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With the per square foot cost of houses on the upswing, being able to afford a new house is beyond the financial scope of many current homeowners who would like to move up. The next best thing is often remodeling an existing home to update it and make it more attractive and comfortable. Renovating a home consists of a wide array of projects, from remodeling a nursery to create a preteen bedroom to repurposing an adjacent bedroom to create an upscale en suite.
Often, the homeowner has a general idea of the look and design they’re going for but cannot visualize the finished project, usually due to a lack of construction knowledge. That’s where the best home renovation contractors come in—they have the ability to turn a homeowner’s ideas into reality while staying within the scope of local building codes and budget. Ahead, learn what to look for when selecting a renovation contractor, and find out why the following companies earned a spot on this lineup.
- BEST OVERALL: Mr. Handyman
- RUNNER-UP: Contractors Inc
- BEST FOR RESTORATION: Belfor Property Restoration
- BEST FOR KITCHENS: Granite and TREND Transformations
- BEST FOR BATHROOMS: Re-Bath
- BEST FOR EXTERIORS: Power Home Remodeling Group
- ALSO CONSIDER: The Home Depot
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Renovation Contractors
Home updates are exciting, but they can also be anxiety-inducing when homeowners have to choose a renovation contractor they can trust to do a quality job. This is one area where it pays to do some research and reference checking. The general rule of thumb is to get estimates from three licensed contractors and compare them side by side. Still, there are other important considerations, such as where the contractor is located, the type of warranty the company offers, and whether the contractor can keep the project within budget. Choosing a contractor with a stellar reputation can help avoid a lot of construction nightmares.
Contractor’s Coverage Area
In general, it’s best to hire a contractor that is based nearby. A local contractor will know the local building codes and have no problem pulling the necessary permits. Unfortunately, for those living in small communities or rural areas, it’s not always possible to find a local contractor, particularly if specialized services such as bathtub membrane recoating are desired.
General home remodeling contractors typically have a coverage area that allows them to reach their clients within an hour or so of their home base. Specialty contractors will often have a more comprehensive coverage area because they serve a niche that general contractors don’t.
Searching online for “remodeling companies near me” will turn up a plethora of options from which to choose. When hiring a contractor that’s more than an hour’s drive away, the main consideration to be aware of is the addition of a travel charge, which can add substantially to the cost of the project if the contractor and crew need several days, or weeks, to complete the project.
Budget and Extent of Renovation
Before talking to any contractor, decide on a budget for the project. A small project, such as having a room repainted or having old wallpaper stripped and installing new wallpaper, will be less expensive than adding an addition to a house or gutting the kitchen and then installing a brand-new one, complete with new cabinets, top-of-the-line appliances, and quartz countertops.
Homeowners can find many online renovation and remodeling calculators that will give them a good ballpark idea of the cost of their desired project. Still, in the end, the final cost will depend on what a contractor is willing to do the job for, the going rate of labor in a community, and the quality of the materials chosen. By establishing a firm budget in advance, it’s less likely to be tempted to exceed it.
Warranties
Warranties vary by location and by the individual contractor, but most of the time, a company will offer a minimum 1-year guarantee on their workmanship. This means if there’s a problem, such as a leaking sink drain due to faulty installation, the contractor will come back and fix it within a year of the project’s completion.
Additionally, contractors linked to manufacturers, such as contractors who install a specific brand of fiber-cement siding, will often warranty the workmanship for 1 year as well as the material itself against factory defects.
When the contractor has no link to the material, the homeowner will likely have to pursue a warranty for a factory defect from a product’s manufacturer. An example would be a case where the homeowner purchases a jetted bathtub and then hires a contractor to install it. If the tub’s motor conks out a month after installation, the contractor who installed it is not on the hook for repairing it. Instead, the homeowner needs to contact the tub’s manufacturer to see what type of product warranty is involved.
Subcontractors
The work and quality of a general contractor is only as good as the subcontractors who work for the company. For some homeowners, it’s concerning if a general remodeling contractor subs out various aspects of the project, such as plumbing, wiring, and insulating, to subcontractors. Subcontractors often work with many general contractors, so the project may slow down if a subcontractor has to complete another job before starting a new project.
For this reason, on a project where a large general contractor personally employs framers, electricians, and plumbers, the project timeline will often go smoother, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a bad idea to hire a contractor who uses subs. Many subcontractors perform high-quality work. If subs will be on the job, the homeowner should check the references of the general contractor and the references of the subs who will be involved.
Licensure and Credentials
Licensing laws vary by state and individual community, so the homeowner should first consult the local building authority to determine which credentials are required in the community. If the contractor is licensed with a state or local board, the homeowner can often check to see if the contractor has any outstanding complaints and if the company is insured and bonded.
Training and certification may be required to install specific materials, such as spray foam insulation, which requires a certified expert trained to use the equipment necessary to install the foam. The homeowner can often check with the company to see if the installer is in good standing.
