Congratulations! Deciding to remodel your home is a huge step, and we know it’s not a decision that’s easy to make. Now that you’re wading into the waters of a home remodel, you’re likely filled with questions—especially if it’s your first time remodeling. Working with an experienced home remodeling company is a game changer to the entire process. Remodeling a home is stressful as it is, but an established company will help you get through the steps as stress-free as possible.
What to Know Before Remodeling: Choosing the Right Company
Before you even begin a home remodel, you have to choose the construction company that will handle your project. If you’ve never done this before, you may feel lost in a sea of companies that all seem to offer the same thing. It can get confusing fast, so we’ve laid out a list of the main things you should look for in a home remodeling company.
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Offers a warranty- Most builders offer a one-year builder warranty on all workmanship and materials related to their project. Doing this is standard practice and offers some peace of mind to homeowners. We suggest looking elsewhere if a company you’re speaking with doesn’t offer a warranty.
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Has a portfolio- You should be able to see what you’re getting before buying it! Especially when it’s related to home remodels. Ask potential builders to show you pictures of their work. They should have a portfolio ready and filled with before and after photos, as well as other design examples.
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Gives you a free, detailed quote- We always suggest shopping around for quotes before deciding on the builder for you. But be aware of home remodeling companies that provide low-ball quotes, then drive the price up after work has begun. A detailed quote breaks down different components of your remodel, making it easier to understand how the final number was reached.
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Maintains a good reputation- Reading reviews online is a great way to understand the reputation of the builder you’re considering. You can also ask around to see if other people would recommend them.
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Answers your questions- Pay attention to how potential companies communicate with you throughout the shopping process. A good company will be patient and answer any questions you have as you make your decision.
The Home Remodeling Process
When working with a home remodeling company, most follow a similar process.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
This step often comes before you decide on a home remodeling company to work with. It involves discussing your project with the companies you’re evaluating and receiving a price estimate. Often, someone from the home remodeling company will come to your home to see the work to be done and provide a more accurate quote.
Step 2: Design
Lots of home remodeling companies have in-house designers, but you can also use your own designer if you prefer. During the design phase, you’ll work with a designer to create a new floor plan. They’ll provide renderings to help you visualize the new space. There is typically some back-and-forth during this phase as you nail down the exact design and style before work begins.
Step 3: Pricing and Planning
With your design in hand, the next step in the home remodeling process is sending the design off for exact pricing on materials and labor. While this step can take some time, it’s usually worth it, as it allows for a more accurate price estimate. Once you’ve agreed to the estimated price, you’ll sign a contract with the home remodeling company, and work can begin!
Step 4: Pre-Production
The pre-production stage involves many steps. You’ll work with the home remodeling company to finalize finish choices, order materials, procure any necessary permits, and do anything else to lay a solid foundation for the work to begin. At this stage, you may also work with a project manager who ensures communication between all contractors and subcontractors involved in the project.
Step 5: Construction
After pre-production is complete, the work can finally begin! The builders will start doing the work that was planned out during the prior phases, bringing your home remodel to fruition.
Step 6: Quality Assurance
Now that the work is done, it’s time to walk through your newly remodeled home. This is an important step in which homeowners can document any incomplete or unsatisfactory work. After you complete the walk-through, the builders will go back through the home, tackling everything on the list. Once this is done, the remodel is complete, and you’re free to enjoy your newly remodeled home.
