How to hire a Professional Remodeler

If you're ready to transform your kitchen and have gathered inspiration, budget ideas, and discussed your goals, it might be time to hire a professional remodeler. Here are some key tips to ensure you find the right remodeler for your project.


If you have collected photos of your dream kitchen, drafted a general budget, and talked with friends about how you wish your home was more comfortable or modern, you may be ready to hire a professional remodeler to get the job done right. HBA of Columbia has some helpful tips to guide you in finding the best remodeler for your project.


“Do your homework when hiring a professional remodeler,” recommends Orie Hemme. “A professional has training, experience, and references from satisfied clients to demonstrate their remodeling expertise.”


Check out these steps for hiring a professional remodeler:


Collect names of remodeling companies.

Start by searching the National Association of Home Builders’ Directory of Professional Remodelers at https://www.nahb.org/nahb-community/nahb-directories/professional-remodelers-directory#sort=%40lastname%20ascending. You’ll get a list of nearby remodelers to contact. Asking friends and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project.



Discuss your project with a couple of remodelers.

Call a few remodelers from your list to discuss your project. Describe what you envision for the home remodel, the styles you like, your estimated budget, and other ideas for the remodeling work. Ask the remodeler if they can provide background information on their expertise. They may have a website or brochure they can share that describes their experience and accomplishments. 



Ask if the remodeler has general liability insurance.

Be sure to ask some important questions about the remodeler’s business that will help ensure you hire the best professional. Does the remodeler have a license, if required in your state? Do they have general liability insurance in case of an accident on the job? Do they guarantee their work? How do they handle any problems that may arise on the project? Having these answers in advance will prevent future problems and nail down the best professional remodeler for the job.



Check the references and background of the remodeler.

After you start speaking with remodelers and find one or two who match your project’s needs, be sure to conduct some background research by checking with the Better Business Bureau, talking to their references, and asking if they are a trade association member (such as NAHB Remodelers). Remodelers with these qualities tend to be more reliable, better educated, and more likely to stay on top of construction and design trends.



Don’t fall for the lowest bidder.

Many people may be lured by the lowest price to their remodeling project, thinking that they have found a great deal. But beware of these alluring low prices. These bids may be more costly in the end if the contractor is cutting corners, not taking into account certain costs, or is inexperienced. Professional remodelers have stories about coming into homes to fix remodels from unscrupulous contractors who did shoddy work or failed to complete the job. Oftentimes, the lowest price may not ultimately provide the best value for your home remodel.


Make the smartest investment in your home by hiring a professional remodeler like Hartland Homes Remodeling and Roofing. They’ll help you stay on budget, solve remodeling challenges, and provide a higher-quality service.


For more tips on planning a home remodel or hiring a professional remodeler, visit https://www.nahb.org/Other/Consumer-Resources or contact us here.

SHARE

By Jami Clevenger September 25, 2025
The heating and cooling industry is undergoing a significant transformation as new Environmental Protection Agency regulations take effect to combat climate change. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming refrigerant changes and how they may impact you. What's Changing? Beginning January 1, 2025, manufacturers can no longer produce new HVAC systems using R-410A refrigerant, the most common cooling agent in residential air conditioners and heat pumps. This phase-out is part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning away from high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, meaning it contributes significantly to climate change when released into the atmosphere. The new regulations require all refrigerants in new systems to have a GWP of 700 or less. The New Refrigerants Two environmentally friendly alternatives are replacing R-410A: R-454B (Opteon XL41 or Puron Advance): Provides up to a 78% reduction in global warming potential while maintaining similar cooling performance to R-410A. Most major manufacturers including Carrier, Trane, and Lennox have chosen this as their primary replacement. R-32: Offers up to 12% better efficiency than R-410A systems and has a GWP of approximately 675. Daikin and some other manufacturers have selected R-32 for certain applications. Impact on Homeowners If you have an existing system: You can continue using your current HVAC system without any immediate changes required. Existing equipment is not subject to EPA regulations and can continue to be used through equipment end-of-life. R-410A will remain available for servicing existing systems, though supplies may become more expensive over time. If you're buying a new system: Systems manufactured before January 1, 2025, can still be installed through December 31, 2025, giving consumers a one-year transition period. However, new EPA-compliant systems are expected to cost at least 20% more than current models due to advanced technology and manufacturing requirements. Safety Considerations The new refrigerants are classified as A2L, meaning they have low toxicity but are mildly flammable—much less so than propane or natural gas. New systems include advanced leak detection sensors that automatically shut off the unit and activate ventilation if a leak is detected. Benefits of the Transition Beyond environmental protection, the new refrigerants offer several advantages: Potential utility bill savings of 5-10% due to improved energy efficiency EPA estimates this transition will result in emissions reductions equivalent to up to 876 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from 2025 through 2050 Long-term cost savings through reduced energy consumption Planning Ahead While there's no immediate need to replace functioning systems, homeowners should consider their options carefully. If your current system is aging or inefficient, upgrading before 2025 might offer cost savings, while waiting allows you to invest in the latest environmentally friendly technology. HVAC contractors are receiving specialized training to safely handle the new refrigerants, ensuring professional installation and service continue without interruption. For more information about how these changes might affect your specific situation, consult with a qualified HVAC professional who can assess your current system and discuss your options.
By Jami Clevenger July 21, 2025
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) marks progress on two key promises from President Trump’s campaign: eliminating taxes on overtime and on tips. NAHB members may be wondering how these tax changes affect them, whether they’re business owners or employees.
By Jami Clevenger June 23, 2025
Before summer temperatures climb, it’s a smart idea to check that your home is ready to handle the heat. Catching small issues now, like a sluggish air conditioner, can help you avoid bigger problems when the weather really warms up.
Show More