Financing
Small, local contractors will often require payment for the project upon completion, but national renovation companies and service providers that operate out of franchises may offer financing. Alternatively, homeowners can often secure a home equity loan through a local lender for home renovations if the lender determines the updates will increase the home’s value and sales appeal. This will depend not only on the type of project but also on the homeowner’s credit rating, how long they’ve lived in the community, and whether they already have a high debt-to-income ratio.
If a contractor offers to finance, the terms will be spelled out in a home renovation contract. They will include the interest rate charged by the contractor, the payment period length and number of payments, and whether the homeowner can pay off the debt early without penalty.
Customer Feedback
A couple of decades ago, homeowners had only one option for finding out how satisfied others were with a specific contractor—they had to request a list of recent clients from the contractor and then contact them. This is often still a good idea in small communities, but today, more and more contractors have a web presence, and many allow past clients to post comments and feedback. Of course, the contractor may choose only to post complimentary feedback, so if no complaints appear, the homeowner may still want to get a list of recent clients and consult them.
Our Top Picks
We researched and vetted dozens of contractors that offer nationwide renovation and remodeling services for this lineup. The following contractors were selected based on service coverage area—some are nationwide, while others service large geographic regions—whether they offer warranties, and whether the companies also offer financing.
Best Overall
Mr. Handyman
- Service area: U.S. (Nationwide)
- Rooms offered: Whole house
- Warranty: 1 year on labor
- Subcontractors used: No
- Financing offered: Yes
Pros
- Process transparency from scheduling to payment provides a worry-free experience
- Each professional is knowledgeable with an average of 10 years’ experience
- The Mr. Handyman Done Right Promise ensures that customers are satisfied with the completed job
Cons
- Price quotes may be higher than average
Why It Made the Cut: This large-scale contractor offers renovation services nationwide and provides whole-house remodeling plus project financing, earning them a top spot in the lineup. Homeowners often ask, “Can I find quality remodeling contractors near me?” With Mr. Handyman, the answer is yes. Mr. Handyman has numerous branches across the nation, and homeowners can search by ZIP code to find the nearest one. This large contractor offers remodeling services for the entire home, including but not limited to basement remodels, attic conversions, bedroom and kitchen redos, and updating the house to accommodate mobility-challenged residents. Mr. Handyman doesn’t subcontract work, so the project is controlled by a central entity, and all workers are licensed and insured. This company stands behind its work and promises to “make it right” if any service was not done correctly.
Runner-Up
Contractors Inc
- Service area: Southeast and Midwest U.S.
- Rooms offered: Whole house
- Warranty: Unknown
- Subcontractors used: Unknown
- Financing offered: Unknown
Pros
- Members of the Crisis Over Program receive priority response during a catastrophe
- A single project manager guides projects from estimate through project completion
Cons
- Locations limited to Southeast and Midwest
Why It Made the Cut: No project is too big for the renovators at Contractors Inc, which has multiple locations across the Southeast and Midwest, and they offer a full line of construction services. Those looking for a single contractor to complete a large or complex project need look no further. Contractors Inc is associated with Crane Renovation Group, and this family-owned company has plenty of financial backing, making it possible for them to take on high-end renovation projects. With a wide array of services, ranging from complete interior and exterior renovations to smaller projects, such as bathroom, kitchen, or flooring makeovers, Contractors Inc has something for everyone. The company also provides specialized services, including framing, trim carpentry, painting, hanging drywall, and demolition. Contractors Inc will also tackle commercial projects, such as apartment renovations, and they designate a single project manager on each project, so management is centralized, and things run smoothly.
Best for Restoration
Belfor Property Restoration
- Service area: U.S. (Nationwide)
- Rooms offered: Whole house
- Warranty: Unknown
- Subcontractors used: Yes
- Financing offered: Unknown
Pros
- Contractors specialize in reconstruction after natural disasters
- Additional services such as mold remediation and gutter cleaning are offered
- Storm and catastrophe preparation services available
Cons
- Limited services available for homes already in good condition
Why It Made the Cut: Not all renovation projects are designed to update a home—some are necessary to repair homes damaged by storms and other natural disasters, and Belfor Property Restoration is ready to help homeowners reconstruct their homes. Restoring a home damaged by fire, flooding, or high winds requires a contractor that’s knowledgeable in reconstruction practices, including complete mechanical and electrical removal and reinstallation, site containment, and structural integrity. The contractor must be completely comfortable rebuilding the damaged property while keeping a focus on site safety. Belfor Property Restoration has contractors nationwide standing by, ready to help homeowners with the partial or complete rebuilding of their homes. They’re also qualified to take on historic renovations and reconstructions. Navigating the insurance claim process after a home is damaged can be difficult for the average homeowner, but Belfor works closely with both insurance companies and adjusters to help the homeowner get claims settled quickly so the reconstruction work can begin.
