employees or hire subcontractors to handle specialized tasks like plumbing or electrical. Find out who will be working on various phases of the project. Will the same crew be there from start to finish, or will different workers rotate through?
Ask how communication will be handled as well. Will you speak directly with the contractor, a project manager, or someone else? Regular updates and clear lines of communication are essential to a smooth renovation process.
Ask how communication will be handled as well. Will you speak directly with the contractor, a project manager, or someone else? Regular updates and clear lines of communication are essential to a smooth renovation process.
Stay Involved and Communicate Clearly
Hiring a contractor doesn’t mean stepping away entirely. It’s important to stay involved throughout the remodel. Set regular check-ins to review progress, address concerns, and make decisions as needed. Even small changes can affect costs, timelines, or design details, so clear communication is key.
Keep a project journal, track milestones, and save receipts and records of conversations in case questions come up later. A respectful contractor will welcome your input and keep you informed every step of the way.
Keep a project journal, track milestones, and save receipts and records of conversations in case questions come up later. A respectful contractor will welcome your input and keep you informed every step of the way.
Be Patient — Great Work Takes Time
Remodeling is an investment of time, money, and trust. Even with careful planning, projects can take longer than expected due to weather, backordered materials, or unforeseen issues. Try to stay patient and flexible; a rushed job is rarely a great one.
Choose a contractor who values craftsmanship over cutting corners. A beautiful, well-executed remodel will bring years of enjoyment and added home value, making the wait worthwhile.
Choose a contractor who values craftsmanship over cutting corners. A beautiful, well-executed remodel will bring years of enjoyment and added home value, making the wait worthwhile.
Make the Right Choice for Your Home
Hiring a remodeling contractor is a major decision, but with the right preparation and mindset, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you take time to define your goals, ask the right questions, and choose a professional who aligns with your vision, you’re setting yourself up for a successful transformation. With thoughtful planning and open communication, you’ll not only love the results — you’ll enjoy the process, too.
Connect with Colby Murphy when you’re ready to find the perfect property or achieve a standout home sale in Jackson Hole.
Connect with Colby Murphy when you’re ready to find the perfect property or achieve a standout home sale in Jackson Hole.
