Remodeling contractors near you

When looking for a professional to remodel your home, complete these steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: Make sure your contractor has the necessary licenses for your area. For example, they may need a general contractor’s license or a home improvement contractor’s license. If your remodel requires speciality work (like electrical, plumbing, etc.), make sure the pro (or their subcontractors) has the licenses as well. Requirements depend on your local area so be sure to do your research. Also, anyone you hire should also be bonded and insured.

• Get several estimates: Your estimate should include a detailed breakdown of labor, materials, timelines, and any additional costs to avoid surprises later.

• Read their reviews: Look for consistent positive feedback on quality and timeliness. If there are complaints about hidden charges or unfinished work, consider hiring a different contractor.

• Look at their portfolios: Review examples of similar projects (bathrooms, kitchens, basements, etc.) to ensure their style and quality work for you. 

• Find out if they have warranties: A reputable contractor should offer warranties on their work and be clear about what happens when you need repairs or fixes. Be sure to always read the fine print.

• Ask important questions: For example, ask about their experience with projects like yours, their approach to managing unexpected costs, and how they handle subcontractors.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

If you’re not sure what to ask potential contractors, try starting with some of these:

• What’s your experience with projects like mine? Ask about their experience to ensure they have the right skills for your particular project.

• Can you provide references or previous project examples? This will help you assess the quality of their work and reliability. They should have a robust portfolio that features photos of previous work.

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? Verify that the contractor has the necessary credentials to legally work and protect you from potential liabilities. They should be able to provide their licensing information so you can verify it yourself.

• What’s the project timeline? Understanding the expected start and completion dates helps you plan and manage expectations.

• What’s included in the estimate? Get clarity on whether the estimate covers labor, materials, permits, and any other potential costs.

Remodeling contractors typically offer these services:

• Design and layout planning: Determining how to open up floor plans, if walls need to be torn down, where to add new features (like an island), what materials to use, and more.

• Project management: Coordinating with subcontractors, securing the permits, ensuring the project is in compliance, ordering materials, etc.

• Kitchen remodeling and renovations: Building new cabinets, countertop installations, backsplashes, new floor installation, kitchen appliance installation, etc.

• Bathroom remodeling and renovations: Installing new plumbing fixtures, tilework, shower and bathtub installation, putting in a new vanity, installing new floors, etc.

• Basement remodeling and finishing: Flooring installation, waterproofing and moisture control, installing light fixtures, and everything else needed to make an unfinished basement a livable area for your household. 

• Garage and attic conversions: Adding windows, upgrading plumbing and electrical components, raising the ceilings, adding insulation, and more to make these areas living spaces.

• Home additions: Room additions, building another story, adding an in-law suite, etc. 

• Whole house renovations: Knocking down walls to open up floor plans, upgrading HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, installing new flooring throughout the home, and more.

• Exterior home remodeling: Re-doing your entire backyard, remodeling decks, patios, and porches, replacing your home’s siding, and more.

• Accessibility modifications: Installing handrails in bathrooms, adding ramps, widening doors, and more.

Remodeling costs can vary widely by project. For example, the national average cost of a kitchen remodel ranges from $28,696 to $90,397*, and the cost to remodel a bathroom ranges from around $5,809 to $59,433*.

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Scope of the project: The larger or more complex the remodel, the higher the cost. A whole house costs way more than one bathroom or a kitchen remodel.

• Materials: If you choose premium materials, high-end finishes, and luxury appliances, that can drive up the cost.

• Experience and reputation: Highly experienced contractors often charge more due to their expertise.

You might be able to save money on your project with these tips:

• Get multiple estimates: Compare several offers to find the best value.

• Choose standard materials: Opt for more common materials to help reduce overall costs.

• Plan ahead: Avoid last-minute changes that may increase costs.

*Data provided by Xactware. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Some of the biggest benefits of remodeling your home include the following:

• Increased property value: Updating key areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or living spaces may boost your home's resale value. Just make sure you do your research and understand what designs and trends can attract potential buyers in your area.

• Improved functionality: Remodeling allows you to customize spaces to better fit your lifestyle and needs.

• Enhanced energy efficiency: Upgrading appliances, windows, and insulation may lower utility costs and reduce energy consumption. Again, do your research to learn which features are truly energy efficient.

• Modernized aesthetics: Refreshing your home’s design can create a more stylish, comfortable living environment.

• Better safety and compliance: Renovating older homes can address outdated electrical, plumbing, or structural issues, improving safety and meeting current building codes.

• Increased comfort: Remodeling can improve layout, lighting, and climate control, making your home more enjoyable to live in.

Remodeling your home typically involves these key steps:

• Initial estimate: Most contractors will first visit your home to understand the project scope, take measurements, and provide a cost estimate. Use these estimates to set a budget and choose the best home pro for the project.  

• Contract signing: Once you choose a remodeling contractor, you’ll typically sign a detailed agreement. Then, you provide the initial deposit to officially start the project and secure your spot in the contractor’s schedule.

• Permitting: Your contractor may need to obtain the necessary permits from your local building department. All projects must follow building rules (if required) and be approved before any work begins.

• Demolition: The remodeling crew will likely need to tear out old materials and clear the area to prepare for construction. Hidden problems like water damage or old wiring might appear during this stage.  

• Structural work: Your contractor may build the framework for your remodeled space next. Adding walls, strengthening floors, and framing new windows typically occur during this phase.

• Rough-in installations: Specialty contractors, such as plumbers and electricians, may need to install pipes, wires, or ductwork before closing the walls.  

• Interior finishing: Your space transforms from rough construction to finished rooms during this phase. Workers might install insulation, hang and finish drywall, paint walls, and lay your chosen flooring materials.

• Inspections: In most cases, city officials inspect the remodeling work at different stages. Your project will likely need to meet building code requirements to keep moving forward.

• Final walkthrough: You and your contractor should check all completed work. If you see anything amiss, this is the time to mention it. When you’re satisfied with the work, sign off on the job and make your final payment.

A home remodeling project can take anywhere from one month to a year for a professional to complete. Several factors can affect the timeline, such as:

• Home size: Larger homes with more square footage naturally take longer to remodel than smaller spaces.

• Scope of work: Smaller projects like a bathroom refresh might take four to nine weeks, while a kitchen remodel usually takes around three to six months. A full home remodel can take even longer.   

• Contractor scheduling: Most remodeling contractors juggle multiple projects simultaneously. Your project’s start date and day-to-day work schedule depend on the crew’s availability.

• Permit requirements: Obtaining necessary building permits can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on your location.

• Material availability: Custom cabinets, specialty tiles and unique fixtures often have extended lead times.

• Unexpected issues: Hidden problems discovered during demolition, such as water damage or faulty wiring, can add extra time to the project.

• Weather conditions: For exterior work, bad weather can delay progress.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.