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’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!

Hiring the right contractor for your kitchen or bathroom remodel can be a daunting task. It’s not just about finding someone who can do the work – it’s about finding a contractor who understands your vision, communicates well, stays on schedule, and ensures that the quality of work will meet your expectations.

When it comes to selecting a contractor, asking the right questions can make all the difference. By posing the right questions, you can gain insights into their experience, approach to project management, and overall reliability. This proactive approach not only helps you make an informed decision but also sets the stage for a successful remodeling experience, ensuring that your vision is realized while minimizing potential pitfalls along the way. 

So, what questions should you ask when interviewing contractors?

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.

Remodeling your kitchen is like turning the heart of your home into something truly special. You’re probably dreaming of new countertops, gleaming appliances, and a layout that makes cooking a joy again. But before diving into the excitement of picking out tiles and cabinet colors, there's an important topic to cover—payments. Understanding how payments work during a kitchen remodel can help you plan your budget and set clear expectations with your contractor.

Whether you’re planning a complete kitchen overhaul or a more modest refresh, having a clear picture of the payment terms can make the process much smoother. So, let’s walk through what you can expect, from the initial deposit to the final payment, and everything in between. If you're considering a kitchen remodel, this guide will help you understand the process and prepare you for a successful project.

When you're planning a remodel, knowing what to expect from contractors and workers can make the process smoother and less stressful. From work hours to how workers interact with your home, understanding these details helps you prepare and feel more comfortable during the renovation. Have you been wondering:

• Do contractors work on holidays?

• Will I need to let the workers use my bathroom during the remodel?

• How early do contractors usually start working in the morning?

• Are contractors responsible for cleaning up after each workday?

• Do contractors normally pay for utilities during a remodel?

• How much should I expect my utilities to go up during a remodel?

Let’s explore these questions and more to help you understand what to expect when the remodeling process begins!

The design-build model has been gaining popularity amongst New Hampshire homeowners. But is it the right choice for your remodel? Have you been wondering:

• What does design-build mean?

• How is a design-build company different from a general contractor?

• How does the design-build process work for home remodeling?

• Are there benefits to hiring a design-build firm for my remodel?

• What are the disadvantages of hiring a design-build firm?

• Is a design-build company more expensive than hiring separate designers and contractors?

Let’s explore these questions, and more, and see if the design-build approach will be a good fit for your remodeling plans!

When you’re planning a remodeling project, getting a price quote from a contractor is a key step. How can you ensure that your contractor understands your vision, and the quote is accurate and thorough? Have you been wondering:

• What should I include in my project description to get an accurate quote from a contractor?

• How detailed should my project plans be before asking for a quote?

• Do I need to have a budget in mind before requesting a quote from a contractor?

• Do I need to have a complete design before getting a quote from a contractor?

• How do I compare quotes from different contractors?

• What factors influence a contractor’s price?

Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process so you can be sure that you have the details you need for a successful remodeling experience!

Have you heard all the horror stories of home improvement projects gone wrong? Are you worried that this might happen to you?

• Have you been asking:

• How will I know if the contractor I hire is trustworthy?

• How can I know if my contractor is ripping me off?

• How can I tell if my contractor’s work is good?

• How will I know if my contractor will complete my project on time and on budget?

Recently, my sister bought a home that needed some updating. Since she lives 1200 miles away, our company was unable to complete the projects for her. So, she asked me for advice on hiring the right contractor. 

What follows is the advice I gave her (in a more structured format). You might be surprised by what I told her!

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?

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.