How Do I Choose the Right Contractor for My Remodel?
Written in a conversational, trust-building tone with small, digestible blocks of text and a few well-placed bullets.
If you're planning a remodel—kitchen, bath, addition, whole home—there’s one decision that matters more than paint colors or tile selections:
Who are you hiring to do the work?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A quick online search pulls up dozens of options. Some look polished. Some are recommended by neighbors. Some promise to beat anyone’s price.
So how do you actually choose the right contractor?
At The Building Company, we’ve heard the stories—the good, the bad, and the expensive. Here’s what we’d tell any homeowner in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, or anywhere in North Idaho who wants to get this decision right.
Start With the Relationship
You’re not just hiring a company—you’re hiring people. And those people will be in your home, communicating with your family, and managing a big investment.
The right contractor should:
- Listen to your goals
- Explain their process
- Be honest about costs and timelines
- Treat you with respect, not pressure
Trust your gut during that first conversation. Do they educate—or just pitch? Do they answer your questions—or dodge them? You’ll be spending a lot of time together. Make sure it feels right.
Understand Their Process
Any contractor can say “we do remodels.” But the how matters.
Ask them to walk you through their full process—from consultation to design support, permitting, demo, construction, punch list, and warranty. A well-run process creates fewer surprises, fewer delays, and better communication.
At The Building Company, we give every homeowner a clear roadmap of what’s ahead. No guesswork. No vanishing act after the deposit.
Look Beyond the Portfolio
Before-and-after pictures are great—but they only tell part of the story. You want to know how they got there.
Ask for:
- Recent references
- Reviews that mention communication, follow-through, and professionalism
- Case studies or examples of challenges handled well
A contractor who’s proud of their work will be happy to connect you with past clients. And if they get cagey when you ask? That’s a red flag.
Watch for These Warning Signs
We wrote a whole article on 10 Signs a Contractor Might Not Be a Good Fit, but here are three of the big ones:
- They give you a price before understanding your scope
- They refuse to put things in writing
- They pressure you to “decide today” or “lock in pricing now”
A good contractor doesn’t rush. They educate. They document. And they understand that trust takes time.
It’s OK to Ask Hard Questions
This is your home. Your money. Your life. You’re allowed to ask:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- Who will be on-site? Do you use subcontractors?
- What happens if we hit an unexpected issue?
- What kind of warranty do you provide?
If they flinch—or get defensive—you’ve got your answer.
The Right Contractor Is a Partner, Not Just a Vendor
A remodel is a journey. You want someone who’s aligned with your goals, not just your checkbook. The right contractor will care about your space, your family, and the final result as much as you do.
Whether you choose The Building Company or someone else, we genuinely want you to have a good experience. It’s why we spend as much time on planning and communication as we do on the actual build.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re starting to plan a remodel in Spokane or North Idaho, let’s have a conversation—no pressure, no obligation.
📱 Call or text:509-625-6500
📧 Email: info@pnwbuild.com
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The Building Company is a proud member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), reflecting our ongoing commitment to excellence, ethics, and education in every remodel we complete.
