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!

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.

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.

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. 

When you invest in a home remodel, especially for high-use areas like your kitchen or bathroom, you want to feel confident that everything will hold up for years. But what if something goes wrong? Maybe a cabinet door doesn’t close properly, or an appliance stops working. How do you handle it?

Don’t worry—you're not alone in wondering about warranty issues after a remodel. Whether it's a product failure or poor workmanship, understanding how warranties work and what to expect can ease your concerns.

Let’s walk through the most common questions homeowners ask about warranties and how to deal with them.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Deciding whether to add on to your home or work within your existing space through remodeling can feel overwhelming. Have you been wondering:

• Should I add on to my home or remodel the existing space?

• What are the pros and cons of home additions vs. remodeling?

• How much does a home addition cost compared to remodeling?

• Will a home addition increase my property value?

• Is it cheaper to remodel or add on to a house?

• How do I decide if my home has enough space to remodel?

We’ll answer all of these and more questions to help you make the best decision for your home!

Have you ever wondered why some contractors are more expensive than others? Why might one contractor quote $30,000 for a remodeling project, while another will charge $50,000 for the same job? Is the pricier contractor overcharging? Is the cheaper one cutting corners? 

Have you been wondering:

• Why is there a difference between contractors’ prices?

• Why are some contractors more expensive than others?

• How do contractors come up with their prices?

• What factors affect how much a contractor charges?

• What are contractor prices based on? 

• How will I know if a contractor’s price is fair?

• How can I avoid being overcharged by a contractor?

Let’s explore the factors that influence contractors’ pricing and help you make an informed decision for your project.

Considering a kitchen remodel can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when deciding whether to hire a professional or tackle the project yourself. For homeowners in the New Hampshire Seacoast, this decision can be even more nuanced. 

Have you been wondering:

• How much money can I save by doing a kitchen remodel myself compared to hiring a contractor?

• What are the hidden costs or challenges of a DIY kitchen remodel?

• What skills do I need to have to remodel my kitchen on my own?

• How do I determine if my kitchen remodel project is too complex to handle on my own?

• What are the risks of DIY kitchen remodeling compared to hiring a professional contractor?

• Can I handle some parts of the kitchen remodel myself and hire a contractor for the rest?

• How much time does a DIY kitchen remodel typically take versus a professional remodel?

• How do I ensure quality and durability if I decide to remodel my kitchen on my own?

Have you ever wondered: How much return on investment can I expect from a home remodel? What remodeling decisions can I make to maximize my home’s resale value? How can I maximize resale value when I remodel my home? How can I maximize resale value when I remodel my kitchen?

We will answer all of these questions and tell you how our client did exactly this in a kitchen remodel.

What is the difference between a remodel and a renovation? What does a bathroom remodel include? What does a bathroom renovation include?

In this article, we compare two projects: a bathroom renovation and a bathroom remodel, to illustrate the differences between a renovation and a remodel!

When you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel in Portsmouth, NH, one of the most critical decisions you'll face is how your contractor will bill you. Your choice in this area can significantly impact not only your budget but also your overall experience during the remodel. 

There are primarily two methods of charging for a service: a variable cost method, ie. Time & Materials or Cost-Plus. Or, a guaranteed cost method, like the aptly named Fixed Cost (also called Fixed Price). To avoid surprises, it is important to know which method your contractor will be using. 

Let's explore the different contract types—Time & Materials, Cost-Plus, and Fixed Cost—and help you decide which will be the best fit for your project.