The Challenge of Finding the Right Remodeling Contractor

The hardest part about doing a home remodel is not actually the remodeling work itself. Most homeowners would agree that the biggest challenge is getting a contractor who is reliable, competent, and who has a good reputation to do the job. Putting in new cabinets, removing a wall, or changing the tile in a bathroom, is child’s play when compared to finding a good contractor who can do the job well from the beginning to the end.

Unfortunately, there are enough stories out there about contractor disasters to fill up a library. Many of these revolve around contractors who started the job, but never finished it. These contractors may say that they need up to three times the amount of money they originally bid for the job in order to complete it properly.

Of course, even with the best contractor, doing a home renovation will involve stress, expense, and unwanted surprises. Yet, the right contractor can minimize the challenges involved, and increase the success of any job.


There are certain things that homeowners can do to increase their probability of finding good residential remodeling contractors. First, homeowners know what they want from the job before they search for contractors and get estimates. Some homeowners make the mistake of starting the remodeling process by speaking to a contractor. When the contractor inquires what they want to be done in the home, the homeowner has no idea. If a homeowner first comes up with a plan, they will be able to present specific ideas to the contractor, including the materials they would like to use.

A good contractor is a busy one. Once a contractor develops the reputation for being able to get the job done on time, on budget, and in a professional way, their telephone is always ringing. Therefore homeowner should expect that the contractor they higher will be too busy to start the job right away. They should be prepared to wait.

Finally, homeowners should do their due diligence. This includes taking the time to ask the contractor what percentage of the work they will do themselves and what they will hire out to subcontractors. Doing due diligence also includes checking for licenses, looking at the contractors litigation history, and making sure that they do not have complaints. If homeowners do their part in finding the right contractor, they can have a remodeling job that goes smoothly and has a good end result.