It is the most important tip for any home remodeler to ask all licensed remodelers a series of questions. These questions may include:

Are they insured and how much insurance do they carry?

A licensed remodeler will undoubtedly expect this question. As a homeowner about to embark on a large remodel project, you can never be too careful with your home. Ask the licensed remodeler for a copy of the insurance policy to verify all coverages. (A surety bond is not the same as liability insurance.)

Do they have experience with a large remodel similar to your project?

Each licensed remodeler will have experience in different large remodel specialty areas. Ensure your remodel will be handled by a team trained in your needs who will provide efficient progress and completion without hitches. It is also a great idea to ask for references related to your specific type of large remodel.

How many other jobs will they be handling concurrently with your job?

At times any person can attempt to juggle more tasks than they will be able to effectively handle. This practice is especially dangerous for licensed remodelers. While you should never assume your large remodel will be the only one the remodeler is completing, ensuring the remodeler will be able to support your large remodel without delay is essential.

Will they be supplying a crew for the large remodel or relying solely on subcontractors to complete the work?

Every licensed remodeler will subcontract out some of the work on the job. There are even licensed remodelers who subcontract all crews for the completion of the large remodel. Knowing who will be completing the work in your home and who the subcontractors and supervisors will be, keeps the line of communication and trust strong between the licensed remodeler and the homeowner.

When will they be available to begin the project and how long is the project expected to take?

While no licensed remodeler will be able to give a homeowner a strict time line for completion of a large remodel, a general time frame should be settled upon before signing any contracts. Homeowners should beware of stated time frames that are just too good to be true.

These general questions will help you choose the right licensed remodeler for your large remodel, but should not be solely relied upon. More detailed questions about employees, subcontractors, managements skills and legal coverage should be reviewed before handing over any money to a licensed remodeler.

Tip #2: Know Your Remodeler's Past

The licensed remodeler you are interviewing may answer all of your questions with utter honesty. But, as the funding entity behind a large remodel, the homeowners will need to dig a bit deeper into the remodeler's past work history. Checking the licensed remodeler's recent (within the last 12 months) as well as long-term references will help the homeowner to solidify the sustainability of the licensed remodeler's work. Asking references about the remodeler's quality of work, time frame adherence, ability to stay on budget and ability to keep the job moving forward, helps the homeowner gauge the true work ethic of a licensed remodeler.

In addition to interviewing past homeowners, before hiring the prospective licensed remodeler for your large remodel, make sure to check any and all state boards and offices applicable to the remodeler's work. The Better Business Bureau, Contractor's Board, and state licensing agencies will be able to divulge any negative reports or offense's obtained by the licensed remodeler.

Tip #3: Beware Of Scam Artists

Scam artists are easy to detect with a keen eye and some simple guidance. Homeowners should beware of licensed remodelers who have no verifiable address or telephone number, no references for the homeowner and a lack of knowledge or out of date knowledge on large remodel facts. Pressure from a salesperson or the remodeler to sign contracts immediately or accept special home improvement loans from a friend should be avoided as well.

Handling a large remodel without the experience of a licensed remodeler is near impossible. By following these simple tips you will ensure your remodeling experience is a smooth and successful journey.