What Are Common Mistakes When Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

by | May 8, 2025 | General Contractor

Choosing the right remodeling contractor can make or break your home renovation experience. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Hebron, a basement refinishing in Florence, or a full home renovation in Cincinnati, your contractor will be your biggest partner throughout the process. But all too often, homeowners rush this crucial step and end up regretting it.

At BriWi Construction, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the costly. That’s why we’re sharing the most common mistakes homeowners make when hiring a contractor—and how to avoid them.

Don’t Skip the Credentials: Check Licenses, Insurance, and Reviews

Hiring a contractor without proper credentials can lead to a renovation nightmare. Here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Verify Licenses: Make sure the contractor is licensed to work in your state or municipality.
  • Confirm Insurance: They should carry both liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
  • Read Reviews: Go beyond star ratings. Look for comments about communication, timeliness, and how issues were handled.
  • Ask for References: A reliable contractor should be happy to provide past clients you can talk to.

Pro Tip: Look up contractors on the Better Business Bureau and verify no complaints are outstanding.

Don’t Settle for Vague Estimates—Get a Fixed-Price Bid

One of the biggest financial mistakes homeowners make is accepting an open-ended time-and-materials quote without fully understanding the implications.

What to Ask For:

  • Fixed-Price Bids: This means the contractor provides a lump-sum cost for the entire project.
  • Detailed Scopes of Work: Ensure the proposal outlines exactly what’s included—materials, labor, timelines.
  • Change Order Policies: Ask how they handle unexpected changes or hidden issues that arise mid-project.

Why it Matters: Fixed-price bids protect your budget and eliminate surprise expenses that can turn a dream remodel into a money pit.

Understand the Design-Build Advantage

Not all contractors are created equal. One of the smartest decisions you can make is hiring a design-build remodeling firm like BriWi Construction. Here’s why:

Benefits of a Design-Build Firm:

  1. Streamlined Communication: One team manages both design and construction.
  2. Fewer Delays: With everyone under one roof, there’s less chance of miscommunication or timeline hiccups.
  3. Cost Control: Coordinated planning ensures budgets are respected from day one.
  4. Personalized Design: Our in-house designers collaborate with you to create spaces that fit your lifestyle and taste.

In contrast, hiring a separate designer and contractor often leads to mismatched visions, finger-pointing, and project delays.

What Questions Should I Ask a Contractor Before Hiring?

To feel confident before signing on the dotted line, ask your potential contractor these key questions:

  1. Are you licensed and insured?
  2. Can you provide references from similar projects?
  3. Will I receive a fixed-price bid or time-and-materials quote?
  4. How do you handle project timelines and delays?
  5. Who will manage my project day-to-day?
  6. Do you use subcontractors or in-house crews?
  7. How do you handle change orders and unexpected issues?
  8. What is your warranty or service policy post-project?

If any answer feels vague or overly complicated, that’s a red flag.

Trust BriWi Construction with Your Next Renovation

At BriWi Construction, we pride ourselves on transparency, craftsmanship, and making your home remodeling experience a stress-free success. With over 30 years of experience, our design-build approach eliminates guesswork and delivers results that last.

Ready to start your project with confidence?

Call us today at 859-414-4139
Or visit www.briwiconstruction.com

Bring your vision to life with BriWi Construction today.