HOMEOWNER PROJECT GUIDANCE
A Better Remodeling Experience Starts With Knowing What to Expect
Most homeowners only go through a major remodeling project a few times in their lives. We do it every day.
That's why we created this page.
Whether you ultimately work with Bluejacket Builders or another contractor, we want to help you understand the remodeling process, know what questions to ask, and feel more confident making decisions about your home.
A little knowledge and planning upfront can make a huge difference in your experience.
START WITH WHAT MATTERS MOST
Before calling contractors or asking for estimates, spend some time thinking about what you really want your project to accomplish.
Why are you remodeling? Do you need more space? Better flow? More storage? A place to entertain? Are you preparing to stay in the home long-term?
Then separate the things you need from the things you'd like to have.
Download our easy to use project planning sheet HERE
Remodeling wish lists can grow quickly, and so can budgets. Knowing your priorities gives your contractor an opportunity to focus the design and budget on the things that matter most to you.
A successful remodel starts with a clear goal—not a price.
DON'T JUST COMPARE PRICES. COMPARE PROJECTS.
Getting multiple proposals can be a smart way to evaluate contractors, but don't immediately jump to the number at the bottom.
If two contractors are around $80,000 and another is at $55,000, there's probably a reason.
That doesn't necessarily mean the lower bid is wrong. It means you should understand why it's different.
One contractor may have included plumbing, electrical, permits, painting and higher-quality finishes while another hasn't. Material allowances may also be completely different.
Read through the proposals and make sure you're actually comparing the same project.
And if a contractor tells you something is included, make sure it's written down.
A detailed scope isn't about distrust. It protects everyone by making sure the homeowner and contractor have the same expectations before construction begins.
PAY ATTENTION TO HOW A CONTRACTOR DOES BUSINESS
You're not just hiring someone to build a kitchen, bathroom, basement or addition.
You're inviting a company into your home—potentially for several months.
Take some time to learn about them.
Make sure they're properly licensed and insured. Look at their previous work and reviews. Ask how permits and inspections are handled. Understand how they communicate and how the project will be managed.
And pay attention to your experience before you sign the contract.
Do they return calls? Do they answer your questions? Do they show up when they say they will? Do they explain their process?
Communication usually doesn't magically improve after you've handed someone a deposit.
You should feel comfortable with the contractor, their process and their price.
KNOW THE RED FLAGS
Getting a few proposals for a larger remodeling project is a good idea. It gives you an opportunity to meet different contractors, understand different approaches to your project, and develop a realistic idea of what the project may cost.
Most contractors are working hard to provide a good experience for their customers. But there are a few things we encourage homeowners to watch for during the bidding process.
“SIGN TODAY AND WE'LL GIVE YOU A HUGE DISCOUNT!”
A remodeling project is a major investment. You should have time to review the proposal, ask questions, compare options, and make a decision you're comfortable with.
Be cautious when a contractor presents a high initial price followed by a dramatic discount that's only available if you sign immediately. High-pressure sales tactics are designed to get you to make an emotional decision before you've had an opportunity to do your homework.
A reputable contractor should be comfortable giving you time to review their proposal.
At Bluejacket Builders, our proposals are typically valid for at least 14 days because we want you to make the right decision for your home—not a rushed one.
“WE DON'T REALLY NEED A CONTRACT.”
This one is simple:
Never give a contractor money without a written agreement.
Your contract should clearly explain the work being performed, the agreed-upon price, and how payments will be handled throughout the project.
Handshake agreements leave too much room for misunderstandings—especially when you're dealing with a project that may last several months and involve a significant investment.
“WE DON'T NEED TO PULL PERMITS.”
Not every home improvement requires a permit, but many larger remodeling projects do.
Be cautious if a contractor dismisses permitting without first determining what's required for your specific project and municipality.
Permits and inspections help ensure that applicable work meets current building requirements. Unpermitted work can also create headaches later, particularly when selling your home or completing future renovations.
A professional contractor should be able to explain what permits are required, who is responsible for obtaining them, and how inspections will be handled.
LABOR-ONLY BIDS
A labor-only proposal isn't automatically a bad option, but make sure you understand what you're taking responsibility for.
If you're purchasing all of the materials yourself, you'll need to make sure you're ordering the correct products, quantities, accessories, and components—and that everything arrives before it's needed.
