10 Questions to Ask on Your First Call About a Whole Home Remodel

A whole home remodel is the biggest project most families ever take on. It touches every room, every system and your daily life for months. The first call is your chance to find out whether a contractor can plan and run something that size.

Here are the 10 questions I want every homeowner to ask me. Ask each contractor the same ones and compare.

1. Where should we start?

A good contractor helps you set priorities: systems and safety first, then kitchens and baths, then finishes. Ask how they would sequence your project.

2. Can we live in the house during the work?

Often, yes, with careful phasing. Ask how the contractor keeps a bathroom and some kitchen access working, and how they control dust and protect the rooms you are using.

3. What will you check before pricing?

In older homes, wiring, plumbing and framing can change the whole budget. Ask whether the contractor will look in the attic and basement, check the electrical panel, and open small areas before giving a final price.

4. Do you design the project, or do I need an architect?

Ask who draws the plans, when an architect or engineer is needed, and how design fits into the schedule.

5. How do you handle hidden conditions?

Every older house has surprises. Ask how they are communicated, priced and approved, and whether the budget includes a contingency.

6. What does the schedule look like, and how will you keep me updated?

Ask for a phased schedule and how often you will hear from them. Regular updates and photos keep a long project on track.

7. Who runs the job day to day?

Know who supervises the crew and trades, who your point of contact is, and how decisions get made when you are not home.

8. When do I need to make selections?

Flooring, tile, cabinets and fixtures across a whole house are a lot of decisions. Ask for a selection schedule tied to the construction schedule.

9. What drives the cost, and how are payments scheduled?

Our whole home remodel cost guide explains what raises and lowers the price. Ask how payments are tied to progress, and see our financing options for larger projects.

10. What happens after the project is done?

Ask about the warranty and follow-up. We follow up at 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months after every project, and our Kansas contractor license is GEN-000052-2019.

Use our whole home planning checklist before the call, and read should you move or improve if you are still deciding.

When you are ready, start a conversation or learn how our First Call works. Read more about our whole home remodeling services and our process.