10 questions to ask a remodeling company at your consultation

The best consultations are a two-way conversation. These ten questions help you understand exactly what you'd be buying and avoid surprises later.

1. Are you licensed and insured where I live? Requirements vary by state and city, and you want both in place before work starts.
2. How long have you been in business? Experience with projects like yours matters.
3. Who will do the work? Your own crews, subcontractors, or both?
4. What exactly is included in the price? Removal, materials, installation, permits and cleanup.
5. What isn't included? Ask what could add cost later.
6. When could you start, and how long will it take? Get the timeline for the work itself, not just the start date.
7. What warranty do you offer? On the product and on the installation, and for how long.
8. What happens if you find a problem once work starts? For example, damage behind a wall or under the floor.
9. Do you offer financing? If it matters to you, ask about terms.
10. Can I see similar projects? Photos of past work, or reviews from customers with similar projects.

How Renolist fits

Renolist books a free in-home consultation with one local remodeling company, so you can ask these questions without calling around. Before the visit, we send you the company's name, their reviews and how long they've been in business.