The Questions Worth Asking Before You Accept a Renovation Quote

There is always something exciting about starting a renovation of some part of your home. You’ve probably been looking at those horrible old kitchen cabinets for years. Or maybe your bathroom is finally at the point where a lick of paint isn’t going to cut it anymore. Whatever the project, once you’ve decided to get on with it, you’re keen to get started.

Then the quotes come in.

One contractor gives you a seemingly reasonable price. Another comes in with a figure that makes you wonder if they’re going to renovate the kitchen or build you a whole new house. Then there’s the quote that’s so much lower than the rest that you wonder what’s missing.

The problem is that it’s not always easy to compare renovation quotes. Two contractors may be quoting on what seems to be the same job, but they’re using completely different materials, services and finishes.

Before you sign on the dotted line or part with a deposit, there are a few things you should ask. They could save you money, but more importantly they could save you a lot of hassle once the work starts.

What’s included in the price?

This is probably the most important question you can ask, and it’s one that’s worth going into in more detail. A quote should clearly outline what work is going to be done, what materials will be used, and what you’re paying for.

For example, if you’re renovating your kitchen, one quote might include removal of the old cabinets, installation of the new ones, replacing the countertops, and doing the plumbing and electrical work. Another quote might just cover the cabinets and installation. 

If you compare these two prices on face value, you might go with the lower quote and end up paying a whole lot more.

When you’re talking to a kitchen builder, ask whether the quote includes cabinetry, hardware, countertops, installation, removal of existing fixtures, and any finishing work that needs to be done. Ask what parts of the project the builder is doing, and what might need to be done by other contractors. Don’t assume that something is included because it seems like an obvious part of the renovation.

What materials are clearly listed?

It’s easy to get caught up in how beautiful everything is going to be, and not think about what it’s going to be made of. But the materials can make a big difference in the cost of the project and how well the renovation will last.

Ask about the brands, finishes and specifications of the materials that will be used. If you’ve chosen particular tiles, flooring, cabinets or fixtures, make sure they’re listed in the quote. Ask what happens if a material isn’t available. Will the contractor contact you before substituting something else? Might the replacement be more expensive? You don’t want to find out that the beautiful finish you thought you were getting has been replaced with something else entirely because the original was out of stock.

What if something unexpected happens?

If you’ve ever watched a home renovation show, you’ll know that when you take down a wall or pull up a floor, all sorts of things can be revealed. Old plumbing, damaged timber, hidden water leaks, electrical issues – they’re not always obvious until you start work. Ask the contractor how they’ll handle any unexpected issues. Will they stop and discuss the problem with you before they carry on? Will you get a written price for the extra work?

Make sure you know how variations to the original contract will be approved and charged for.

It’s also a good idea to put some extra money aside for unexpected costs. How much depends on the size and condition of your home, but having a bit of extra breathing space in the budget can make unexpected things easier to deal with.

Is this the right product/finish for the job?

Not all renovations involve completely replacing something. Sometimes it’s possible to resurface or restore an existing area. For example, homeowners might be looking for ways to improve worn outdoor concrete. One option they might look into is spray cement as a possible decorative resurfacing option.

Before you agree to any surface treatment, ask whether your existing concrete is suitable, what preparation is required, and how the finish will perform in terms of weather, foot traffic, vehicles, etc. Ask whether any cracks or other damage need to be repaired first, and what maintenance the finished surface will require.

It’s also a good idea to ask to see some examples of completed projects, preferably ones that have been in use for a while. A newly finished surface might look great, but you also want to know how it performs after it’s been in use for a while. The same applies to flooring, paint, countertops, and just about any other material you might choose for a renovation.

How long will the work actually take?

If a contractor says a project will take two weeks, it’s worth asking exactly what that means. Does the two-week estimate start from the time materials are ordered, or from when work starts at your house? Is that including weekends? What happens if there’s a delay? Ask for an estimated start date, the main stages of the project, and a realistic timeframe for completion. If you’re renovating a kitchen or bathroom, you’ll also want to know how long you’ll be without the space.

It’s one thing to be without a kitchen for a few days. It’s quite another to find out halfway through the renovation that you’ll be washing dishes in the bath for six weeks. Delays can happen, especially if you need to order materials or make unexpected repairs. What’s important is how the contractor communicates any changes and keeps the project moving.

Who is actually doing the work?

The person who comes to your house and gives you the quote isn’t necessarily the person who will be doing the renovation. Ask whether the contractor uses employees, subcontractors, or a combination of both. Find out who will be supervising the project, and who you can contact if you have any questions or concerns.

You should also make sure that the people who are doing regulated work have the appropriate licenses and qualifications for your location. Depending on the project, you may need licensed tradespeople for things like plumbing, electrical work, structural changes, and so on. You may also need permits. Don’t be shy about asking about insurance either. A reputable contractor should be happy to talk about the insurance they have and give you the appropriate details.

What’s the payment schedule?

Before you pay a deposit, make sure you know exactly when payments are due and what each payment is for.Some renovations might require an initial deposit, then progress payments as certain stages are completed. Others might have a different setup, depending on the size and type of project.

Ask for the payment schedule in writing, and make sure it complies with any rules in your area. Be wary of paying the full cost up front, especially before any work has started. You’ll also want to know how any extra charges will be handled, and whether the final payment is due before or after the agreed work is completed.

It’s also a good idea to keep receipts and records of all payments. Hopefully you’ll never need them for any disagreements, but it’s much easier to have everything organized from the start.

What about cleanup and little finishing jobs?

This is something that can be overlooked when you’re excited about a renovation. Who is responsible for cleaning up? Will the contractor remove old cabinets, broken tiles, packaging, etc? Is the disposal included in the quote, or will there be an extra charge?

Ask about the finishing details too. Things like sealing edges, touching up paint, installing trim, making sure doors and drawers work properly, etc. should be discussed before the work starts.

You don’t want to assume that the contractor is doing something, and then find out it’s an extra service. If you’re working around gardens, driveways, etc. as part of the project, ask what precautions will be taken to avoid any unnecessary damage.

What warranties and guarantees are there?

A renovation is a big investment, so you want to know what happens if something goes wrong after the contractor has finished. Ask whether there’s a warranty on the workmanship, and whether there are any separate manufacturer warranties on materials/fixtures.

Find out how any problems should be reported, who is responsible for repairs, and if there are any maintenance requirements that might affect your coverage. Make sure you get the relevant warranty information, and keep it with your renovation paperwork.

You should also ask for references or examples of previous work. Sometimes speaking with past customers can tell you more about the reliability and communication of a contractor than a beautiful collection of photos.

Don’t be in a rush to say yes

I get that once you’ve finally decided to do a renovation, you want to get on with it. After spending months looking at paint colours, cabinets, flooring samples, etc. you’re probably not too keen on hanging around for more paperwork.

But a bit of patience before you sign on the dotted line can make the whole project run more smoothly. Read the quote carefully, ask about anything you don’t understand, and make sure any important promises are in writing. If you’re comparing a few contractors, look at what they’re offering, don’t just choose on price.

The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value, and the most expensive quote doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get better work. What you really want is a contractor who understands the project, communicates well, and gives you a realistic idea of what the renovation is going to involve.

After all, the whole point of a renovation is to end up with a home you enjoy more. You don’t want to be wondering for the next six months where all the extra charges came from.