Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

Hiring a contractor

The Ugly Side of Remodeling: When Contractors Leave Projects Unfinished

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Imagine this: Your kitchen remodel is well underway. The old cabinets are gone, the walls are exposed, and you’re dreaming of the day you can finally use your beautiful new space! Then suddenly, the contractor doesn’t show up! Days pass. You call, you email, but all you get is silence or vague excuses. Frustration turns to panic. Will your kitchen ever be finished?

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Sadly, many homeowners face this exact scenario. While there are legitimate reasons contractors may pause work temporarily, sometimes projects are abandoned entirely. The result? A stressful situation where homeowners feel stranded and unsure of what to do next.

Understanding why this happens can help you protect yourself and navigate these challenges with confidence.

Why Don’t Contractors Ever Work a Full 8-Hour Day?

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If you’ve ever hired a contractor for a home remodeling project, you might have found yourself scratching your head. The crew arrives early, gets to work, and then, around midday or early afternoon, they start wrapping up and heading out! 

“Wait a minute,” you think. “That’s not a full 8-hour day! Where are they going? Why aren’t they here from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. like I expected?”

It’s a great question—and one that many homeowners have. Contractors and their crews operate a little differently from the typical 9-to-5 schedule you’re probably used to. The reasons might surprise you, but once you understand the behind-the-scenes logistics of a remodeling project, it all makes sense.

In this article, We’ll explore the common reasons contractors don’t work a full 8-hour day on-site, address some misconceptions, and even dive into the less-talked-about pitfalls of the industry. By the end, you’ll have a new appreciation for the complexity of remodeling projects—and how to choose a contractor who will keep your project on track.

The Truth About Contractor Licenses: Are They as Important as Homeowners Think?

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You’ve probably heard it from everyone—your friends, neighbors, and even that home improvement article you found online: “Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured!” It’s practically Remodeling Rule #1, right?

But what if that shiny certificate isn’t quite the golden ticket it’s made out to be? What if a contractor’s license didn’t actually prove competence? And what if the skills needed to get a license weren’t even the qualifications your contractor truly needs for your remodeling project?

Today, we’re peeling back the curtain on this well-kept industry secret! Let’s dive into the truth behind contractor licensing, and discover when it matters—and when it’s just not the golden ticket it’s made out to be.

Is the “Zipcode Tax” Real? How to Avoid Overpaying for Remodeling Projects in Affluent Areas

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Have you ever looked at a remodeling quote and wondered, Am I paying more just because of where I live? It’s a valid concern, especially if you’re in an affluent neighborhood like Rye, Portsmouth, or New Castle, NH. Contractors sometimes get a bad rap for allegedly inflating prices in these areas, leaving homeowners wondering if they are being taken advantage of based on their ZIP code.

In this article, we’ll tackle this concern from every angle. We’ll address common fears, explain the assumptions contractors might make, and give you some insights into how you can tell if you are being charged a “Zipcode Tax.” Along the way, we’ll answer questions like:

  • Why do remodeling projects in affluent neighborhoods cost more?

  • How do contractors decide what to include in their quotes?

  • Are there legitimate reasons for cost differences between neighborhoods?

  • How can I make sure I’m not overcharged for my remodel?

By the end, you’ll feel confident in your understanding of contractor pricing—and empowered to make informed decisions for your remodel.

What Is the Difference Between Time & Materials and Cost-Plus Contracts?

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What does cost-plus even mean? Is it just a fancy term for time & materials, or is it something entirely different? 

Navigating the world of remodeling contracts can be intimidating, especially if you’re not familiar with the industry lingo. That’s why we’re here to break down the difference between time & materials (T&M) and cost-plus contracts, so you can make an informed decision. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these contracts differ and when each one might be the right fit for your project.

And if you’re wondering, “Which contract type is best for my remodel?”—don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll get into that as well!

Remodeling in New Hampshire: Where Do I Find Reputable Contractors?

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Planning a remodel is an exciting but daunting task, especially when it comes to finding the right contractor to bring your vision to life.

There are tons of online platforms and apps with local contractors, but can you trust them? They say that the contractors are reputable, but how do you know if the reviews are fake?

You could ask your friends and neighbors, but what if they don’t know any good contractors? 

You’ve heard that the best contractors can only be found by word of mouth, but how can you hire them for your project if you don’t have the right connections? Are you stuck looking for contractors online and hoping for the best?

Don’t worry, we’re here to walk you through all of it. We’ll talk about your different options for finding a contractor, the pros and cons of each, and what approach is most likely to give you the best results in your search for a contractor for your renovation project.

Why Do Renovation Quotes Vary? A Homeowner’s Guide to Contractor Pricing in the NH Seacoast

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Have you been wondering why contractor quotes vary so much?

You probably expected there to be slight price differences, like when you’re shopping at different stores, but nothing as extreme as this! So, what gives? Why are these quotes all over the place?

When you asked the contractors about it, one contractor said their quote reflects better quality materials & workmanship, while another claims the higher price is simply a rip-off. So, who’s telling the truth?

Well, the reality is that neither answer gives you the full picture. Let’s take a deep dive into why contractor quotes can vary so widely and what you really need to look for when comparing them.

Should I Hire My Contractor Friend to Remodel My House?

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It’s an idea many of us toy with—hiring a friend to take on a remodeling project. You trust them, they know your style, and there’s that unspoken hope they’ll “hook you up” with a better price or faster service. It sounds like a win-win, right?

But then you start to wonder—what if something goes wrong? Could it ruin the relationship?

Remodeling is a big deal. It requires time, money, and, often, patience. The real question you need to ask yourself is: Do you want to mix those high stakes with a personal relationship? Because when things get tough—and they almost always do in remodeling—it could affect your friendship in ways you didn’t expect.

So, before you jump in, let’s take a moment to weigh the risks and rewards of mixing business with friendship—so you can decide if hiring a friend makes sense for you. 

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