Hiring a contractor

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

Ben Rothrock · November 4, 2024

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?

Ben Rothrock · October 25, 2024

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.

My Contractor Wants to Use Subcontractors for My Remodel: Should I Be Worried?

Ben Rothrock · October 21, 2024

When you’re planning a home remodel, it can be tough to find a contractor you feel confident trusting with your project. But once you find that contractor, how can you be sure they won’t hire a subcontractor who isn’t as trustworthy?

You’ve likely heard horror stories about subcontractors not showing up on time, making mistakes, or cutting corners. So, how can you make sure this doesn’t happen to you?

Your home is a big deal, and you want everything done right. What happens when your contractor brings in subcontractors? Will they communicate with you? Will they be held to the same standards? How do you know they’re qualified and reliable?

In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions homeowners have about subcontractors and their role in the remodeling process. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about what to expect and how to avoid potential headaches.

I Hired a Contractor and Paid a Deposit—Now What? | Working With Contractors in the New Hampshire Seacoast

Ben Rothrock · October 18, 2024

You’ve probably heard the horror stories—homeowners hiring contractors, paying a deposit, and then… nothing. No updates, no communication. Days turn into weeks, and doubt starts to creep in. Did I just get ghosted? Will this contractor show up on the start date? Or worse, will they disappear forever and never be heard from again? It’s a scary thought, especially when you’ve trusted someone with your home and hard-earned money.

If you’re worried about this happening to you, you’re not alone. Many homeowners share these concerns after hiring a contractor and paying that first deposit. But the truth is, a reputable contractor will keep you informed throughout the process.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the typical process and help you understand how a professional contractor should handle communication, timelines, and project updates, so you can feel confident in your remodel.

I Got Three Quotes for My Remodel—How Do I Even Begin to Compare Them?

Ben Rothrock · October 16, 2024

If you’re planning a home renovation in the New Hampshire seacoast region, you’ve probably heard advice like, “Always get three quotes for your project. Don’t hire the cheapest, don’t hire the most expensive—go with the middle one.” At first glance, this sounds like solid advice, but as you’ve likely experienced, comparing quotes is anything but straightforward.

Does this sound familiar? You reached out to several contractors—maybe 6 or 7—4 or 5 of them came to your home, and now you’ve got three different quotes. Great! All you have to do is choose the middle one, right?

But there’s a problem. Each quote is formatted differently, with varying levels of detail and wildly different price points. Now you’re left scratching your head. How are you supposed to make sense of this? How do you know if you’re comparing apples to apples? Why does this have to be so complicated?

In this article, we’ll answer your most pressing questions about the quoting process, help you understand what to look for, and give you the tools you need to make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing the right contractor for your home renovation in NH.

Hiring a Contractor in NH: What You Need to Know About Working With Multiple Contractors

Ben Rothrock · October 14, 2024

There are a lot of reasons why a homeowner might want to hire different contractors to work on their projects simultaneously. Maybe one contractor had the best price for your kitchen remodel, and another had a better price for the bathroom renovation. Or perhaps you really like your electrician and would like them to rewire your home while a general contractor handles the rest of the project.

In this article, we’ll explore the details of hiring multiple contractors, weighing the pros and cons, so you can decide if this approach is right for your project!

Payment Terms for a Bathroom Remodel: What Can I Expect?

Ben Rothrock · September 27, 2024

Planning a bathroom remodel is such an exciting journey, isn’t it? You get to envision that new, refreshing space, whether it’s a luxurious master bath or a cozy half bath. But let’s be honest, the topic of payments can bring a bit of uncertainty to the process. How much will it actually cost? How will the payments be broken down? What should you expect as things progress?

Understanding how payments typically work in a bathroom remodel can make this experience much smoother. No one likes surprises when it comes to finances!

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about payment terms, from the initial deposit to that final payment. Whether you’re planning a bathroom remodel or just want to understand what to expect, this guide will give you the clarity and confidence you need when working with your contractor.