The Internet makes learning about potential remodelers easy. What is their business model? What type of projects do they excel at? What is the tenure and experience of their staff? What awards have they won? What is their standing in industry organizations? Below are further details to consider:

References—After narrowing your choices, request three recent references for projects comparable to your scope of work. Ask the homeowners to tell you the three best things about working with the company and the three worst.

Design—Whether your remodeler has on-staff designers or outsources its design work, make sure that:

• The design team can express creative and functional solutions and help you visualize design options.
• There is a resource to help select lighting, cabinetry, appliances, etc.
• The costs are provided by a construction expert who contracts labor and materials daily.
• The design and construction teams can work together. There should be designer involvement throughout the construction process.
• Budget Development—Each design concept should come with costs that allow you to set a realistic budget up front.

Contract Documents—Detailed construction contracts protect against monetary or timing surprises during construction. Ideally, the contract will include start and finish dates and a weekly project-management schedule.

Permitting Process—Make sure your remodeler obtains all the appropriate jurisdictional building permits.

Project Management—Some project managers work on multiple projects at once, while some remodelers offer clients a dedicated project manager, which costs more. Find out how hands-on you’ll need to be in managing your project.

Specialty Tradesmen/Subcontractors—Some remodelers have specialty trades on-staff and some hire them as needed. How does your remodeler requisition this work? Do their tradespeople have insurance and licenses in place?

Communications—How will you communicate with your remodeler during construction? How often will you get formal updates? How will problems be handled? Having a communication plan in writing is ideal—including turn-around times for receiving answers to your questions.

Quality Construction—Ask how your remodeler ensures a high-quality job. Ideally, you should meet your construction management team before the work starts.

Going Green—Dust and construction debris need to be controlled daily. Ask your remodeler how they will keep your home clean and safe during construction, especially if you plan to live there through the project.

Customer Satisfaction—Make sure your contract states what constitutes a completed project, as the definition may differ per provider. Does your remodeler provide a final cleaning and if so, what does it include?

Warranty—Read the warranty carefully and ask questions before you sign the construction contract.

Source: Wilma Bowers, Bowers Design/Build