Questions to ask a remodeler before you hire in Atlanta
Before you pick a name from the list
Hiring someone to work in your bathroom or kitchen feels big, because it is. You are letting a stranger into the part of the house you use every single day. Take a breath. A handful of good questions will tell you most of what you need to know.
Tearapproved Remodeling is a referral site. The providers it lists are independent businesses, and the site does not do the work. That means some of the checking is yours to do. Nothing here replaces reading a contract carefully or confirming details with your city or county.
Questions about who they are
Start simple. You are trying to learn who will really show up at your door.
- Is your contractor license current, and may I see it? Rules in Georgia can vary by trade and job size, so ask which license applies to this project.
- Can you show proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage?
- Will your own crew do the work, or do you hire subcontractors for plumbing, tile and electrical?
- Who will be in my house each day, and who do I reach if something goes wrong?
- Can you show photos or addresses of recent jobs like mine?
Write the answers down. Then check what you can. A license number can usually be looked up on the state licensing board's website, and a certificate of insurance can be confirmed with the insurer named on it.
Questions for older houses
If your home is a mill-era house, or has been added onto and patched over the decades, say so at the start. Older houses hold surprises. Good providers expect that and talk about it openly.
- Have you worked on houses of this age? What did you usually find?
- How do you check for soft subfloor or rot around the tub, shower or sink?
- If the house sits on a crawl space, will someone look at it from below? If it sits on a slab, how would plumbing changes be handled?
- What happens if old pipes or wiring turn out to need replacing?
- How do you handle lead paint or asbestos in older materials?
You are not trying to catch anyone out. You are listening for calm, specific answers. Vague answers to these questions are worth noting.
Questions about money and paperwork
Most remodeling arguments begin with money or unclear paperwork. Ask early and ask plainly.
- Is the estimate itemized, with materials and labor shown separately?
- What is the payment schedule? Are payments tied to finished stages of work?
- Who applies for permits, and who schedules inspections?
- How are changes handled? Ask for a written change order, signed before extra work begins.
- What does the warranty cover, for how long, and who honors it? Ask to see it in writing.
- What are the expected start and finish dates, and what could cause delays?
Red flags worth noticing
One red flag is a reason to ask more questions. Several together are a reason to step back.
- Pressure to sign today, or an offer that expires the moment you say you need time.
- A request for a large deposit, especially in cash.
- No written contract, or one that leaves out the scope, price or schedule.
- Reluctance to show a license or proof of insurance.
- Suggestions to skip permits to save money or time.
- A price far below every other bid, with no explanation of what is left out.
- Door-to-door offers right after a storm.
- Brushing off your worries about the age or condition of your house.
Comparing bids without getting overwhelmed
If you can, gather two or three estimates for the same job. Give each provider the same photos, measurements and wish list. Then lay the bids side by side.
The differences usually sit in the scope. One bid may include new waterproofing and subfloor repair. Another may leave them out. One may price debris removal, and another may expect you to handle it. A lower number is only lower if it covers the same work.
Pay attention to how each person treats you. Do they listen? Do they answer messages? Do they explain things without rushing you? Those habits tend to show up again during the project.
A note on bathing-area projects
Providers reached through Tearapproved Remodeling tend to focus on bathing-area work, such as tub-to-shower conversions and walk-in tubs or showers. Small repair jobs and mobile homes are generally not a fit. When you fill in the request form, say clearly what you want done.
Keep reading
Questions to ask a remodeler before you hire in Atlanta: questions
Should I get more than one estimate?
Yes, if you can. Two or three itemized estimates for the same scope show you what is normal and where one bid leaves things out. Give every provider the same details, photos and measurements. Then compare line by line, not just the bottom number. A bid that is much lower than the rest deserves a polite question about what it does not include.
How do I check a provider's license?
Rules differ by trade and by the size of the job, so first ask the provider which license applies. Then look it up with the Georgia licensing board, which usually offers a search on its website. Match the name and number to the one on the contract. Ask for proof of insurance too, and confirm that it is current.
What if damage turns up once the wall is open?
It happens often in older houses. Ask before signing how surprises are handled. A solid answer includes a written change order that states the problem, the fix and the added cost, with your approval before work continues. Take photos of what is found. If the added cost is large, you can ask for a second opinion.
Get in touch
Planning a bathroom or kitchen remodel? Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a short request and a local provider will follow up.
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