Answers

There is a great resource that we point our clients to when trying to determine "how much things cost" in general. There are so many different variables that go in to a project that it is hard to really throw out a figure and say "Hey, a bathroom remodel is going to cost XXXX" without knowing the location of the project, how big the bathroom is, what level of finish, etc.....

Remodeling Magazine does a survey every year of 35 common remodeling projects, and what they actually cost across the nation. They publish these results, and categorize them by location. Their survey is really great because they actually give you an example of a project, and a laundry list of what goes in to it, and a typical price that would be associated with that remodeling project. We find that it is a really great resource for trying to determine ballpark figures and get a good idea of what things cost around you.

Here is the link to the 2014 report: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2014/

Next to building or buying a home, a remodel may be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make — and choosing the right remodeling partner is the single most critical component to whether that investment maintains its value. The best place to start in considering a remodeling partner is to identify those that are registered and/or licensed with the state to do business as remodeling contractors. In addition, check for their membership in local and state remodeling professional organizations, such as NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), and whether they have certifications in their trades — i.e., Green Certified Professional Certification, Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS), Certified Remodeler Associate (CRA), Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR), Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC), Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), etc.

Other factors to consider include years in business, reputation, recommendations and references, and membership in local business, civic and community organizations. NARI suggests the following questions you should ask prospective remodelers:

How long have you been in business?

Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?

Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?

Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?

What is your approach to a project such as mine?

How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?

May I have a list of references from those projects?

May I have a list of business referrals or suppliers?

What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?

If you are getting competitive bids, be sure to only work with reputable companies.  We also recommend researching articles and tips from industry websites such as RemodelingMag.com and NARIofIdaho.org to learn more about the importance of selecting a professional remodeler.

Over the years, we've collected a number of commonly asked questions that we hear from folks who are contemplating a home remodel, and we've devoted part of our website to answering them.  Feel free to peruse these Q&As.

Investigate a bunch of contractors. Interview several of them. Narrow your list down to the ones you actually would be willing to do business with.

Be truthful with them about the amount of money you want to spend, and, are willing to spend if necessary to create the perfect project. Find a company that has a process that fits you, someone you trust, someone who communicates with you the way you want.

If you aren't truthful with them, do you think you can trust them to sense that and be truthful with you? Are you someone who likes to bargain? If so then maybe you give them a lowball number, they give you a high number, you negotiate and meet in the middle and then, do either of you feel like you trust each other?

Rather, find someone you can be confident with. Someone who is willing to speak frankly with you about prices. Call their referrals, and ask the questions that you are most afraid of! Find out how they dealt with it. Find out what things when wrong (they always do) and how the remodeler handled it. With a temper? With reluctance? In a way that was fair to all involved?

Good luck!