You'll also want to clearly understand who is responsible if a material fails or there's a warranty issue.
A full-service remodeling contractor may include a markup on materials, but that cost often covers much more than simply purchasing the product. It can include sourcing, ordering, coordinating deliveries, handling damaged or incorrect materials, and helping manage warranty issues.
If you're considering a labor-only bid, ask yourself whether the savings are worth taking on those responsibilities.
THE COMMON THREAD: ASK QUESTIONS
None of these situations automatically tells you whether someone is a good or bad contractor.
The important thing is that you understand what you're agreeing to.
Don't allow yourself to be pressured into making a decision. Understand the scope. Get agreements in writing. Ask about permits, materials, warranties, payment schedules, and how changes will be handled.
And if something doesn't make sense, ask the contractor to explain it.
A professional contractor should be comfortable answering your questions before you trust them with your home.
ONCE YOU CHOOSE A CONTRACTOR, CLOSE THE LOOP
You've reviewed the proposals, asked your questions and chosen the company you want to work with.
There's one final thing we'd encourage you to do:
Let the other contractors know.
Homeowners tell us all the time how frustrating it is when contractors don't return calls or promise an estimate and then disappear.
We agree. Contractors need to do better.
But communication works both ways.
If someone took the time to visit your home and prepare a proposal, send them a quick message letting them know you've chosen another company.
And if you're comfortable doing so, tell them why.
At Bluejacket Builders, we genuinely appreciate that feedback. If another company communicated better, had a stronger design, provided a better proposal, fit your schedule better or simply felt like the right fit—we'd like to know.
That's how good companies continue getting better.
ONCE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS,
COMMUNICATION BECOMES EVEN MORE IMPORTANT
Depending on the project, your contractor may be part of your daily life for weeks or months.
Before construction starts, you should understand the general schedule, how your home will be protected, how you'll receive updates, and what to expect while work is happening.
Just remember that a remodeling schedule is a roadmap, not always an exact daily calendar.
Contractors are coordinating employees, trade partners, inspections, deliveries and existing conditions inside your home. Sometimes schedules change.
The important part is communication.
You should know what's happening, what's coming next, and when something changes.
YOU CAN HELP KEEP THE PROJECT MOVING, TOO
A successful remodel is a partnership.
One of the biggest things homeowners can do is make decisions on time.
If tile is needed next month, you don't want to start shopping for it next month. Products have lead times. Things get backordered. Materials occasionally arrive damaged.
Make selections early, order homeowner-supplied items when requested, and communicate quickly if something changes.
The same applies to your schedule. If you're going on vacation, working from home, having family visit or have another situation that could affect access to the house, let your contractor know.
Good planning eliminates a lot of unnecessary construction delays.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Even the best-planned remodeling projects can have surprises.
We're working on existing homes, and sometimes opening a wall reveals something nobody could see beforehand.
There can also be inspection changes, material delays, weather issues or other circumstances outside anyone's control.
Finding an unexpected problem doesn't necessarily mean something has gone wrong with the project.
What matters is how your contractor handles it.
They should identify the issue, explain it to you, develop a solution, communicate any impact on cost or schedule, and create a plan to move forward.
Remodeling can have surprises.
You shouldn't be surprised by how they're handled.
FINISH THE PROJECT THE RIGHT WAY
As construction wraps up, walk the completed project with your contractor.
This is the opportunity to identify final touch-ups or adjustments and make sure everyone agrees on what remains before the project is officially complete.
You should also understand your contractor's workmanship warranty and receive any important manufacturer warranty information for products installed in your home.
Then comes the best part:
Enjoy the space you worked so hard to create.
BE AN INFORMED HOMEOWNER
Our goal with this page isn't to convince you that Bluejacket Builders is the only contractor you should consider.
It's to help you become a more informed homeowner.
Ask questions.
Understand what you're paying for.
Choose a contractor you trust.
Communicate openly.
And understand that a successful remodeling project isn't only about how the finished space looks.
It's also about the experience getting there.
HAVE A REMODELING QUESTION?
We're always happy to be a resource.
Follow our Homeowner Project Guidance series on our Facebook and Instagram pages @BluejacketBuilders for more remodeling tips, or reach out to the Bluejacket Builders team with questions about your upcoming project.