Finding the Right Home Remodeler

Trust and transparency are essential parts of any relationship and even more so when someone is working on your home. With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way to the results you want with a partner you trust.

Researching Home Remodelers in Dallas

Call their references.  Who better to help guide your decision than other homeowners who have experience with the same home renovation or construction project as you? This not only helps you gauge the company’s performance but also provides insights into their process and communication style.

Researching Home Remodelers in Dallas

Choosing the right contractor for your home renovation is about more than just cost and timelines; it's about finding a partner you can trust. When you're planning a significant remodel, whether it’s a kitchen upgrade, primary suite addition, or whole home transformation, it’s essential to dig deeper to ensure you're making the best decision.

Call their references. Speaking with past clients is one of the most reliable ways to evaluate a contractor's performance. You'll gain first-hand insight into their processes, communication, and how well they align with your expectations.

Key Questions to Ask When Contacting References

At Sardone Construction, we have a reference sheet we offer with suggested questions we think homeowners should use to guide their process.  Here are three questions we recommend asking anytime you are interviewing a reference or a home builder for an upcoming project:

Why Did You Originally Choose to Work With __________ [Company]?

If you are interested in working with a company that you think is the cheapest or the fastest, asking a reference about why they chose to work with that company may help reset your expectations of what you believe about their work. Stephan Sardone says, “I think it’s a fair question to ask the design-build team that you are considering working with why their clients chose them. Our clients chose to work with us because they like the process. They like the upfront communication. They like the confidence in knowing we are going to start off on this path and we’re going to take you all the way through together. If there are surprises along the way, we will talk about them as soon as possible and work through them.”

Would You Hire Them Again? Refer Them to Family and Friends?

Someone could say they did a great job, but that reference might answer “no” when you ask if they would work with them again. Maybe the outcome was good, but maybe the family didn’t enjoy the process or how the company communicated with them. If they seem unsure or the feedback seems too good to be true, ask them if they would refer the company to family and friends.

Could You Communicate Well With Them?

Change orders are inevitable, but they hardly look like the dramatic phone calls on our favorite shows on HGTV. “On most of our projects, change orders are in the 1-2% range of the entire project. They are for things that just can’t be known. But there are a lot of things that can be known by doing very good discovery,” Stephan says. Change orders shouldn’t be a surprise, they should be anticipated, and homeowners should know from the beginning that there is a process and that nothing will happen until they are aware and approve those changes.

Other Important Questions to Ask Contractor References

Here are some other questions we recommend asking a prospective contractor's references for a well-rounded interview.

• How was your overall experience with the contractor?
• Was the project completed within the agreed timeline?
• Was the project completed within the budget?
• How would you rate the quality of the workmanship?
• Did the contractor use quality materials and products?
• How well did the contractor handle any challenges?
• How did the contractor manage safety and cleanliness on-site?
• Did the contractor provide any post-project support?

Essential Questions to Ask Contractors Directly

When interviewing contractors, it's crucial to dig into their experience, communication style, and approach to managing your project. Here are some questions that can help you assess whether they’re the right fit for your renovation:

• What is your experience and qualifications?
  Confirm that they have the necessary expertise and certifications. Sardone | McLain’s years of experience in the Dallas market means we’ve honed our processes for efficiency and quality.
• What’s your approach to communication?
  Remodeling projects can be complex, so knowing how often you’ll receive updates and who your main point of contact will be is critical. At Sardone | McLain, we ensure regular updates so you’re never left in the dark.
• How do you handle project budgets and unexpected costs?
  Ask about their pricing structure and how they handle changes to the scope of work. At Sardone | McLain, transparency is key—we discuss any changes with clients upfront to avoid surprises.
• Do you provide post-project support?
  Quality work doesn’t end when the project is completed. Inquire about warranties and follow-up services to address any issues that may arise after completion.

Sardone | McLain is Dallas' Trusted Remodeler

Taking the time to call a company’s references and have a meaningful conversation about their experience can genuinely give you a snapshot of how they will execute your project. At the end of the day, this company will be in your home and around your family. You may have certain expectations about the quality of their work or how they take care of their clients, so be sure to do your research and think about what you prioritize in this type of relationship. Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the rest of our Reference Question video series.

At Sardone | McLain, we pride ourselves on being one of Dallas’ most trusted remodelers. Our commitment to clear communication and client satisfaction ensures that every project runs smoothly. Let’s discuss your goals and how we can achieve them! Reach out now and transform your Dallas home with trusted remodelers by your side.