Finding the right contractor can be a stressful process. We’ve all heard the horror stories of contractors taking off with the money before finishing the work. It does not have to end this way if you do proper research and ask the right questions. Do not just rely on recommendations from friends and family members.

Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

There are plenty of questions to ask a contractor before they begin work on remodeling your home. Here we’ve outlined a few crucial inquiries of contractors before confidently choosing the right one to hire.

Research

Now that you have decided on what area of your home to remodel, your search for a contractor begins.  The Better Business Bureau provides pertinent information such as accreditation and the contractor’s rating. There should also be a history of complaints and customer reviews to help narrow your list of contenders. 

- Finnteriors’ Professional Associations -

Memberships in professional associations show commitment to the industry. They offer added training and research materials to contractors to stay up to date with practices. Asking questions such as those below will assist in your search.

• Are they EPA Lead-Safe Certified?
• Have you ever done business under a different name?
• Have you been involved with any legal disputes from a previous project?

Experience

Contractors that have been around for many years have procedures in place to ensure their work is on time and of high quality. Make sure they are financially sound.  You want them to be around to service any warranties after the remodel is complete. They should have experience working on the type of project you want to be completed.

Ask about the experience of their employees.  Always ask the contractor for references.  A reputable contractor should be able to give you a list of previous customers to contact about their work. Extra questions to ask are:

• How long have you been in business?
• Do you hire subcontractors?
• What is your process of choosing a subcontractor? 
• Do you have a good reputation with suppliers?
• Can I see projects, both previous and those in progress?

Licensing & Insurance

To do work in your home, ensure that the contractor has the proper licensing and insurance. Some states require licensing while others require registration.  Licensing involves passing exams and proving competency in a trade. Registration, however, is just a written record of who is doing the remodel. It does not mean they have expertise in that area. 

Contractors should have both workers’ compensation and liability insurance in case of accidents during the remodeling project. Related questions:

• Can I look at your certificate of insurance?
• Are the subcontractors covered by your liability and workers compensation insurance?

Communication

Open communication with your contractor is necessary. You should be in close contact with your contractor for the entire remodel process. They should provide answers to the following questions:

• Who will be the main contact or project manager for the remodeling project?
• Will the project manager be on site to oversee the project? If so, how often will he/she stop by to check on progress?
• How do you handle unforeseen issues?
• Can you obtain any necessary permits for the remodeling project?

Contracts

A contract should list the responsibilities of the contractor and the homeowner.   It should include the contractor’s contact information, their insurance company, and license number.  Scope of the project should be detailed along with the type of materials and equipment being used. A schedule of payments must explain how much is due and when. Never pay in full upfront.  Acquire at least three cost estimates before choosing a contractor.

If the contract doesn’t already contain the following information, get answers to these questions before signing:

• How much time will it take to complete the remodel?
• Can you give me a detailed timeline with itemized sub-projects?
• Is there a service warranty included?
• If the work does not pass inspection, who pays for corrections?

If changes are made to the work requirements by you or the contractor, make sure there is a written change order signed by both the contractor and homeowner. 

Schedule and Site Clean-Up

After you’ve chosen a contractor for your remodeling project, discuss the details about their daily schedule, like start and end times, clean-up and storage of equipment. Who will be responsible for removing debris from the home? Homeowners also need to consider the security of their home during a remodeling project. Make sure the contractor is bonded and insured.

Service You Deserve

If experience and integrity are what you’re looking for in a remodeling contractor, then choose Finnteriors Construction.  Finnteriors is one of the most referred general contracting companies in the St. Louis area.  For over 20 years, we’ve continued to provide exceptional service and results to homeowners. Contact us today for your next remodel project.

Home remodeling dos and don'ts can save you a lot of time and money when you take on a remodeling project.

There are an abundance of home remodeling dos and don'ts available online that can prove helpful.  Compile a master list of your favorite dos and don'ts as part of your remodel planning and add ours to the compilation. 

