How to Find a Remodeling Contractor You Can Actually Trust
Finding a contractor shouldn’t feel like a roll of the dice. But for many homeowners in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and the surrounding areas, it does.
You hear the stories. The contractor who disappeared halfway through the job. The crew that showed up three hours late every day. The estimate that doubled by the end of the project. It’s frustrating—and often expensive.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. Finding a reliable remodeling contractor is absolutely possible. You just need to know what to look for—and what to avoid.
At The Building Company, we’ve built our reputation around clarity, communication, and craftsmanship. Here’s what we recommend homeowners look for when hiring a remodeler.
Why Hiring the Right Contractor Matters
Remodeling isn’t a small job. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, building an ADU, or taking on a full-home renovation, you’re making a significant investment in your home and your future comfort.
Hiring the wrong contractor can mean:
● Project delays
● Budget overruns
● Poor workmanship
● Unfinished work
A great contractor, on the other hand, brings clarity, structure, and peace of mind from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.
Signs You’ve Found a Reliable Contractor
Here’s a quick checklist of what to look for:
📅 They Have a Clear, Proven Process: If someone tells you they "figure it out as they go," walk away. Good remodelers have a documented, step-by-step process from design to build.
📝 They Provide a Detailed Scope and Fixed Pricing: You should never be left guessing about what’s included—or how much it’s going to cost. Reliable contractors will provide a scope of work and a fixed-price or clearly itemized estimate.
📢 They Communicate Early and Often: Do they follow up when they say they will? Are they responsive before the sale? That’s often exactly how they’ll treat you during the project.
🌎 They’re Licensed, Bonded, and Insured: In Washington and Idaho, this is non-negotiable. Always verify licensing and request proof of insurance before you sign anything.
💼 They Have Reviews, References, and a Portfolio: A reliable contractor should have completed projects they can show you—plus clients who are willing to share their experiences.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
If you hear or see any of these, proceed with caution:
- Vague or verbal estimates
- Pressure to sign quickly
- No contract or just a handwritten quote
- Unwillingness to show proof of insurance or licensing
- Consistently late or unresponsive communication
- A bad feeling in your gut (trust it)
Where to Start Your Search
If you don’t already have a referral from someone you trust, here are a few solid places to begin:
- Google reviews and online directories like Houzz and GuildQuality
- Local builder associations or remodeler guilds
- Neighborhood groups or community boards
- Portfolio pages and blog content on contractor websites
And when you do reach out, ask questions. A reputable contractor will never dodge the details.
How The Building Company
Does It Differently
We know that hiring a remodeler is a big decision. That’s why our process is built around transparency and trust:
- We walk clients through a structured planning phase before any contract is signed
- We provide fixed-price agreements with no vague allowances
- We carry full licensing and insurance in both WA and ID
- We back our work with a lifetime craftsmanship warranty
Our clients come to us because they’re tired of the unknowns. They stay with us because they get results—and peace of mind.
Not Sure If You’re Ready Yet?
That’s okay too. If you're still figuring out whether now is even the right time to remodel, check out our article: Is Now the Right Time to Remodel Your Home?
Or just reach out for a conversation. We’re here to help you get clear on your next step—even if that step isn’t today.
Talk With a Contractor You Can Count On
If you want to work with a remodeler who listens, plans, and delivers—we’d love to talk.
Contact The Building Company to start the conversation:
📱 Call or text: 509-890-0222 or click right here to send us a message.
Let’s build something better, together.
