In a 2024 survey by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), 35% of homeowners were dissatisfied with their remodeling project to some degree. In nearly all cases, the underlying reasons for dissatisfaction were due to miscommunication, poor workmanship, and unanticipated costs.
Home remodeling is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it is about improving the function, comfort, and investment of your home. Whether you are remodeling a bathroom, enlarging your kitchen, or doing a full remodel, a remodeler’s job will directly affect the outcome. Too often, homeowners make avoidable mistakes during the hiring process, resulting in a turbulent process and a disappointing return on their investment.
The purpose of this blog is to highlight the most common blunders made during the hiring of remodeling company in Coeur d’Alene, with actionable adjustments and steps to alleviate them. Your remodeling adventure can be successful and a worthwhile investment if you prepare adequately.
Mistake #1: Not Checking Credentials and Licenses
There are few greater blunders than assuming that every contractor is licensed, insured, and certified properly. If you are a legitimate professional in Idaho, you should have the relevant government license (state or local) and proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
If you fail to check, you may be liable should any valid property damage or personal injury claim arise from the project. Always request proof prior to signing any forms, and always confirm credentials through your local regulatory agencies.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Check References and Portfolio
Many homeowners rush to sign contracts without looking at the contractor’s previous jobs or asking former clients. Well-respected and reliable contractors should want to provide you with before-and-after photos, testimonials, and a list of references.
This is important because if you talk directly to former clients, you can assess how well they communicated, stayed on schedule, and the quality of workmanship. You may also be able to assess quality in terms of patterns relative to past complaints.
Mistake #3: Choosing Solely Based on Price
Everyone is looking to save money. Unless they are in an emergency, people often choose the quote with the lowest price. This is rarely the best decision. Some low bids are possible because contractors may lower the quality. They could use fewer materials, skip a critical process, and/or hire less experienced labor.
Inevitably, you will be making repairs or replacements much sooner than expected. You will be better off concentrating on finding a fair price, one that is competitive, given a contractor with experience, materials they like to use, and timelines that should hold.
Mistake #4: Not Getting Everything in Writing
Misunderstandings can arise even from verbal agreements. If a dispute arises, you will wish you had a contract detailing the scope, cost, deadlines, and vision. Always get everything in writing.
Your home remodeling in Coeur d’Alene contract should fully detail the scope of the project, the start date, the completion date, the payment schedule, the details on materials to be used, warranties, and procedures regarding changing orders. Before signing, make sure you review what you are signing and realize that you deserve a copy and a prompt supply of it.
Mistake #5: Not Recognizing Communication Red Flags
One of the most important elements of a successful remodel is communication. If a contractor takes days to respond, doesn’t return your phone calls, or avoids answering questions, you must realize that if it starts now, there may be problems once they begin your project.
Choose someone who is prompt, ensures seamless communication, and makes you feel at ease during the process.
Mistake #6: Not Understanding the Timeline
All remodeling jobs take time; however, vague or unrealistic timelines can lead to a lot of frustration. Many contractors will overpromise to receive the work and underdeliver.
Be sure to ask your contractor to provide you with a realistic schedule of the project, and consult it for the key milestones. Further, it is a good idea to have a clear idea of the contractor’s plan of action if unexpected delays occur due to weather, supply chain issues, etc.
Mistake #7: Not Carrying Out Cleanup and a Final Walk-through
A contractor doesn’t complete their job as a professional until they leave the worksite clean and have done a final walk-through with you. If cleanup and walk-through are not documented in your agreement, you are legally responsible for cleaning up dust, debris, or unfinished details.
Always be sure cleanup and final walk-through are documented in the contract. Once your job is completed, you will pay the balance to the contractor. You want to make sure you review and document the cleanup and review the project before making that last payment.
How You Can Avoid These Mistakes and Hire the Right Contractor
-
Make Sure to Research Thoroughly
You want to search for contractors who have a strong reputation in your community. Investigate online reviews from previous customers, check for references, and verify the contractor’s business license status.
-
Meet Face-to-Face with Your Contractor Before Hiring
Meeting in person with your contractor allows you to assess their level of professionalism, punctuality, and expertise.
-
Ask Pointed Questions
Ask your restoration contractor in Coeur d’Alene about materials, timelines, use of subcontractors, and contingency plans.
-
Demand a Comprehensive Proposal
The proposal must show a detailed breakdown of the general costs of labor, materials, and additional fees.
-
Make Experience a Priority in Your Type of Project
If you are in need of remodeling services in Coeur d’Alene, be sure your contractor has local experience with the project and the codes, styles, and characteristics of the region.
Why Local Experience is Important?
The benefits of hiring a contractor with local ties to the Coeur d’Alene area include:
- Knowledge about regional codes and permits;
- Relationships with local suppliers that speed the delivery of materials; and
- Knowledge about materials and methods about the local climate.
Make sure you’re getting residential remodeling in Coeur d’Alene for your home or commercial remodeling in Coeur d’Alene for your business. Local experience means the contractor will be knowledgeable, experienced with local processes, and will help to ensure a successful project without losing control.
Conclusion
Making the correct decision about hiring your remodeling contractor is an important part of ensuring your renovation project turns out as planned, at or below budget, and that you’re satisfied with the result.
Avoiding mistakes that homeowners make regarding hiring contractors means you are protecting your investment and stressing less. Remember, everything should be in writing, set expectations clearly, and hire contractors who communicate with you and show they are experienced in the local area.
About Brothers Restoration
Brothers Restoration is more than a trusted remodeling company in Coeur d’Alene; we’re your partner to create spaces you love. From details taken care of from concept to completion, we take those details out of your hands and allow for a remodeling experience without stress.
With many decades of combined experience, high-quality materials, and a well-established reputation for our finished product, Brothers Restoration is your first choice when transforming homes and businesses in the Coeur d’Alene region.
