Choosing the Right Contractor: 10 Questions to Ask
Ten questions to ask a remodeling contractor before you sign, with what a good answer sounds like, which answers are warning signs, and how to compare.
Author
Ryan
Ryan writes Home Remodel Guidance's planning guides: the order of a remodel, permits, contracts, budgets and contingencies, room-by-room renovations, and which jobs a homeowner can do versus which need a licensed trade.
Ryan has written most of Home Remodel Guidance, covering a renovation from first plan to final inspection: the sequence of work, permits and inspections, contracts and change orders, contingency budgets, financing and insurance, and guides for kitchens, bathrooms, additions and home systems. His DIY-versus-professional guides separate the jobs a careful homeowner can take on from those that need a licensed electrician, plumber or engineer. Guides on this site cite their sources and are updated when the facts change.
Articles by Ryan
Kitchen Design Trends: What NKBA and Houzz Report
Kitchen design trends from NKBA's 2026 report and Houzz data: neutrals and greens, wood grain, storage, lighting, smart tech, with what is fading.
How to Plan a Home Renovation Timeline That Works
Build a renovation timeline by project type, with phases, lead-time checks, permit waits that vary by city, and a buffer for delays.
5 Renovation Tasks Homeowners Can Safely DIY
Five renovation tasks most homeowners can do themselves: painting, caulk and trim, tile backsplash, cabinets and drywall patches, with the stop signs.
Outdoor Living Space Remodels: Which Projects Add Value?
Compare outdoor remodel returns: decks, patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features, lighting and landscaping, using 2025 Cost vs. Value and NAR data.
Understanding Construction Contracts: A Homeowner’s Guide
Fixed-price, cost-plus and time-and-materials contracts explained for homeowners: how each works, who carries the risk and how to choose one.
Which Power Tools Are Essential for DIY Home Improvements?
The power tools most DIY home improvements need, which ones to buy first, which to rent, and the guard, eye, hearing and cord rules that keep you safe.
Understanding the Costs of DIY vs. Professional Renovations
Compare DIY and professional renovation costs with a side-by-side method: what to count, a worked illustrative example and a break-even rule.
Homeowner's Renovation Checklist: What to Do in Each Phase
A homeowner's to-do list for every phase of a major renovation, from budget and contract to permits, orders, inspections and the final walkthrough.
How to Prepare Your Home Before Renovation Begins
Prepare for a renovation with a step-by-step plan: paperwork, lead and asbestos checks, clearing and protecting rooms, utilities, pets, kids and neighbors.
