4 Things to Ask Your Contractor Before Renovating Your Home

It's common to buy a home and immediately come up with a list of projects you want to tackle to make it an even more comfortable place. Americans spent $538 billion at home improvement stores in 2021, says Zippia. So if you go the renovation route, you'll probably be in good company this year.

Now some people like to do their own home renovations to save money and also have more control over the process. But if you don't have the skills or time to handle home renovations, you may need to turn to a contractor instead. And you'll want to ask these key questions before moving forward with a renovation project.

1. Can you give me a range as to what this might cost?

It's common for contractors to give an estimate before their work begins. But often, they'll present a single number for you to look at. A better bet may be to ask your contractor for a range of costs. That way, you're extra prepared.

This is an especially important thing to do if you've recently purchased a home and are still getting used to the idea of having to pay a mortgage loan and manage other housing expenses. You don't want your finances to get thrown off-course when a $3,500 project ends up costing you $4,500.

2. How long will the work take?

Having work done in your home is apt to cause some upheaval. So it's important to have a realistic time frame so you know what to expect. You may even want to ask your contractor to err on the side of things taking longer, so you're not disappointed if the work seems to drag on.

3. How disruptive will the work be?

Some renovation projects may not impact your daily routine all that much. But some might be very disruptive.

For example, if you're having your kitchen redone, that could make it so you're not able to cook or even store perishable food for weeks on end. And if the work that's being done is very loud, that could make it so you're unable to do your job from home as you normally would. Figure out what to expect so you can make it work.

4. Are permits required, and who needs to get one?

Some home improvement projects may require a permit from your town. Usually, you'll need a permit if you're making structural changes to your home or are doing plumbing or electrical work.

It's important to get the right permits before your work begins. Failing to do so could cause you a problem should you eventually decide to sell your home.

Ask your contractor what permits are generally required for the type of project you're looking at. And then ask if you're the one responsible for obtaining them or if your contractor will handle that on your behalf.

In many cases, it makes sense to hire a contractor to renovate your home. But be sure to ask these questions before signing any contracts or putting down a deposit for the work at hand.