Home Remodeling Questions To Ask
Be Prepared for Your Home Remodeling Project

Submitted by ltownsend on July 13, 2022

As home prices rise, you may decide to stay where you’re at and remodel your current home for less expense.

You’ve researched the improvements you want to make to your home, and you are now ready to change dreams into reality. Where do you start? Home remodeling can be a satisfying experience if you ask the right questions before getting started. When selecting a contractor to do the work, it's important to understand all the details and set expectations for yourself and the crew working on your home. Remodeling questions

It's a good idea to have a list of questions to get the answers you need before you hire the right contractor, and before you get started on the project. 

Questions to ask yourself:

  1. Am I hiring someone familiar with the area?
  2. What services does the contractor offer? (Does the contractor do this type of work?)
  3. Do I have a realistic estimate of the work to be done?

Make sure your prospective contractor is bonded. A bond guarantees that contractor will comply with the laws and regulations of the state of Kansas in conducting their work. This includes complying with the conditions of their contracts as well as the obligations and responsibilities defined in the law. Most larger cities in Kansas, including Wichita, require contractors to be bonded. 

Other questions to ask your prospective contactor before hiring:

  1. What is the timeline for the remodel?
  2. Who handles the design and permits of the project?
  3. Does the contractor work on a bid basis, or time and material cost basis?
  4. How many projects do they have going on at once (will they be able to get to your project in a timely manner)

Once you decide who to hire for the remodel, have a meeting with the contractor before work starts. You’ll need to find out:

  1. Who will be at your home and when?
  2. Who will be the contact for communicating during the project?
  3. How are work schedules determined?
  4. What work is subcontracted?
  5. When is payment due and how should it be paid?

As you talk with your contractor before the project starts, be sure to note and discuss any concerns or foreseeable issues. Perhaps there are portions of the home remodeling you can do yourself, or materials you can purchase to save time or money. Also, know what recourses you have in case the project isn't finished on time or satisfactorily.

Remember, with any written contact, it's a good idea to get an attorney's advice if there are clauses you question or don't understand completely. At the end of the project be sure to secure any paperwork related to the project (guarantees, warranties, instructions, etc.) and lien releases.

Being prepared with an understanding of the process of your home improvement project will help you get the right person for the job and for the project go smoothly. Before you know it, your remodeled dream home will be a reality.