Home Renovation Contractors: Hiring Guide When Remodeling
Not sure which pros you need for your project? Learn when to choose home renovation contractors versus an architect or design-build firm, and how to pick the right first hire so your remodel starts on the right track.
How to choose the right home renovation contracting team
You can choose the right home renovation contractors by defining a clear scope, comparing proposals on more than price, assessing working style and communication, and confirming readiness to operate within your building’s rules.
Step 1: Define a clear scope
Write a simple scope that states which rooms are included, the finishes you want, and any known constraints from your building. Include basic measurements and a few photos so estimates reflect real conditions. Clear scope details are important because they make proposals comparable and reduce surprises later.
Step 2: Compare proposals beyond price
Read each proposal for what is included and what is excluded, not just the bottom line. Look for realistic allowances for fixtures and finishes, along with brand or price ranges. Ask home remodeling contractors for a schedule with key milestones and a payment plan tied to progress.
Step 3: Assess working style and communication
During interviews, ask who your day-to-day contact will be and how often you will receive updates. Clarify site supervision, daily cleanup, and how changes will be documented for approval. Choose the home renovation team that communicates clearly and can explain how they sequence their work to minimize disruption.
Step 4: Confirm building readiness
Lastly, you should verify that the team understands your condo or co-op requirements and how to coordinate access. Professional home renovators know how to handle freight elevator bookings and the protection of common areas. You can then request examples of similar home renovation projects completed in comparable buildings to confirm experience.
We can help plan your renovation
Find endless home renovation inspiration, detailed guides, and practical cost breakdowns from our blogs. You can also post your project on Sweeten today and get matched with our vetted general contractors and get estimates for free!
Who should I hire for my renovation?
You should hire a general contractor (GC) for your home renovation. A GC oversees the day-to-day construction, coordinates trades, manages the schedule, and keeps quality on track so the work actually gets done.
For some home renovations, consider bringing in a licensed architect. Architects handle technical design and the drawings required for your building board or Department of Buildings approvals, and many homeowners choose them for added style, detail, and management. Plan for an added cost that is sometimes estimated at about 20% of the total project budget.
If you want help with finishes, space planning, and furnishings, consider an interior designer. Designers can develop layouts and materials and, when needed, arrange for an architect to stamp drawings.
Prefer one team from start to finish? A design-build firm combines design and construction under one roof. There is overlap among services, so choose the mix that fits your scope, preferences, and budget. Knowing who does what will save time in hiring and get you enjoying your remodeled home sooner.
Here, Sweeten outlines what each renovation professional brings to the project.
When you should hire an architect
You should hire an architect if any of the following apply to your home renovation: Sweeten brings homeowners an exceptional renovation experience by personally matching trusted general contractors to your project, while offering expert guidance and support—at no cost to you. Renovate to live, Sweeten to thrive!
- Changing the layout, making additions, or tearing down walls
- Moving plumbing lines, such as the bathtub or dishwasher
- Moving gas lines
- Doing work on a landmark property
- Any changes that require approval from the Department of Buildings
When you should hire a general contractor
You should hire a general contractor based on these key indicators:
- Complex projects: Home renovations involving structural changes, plumbing, electrical work, and multiple trades benefit from a general contractor’s oversight.
- Lack of design expertise: If you don’t have a clear vision for your space, a general contractor can help you get a clearer picture of what’s possible in the space and give ballpark costs. If needed, they can often recommend designers or architects to help you create a plan.
- Time constraints: General contractors can streamline the process by handling scheduling, permits, and communication with subcontractors.
If your renovation project involves a significant scope of work and you’re unsure where to start, a general contractor can be invaluable. They bring expertise in managing multiple trades, coordinating timelines, and ensuring quality control.
Here’s how you can find the right general contractor:
- Post your project on Sweeten (for free): Our platform connects you with qualified contractors who can offer design advice, material recommendations, and creative solutions.
- Consider a design-build firm: These firms combine design and construction services, providing a seamless experience.
Remember: A licensed general contractor ensures they meet industry standards and have undergone necessary training and background checks.
Benefits of hiring a design-build firm
Design-build contractors can be a cost-effective option for medium to large-scale renovations. They also work well on any project that requires high attention to detail. Design-build contractor teams offer:
- A full package of design, construction, and project management services
- A single point of contact from start to finish
- A fluid process with more predictable timelines between design and construction phases
When you should hire an interior designer
You should hire an interior designer when:
- Considering overall traffic flow, lighting, and space planning
- Designing custom built-ins and cabinetry
- You need project management and help with purchasing materials, fixtures, and appliances
- Choosing furniture styles, color palette, and finishes
Why you should always hire a licensed general contractor
A locally valid license and proper insurance are a must-have for any reliable general contractor. Your county or state website will list all licensed contractors in the licensing or consumer affairs sections.
With Sweeten’s contractor vetting, for example, a New York City-based contractor must have a valid Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license.
Getting cheaper bids from unlicensed home remodeling contractors
A note of warning to those tempted by the lower estimates of an unlicensed contractor: home remodeling contractors without bona fide credentials may not be able to obtain the required permits for your job. Permits do cost money and take time to procure for any home renovation.
However, if the contractor’s work fails to meet building codes, you will be responsible for the reconstruction. This can turn into an unpleasant surprise when homeowners who want to sell their home find out they must fix work that doesn’t meet permitting standards.
Am I liable if I hire an unlicensed contractor?
Allowing work on your property by an unlicensed remodeling contractor could also nullify your homeowner’s insurance policy. If the contractor doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance, you become the de facto employer.
You’ll be responsible for any accidents on the property (or anyone else’s property) if the contractor is negligent.
Ready to get started?
Post your project on Sweeten for free and make your dream home a reality. Sweeten puts you in control of your renovation, from finding the perfect contractor and gathering design inspiration, to using cost guides to plan your budget wisely.
Reader questions and answers
1. How many contractor bids should I get for a home renovation?
You should get at least three contractor bids for a home renovation. This lets you compare scope, pricing, and timelines on equal footing.
2. How do I compare home remodel contractor estimates fairly?
You can compare home remodel contractor estimates fairly by having each contractor price the same written scope and itemize inclusions, exclusions, and allowances. Then line up timelines and payment schedules to see true differences beyond the bottom line. For extra clarity, book a free Sweeten Bid Leveling Call to review estimates one on one with a home renovation expert.
3. What are red flags when hiring a home renovation contractor?
Some red flags when hiring a home renovation contractor are vague scopes, missing license or insurance, and requests for large upfront payments. Poor references or a thin recent portfolio are additional warning signs.
4. What should be included in a home renovation contract?
A detailed scope of work and a payment schedule tied to milestones should be included in a home renovation contract. Also include a start/target completion window and a written process for change orders and warranties.
5. How often should a home renovation expert provide updates?
You should discuss a plan for updates with your contractor, but most home renovation experts provide weekly updates. Depending on the duration of your project, you should schedule a recurring on-site walkthrough every other week or once per month to review progress and next steps.
6. Who handles permits for a home renovation?
A licensed general contractor usually handles permits for a home renovation. Confirm in writing who files, pays associated fees, and coordinates inspections.