Home Remodeling Do's:

1. HOW TO KEEP PROJECT COST DOWN

"Spending less for appliances and cabinets, flooring, and countertops for your remodeling project is the quickest and most effective way to lower the cost of the whole project" according to our article, Kitchen Remodeling Tips, Tricks, And Secrets For Newbies. For more remodeling tips and tricks check out the entire article.

2. HOW TO INCREASE SAFETY

Make sure that the re-modelers working in your home have a clear area to work. Obstacle-free paths are work areas without trip hazards will keep your remodeling crew and family safer throughout the project.

3. HOW TO ESTIMATE ROI

If you care to recoup some of the project costs when and if you sell your home, consider the potential return on investment, ROI, before starting your remodeling project. For 2018 ROI numbers look to the Value of Home Upgrades SF Gate.

4. HOW TO CONTROL DUST

In What to Expect with a Kitchen Remodel Design Process we noted the dust that comes with remodeling. On dust:  "If you do not take control before the project starts - it's too late! Find out how your contractor controls construction dust before the project starts. Dust control or lack of control can make or break your project.

Cover floors with one of the non-adhesive, non-slip, super tough fabrics made for this purpose. They come on a roll and are engineered to protect hardwood floors and tile floors.  It is actual fabric. The material is absorbent and protects against chemicals, paint, and foot traffic scuffs.”

5. HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY REMODELING CREW

This is one of the most important dos to do! “Three R's of Keeping the Crew Happy” are courtesy of The (Don't Get Burned) Kitchen Remodeling Guide by thisoldhouse.com.

“1. Refreshments: You don't have to cater three squares a day, but at least offer a thermos of coffee or a cooler with soft drinks. They'll appreciate it.

2. Responsibility: The crew can't work efficiently if you're in the way. Ask questions, but don't overwhelm them with your TOH-taught smarts. And teach kids and pets the meaning of KEEP OUT.

3. Respect: Say good morning, good night, and good job when appropriate. And, please: Don't ask if they've met any desperate housewives lately. The appliances can be top-of-the-line, the finishes the most expensive around, but if the space doesn't work, it's money down the brand-new In-Sink-Erator. Here are 10 ways to arrive at the best design for you, even if—like the vast majority of Americans—you rarely cook a meal from scratch.”

Home Remodeling Don’ts:

1. KEEP CARPET OUT OF THE BATHROOM

In  an article entitled Carpeted Bathrooms by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard on the InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Inc., website:, explain why carpet is a health hazard in the bathroom.

“The presence of moisture in the pad will lead to the growth of decay fungi on the wood or oriented strand board (OSB) sub-floor. The sub-floor will be decayed and weakened by mold. Mold also releases spores that can cause respiratory ailments, especially for those with certain health problems. Inspectors can use moisture meters to determine if there is excess moisture beneath a carpet.

In addition to potential mold growth beneath the carpet, bacteria can accumulate in carpeting that surrounds the toilet. Bacteria are contained in urine, which can be accidentally deflected onto the carpet.”

2. DO NOT IGNORE THE WORK TRIANGLE

 Kitchen Layouts For Your Kitchen Remodeling Plan stresses the importance of the work triangle. “Consider the kitchen work triangle when designing your kitchen. The work triangle is the advised relationship used in kitchen design between the cooking, storage and washing; also called prep areas. Ideally, you can move effortlessly in the center of the work triangle while quickly shifting tasks.”: Read the whole article to learn more about the guidelines of the work triangle system. View our infographic to see the most common kitchen floorplans.

Contact Finnteriors The Home Remodeling Experts in St. Louis

Follow our home remodeling dos and don’ts and hire a reputable contractor to ensure your project runs smoothly. From project planning to procurement, installation, and logistics Finnteriors will do things right. Contact Finnteriors Construction to get a free estimate and home renovation consultation.