How to Choose the Right Contractor: Questions to Ask Before and During a Renovation
Choosing the right contractor is the most important decision you’ll make during a renovation or new build. The process goes far beyond pricing—it affects your timeline, your budget, and your overall experience living through construction.
A renovation is a journey. It’s exciting, emotional, and often disruptive. Asking the right questions—before you sign a contract and during the construction phase—can help you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary stress.
Below are essential questions to ask when choosing a contractor, along with key checkpoints to help you stay grounded once your project is underway.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Contractor
Is the Scope of Work Detailed and Specific?
A clear scope of work helps prevent budget overruns and misunderstandings.
Look for details including:
Exact number of toilets, sinks, and fixtures
Cabinet drawings (not just “custom cabinetry”)
Countertop details:
Natural stone, quartz, or butcher block
Remnants vs. full slabs
Edge details like mitered or eased edges
Who is responsible for:
Demo and disposal
Appliance installation
Hardware and accessories
Example:
“Quartz countertops” can mean many things—number of slabs, seam placement, edge profiles, and finish level all affect cost and outcome. Clarity now prevents frustration and budget issues later.
Is the Contractor Also the Designer?
Understanding who is responsible for design decisions is critical.
If your contractor is also your designer:
Are they designing based on how you live, or defaulting to standard layouts?
Are cabinet heights, lighting placement, and storage planned intentionally?
Are they asking about daily routines, long-term needs, and lifestyle?
Example:
A kitchen island that looks great on paper may block walkways or feel oversized once built. Good design anticipates real movement, not just dimensions.
If the contractor is not the designer:
What is the cost of hiring a designer and an architect?
Will the designer visit the site to evaluate natural light before choosing finishes?
Will the architect or designer return after framing to make adjustments if something feels off?
Will the designer or architect speak up if there’s a problem?
Early communication habits—showing up on time, following up, answering questions clearly—often reflect how the project will run once construction begins.
How Often Is the General Contractor On-Site?
This question is critical—and often overlooked.
Ask directly:
Is the GC onsite almost daily?
Once a week?
Only for major milestones?
Why it matters:
If trades have questions about outlet placement, lighting height, or plumbing locations and the GC isn’t available, work can stall—or decisions may be made without your input.
A present GC helps:
Catch issues before drywall goes up
Coordinate trades efficiently
Reduce delays and costly rework
Questions to Ask Yourself During the Renovation
Once construction begins, your experience matters just as much as progress.
Is the Crew Showing Up On Time?
Consistency signals organization and respect for your home.
Is the Jobsite Clean and Organized?
A reasonably clean site often reflects:
Pride in workmanship
Attention to detail
Better communication and safety
Perfection isn’t required—but ongoing chaos can be a red flag.
Does the Crew Know What They’re Doing?
Some clarification is normal—but repeated uncertainty may indicate missing leadership or incomplete planning.
Who Is Making Decisions?
Clarify this early and revisit it as needed.
Is it you, the homeowner?
The designer (and are they accessible)?
A project manager?
Clear decision-making prevents delays and miscommunication.
Are You Staying on Budget?
Check in regularly:
Are change orders frequent?
Are costs explained before work begins?
Some changes are expected. Too many may indicate poor upfront planning.
How Do You Feel?
Your emotional experience matters.
Do you feel heard?
Do you feel supported?
Do you feel confident in the process?
Renovations are stressful—but they shouldn’t feel exhausting, chaotic or dismissive.
Is the Project Staying on Schedule?
Delays happen. Communication builds trust.
Are delays explained clearly?
Is there a plan to move forward?
How Madewell Designs Can Help
At Madewell Designs, we believe successful renovations are more than beautiful finishes—they’re about clarity, communication, and confidence throughout the process.
We help homeowners:
By asking the right questions before construction begins
Consider how the family lives and plan the space to their needs
Create thoughtful, livable designs rooted in real life
Review plans, framing, and finishes with intention
Advocate for smart adjustments before costly mistakes occur
Reduce decision fatigue and unnecessary change orders
Whether you’re interviewing contractors or already mid-project and feeling unsure, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Madewell Designs is here to guide you—every step of the way.