Best for Kitchens
Granite and TREND Transformations
- Service area: U.S. (Nationwide)
- Rooms offered: Bathrooms and kitchens
- Warranty: Limited lifetime on products
- Subcontractors used: Yes
- Financing offered: Yes
Pros
- Technicians specialize in granite countertop installation
- Practices and products are certified for eco-friendliness standards by the U.S. Green Building Council and the National Science Foundation
Cons
- Product selection is limited to Granite and TREND Transformations’ offerings
Why It Made the Cut: Nothing updates the look and feel of a home as quickly as having a kitchen makeover, and Granite and TREND Transformations is all about transforming kitchens and bathrooms from drab to dramatic. Granite and TREND Transformations is a nationwide company that specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovations. The company is dedicated to using eco-friendly techniques and products. Granite and TREND Transformations completes projects using minimal demolition, which means faster timelines and less mess. The company offers an extensive line of quartz, granite, and recycled glass-engineered countertops that are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. For homeowners who like their current kitchen or bathroom layout but don’t care for the dated cabinets, Granite and TREND Transformations offers cabinet refacing that makes the cabinets look brand new. They also specialize in high-end bathroom renovations, including the installation of artistic mosaic walls and showers.
Best for Bathrooms
Re-Bath
- Service area: U.S. (Nationwide)
- Rooms offered: Bathroom
- Warranty: 1 year on labor, lifetime on products
- Subcontractors used: No
- Financing offered: Yes
Pros
- Contractors specialize in bathroom remodeling
- Dedicated line of aging-in-place and accessibility products
- Lifetime warranty on products
Cons
- Product options limited to Re-Bath-approved selections
Why It Made the Cut: This nationwide renovation company provides all the services necessary to transform dated bathrooms into fresh new focal points in the home. Re-Bath, a company specializing in total bathroom renovations, offers clients a full line of services, starting with an in-home consultation and advice from a design expert who knows how to make the best of the bathroom space available. Re-Bath contractors are licensed and work as a team to expedite the project. In addition to standard bathroom renovations, Re-Bath offers tub-to-shower conversions, shower-to-tub conversions, and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act provisions to incorporate the best bathing facilities for mobility-challenged family members. They incorporate universal design principles that allow aging residents to stay in their homes longer rather than moving to long-term care facilities. Re-Bath stands behind their work and their products.
Best for Exteriors
Power Home Remodeling Group
- Service area: U.S. (Nationwide)
- Rooms offered: Exterior
- Warranty: Lifetime labor
- Subcontractors used: No
- Financing offered: Yes
Pros
- Contractors use environmentally conscious practices like recycling and reusing materials
- Lifetime labor warranty provided
- Extensive online gallery for ideas and inspiration
Cons
- Website is not user-friendly
- Website does not offer extensive information on services provided
Why It Made the Cut: With a focus on updating exteriors to increase a home’s value while boosting energy efficiency, Power Home Remodeling Group, a nationwide renovation contractor, looks to help homeowners lower their utility bills. Power Home Remodeling Group (PHRG) works with homeowners to replace old, inefficient windows with energy-efficient models in a wide variety of styles, including double-hung, casement, garden windows, and more. The company has branches across the country that offer additional exterior-renovation services, such as door and siding replacement, reroofing, and even bringing a home up to code by adding insulation. The range of services varies from one branch to another. The company hires proven specialists with a strong preference for employing veterans from the armed forces as it values their sense of service and dedication. PHRG stands behind its workmanship and partners with expert craftsmen around the country to provide high-quality service while emphasizing eco-friendly methods.
Also Consider
The Home Depot
- Service area: U.S. (Nationwide)
- Rooms offered: Whole house
- Warranty: 1 year on labor
- Subcontractors used: Varies by project
- Financing offered: Yes
Pros
- “A la carte” service selection from minor installations to larger remodels
- Contractors can install custom or off-the-shelf products from The Home Depot
Cons
- Some services are contracted out to other local professionals, meaning homeowners cannot always vet who they hired
- Not all Home Depot locations offer renovation services
Why It Made the Cut: The Home Depot is a well-known home-improvement retailer that provides renovation services nationwide; plus they offer financing on specific projects. Everyone knows they can purchase a wide range of appliances and construction materials at The Home Depot. Still, not everyone knows the company also provides renovation services at many of its nationwide locations. For homeowners looking to update virtually any aspect of their homes, The Home Depot stands ready to sell the materials necessary to do so and provides the installation services. The company partners with qualified local contractors to perform interior and exterior painting, install smart-home networks, install universal design fixtures for the elderly and mobility challenged, and many more projects. It stands behind the workmanship and helps clients design the right look for their homes.
Our Verdict
Good contractors can be found in every community. Still, for exceptional nationwide services, the top picks in this lineup are Mr. Handyman, with its extensive coverage area and financing options, and the runner-up, Contractors Inc, a company that takes on whole-house projects, including big-ticket, luxury, and commercial projects.
How We Chose the Best Home Renovation Contractors
To qualify for this lineup of the best renovation contractors, a construction company had to have a broad base of operation and show a history of dedication to quality workmanship and customer service. It also had to demonstrate expertise in its range of services. Homeowners typically ask for help locating “remodelers near me,” so the companies needed to have multiple branches.
We also awarded points for companies that offered project financing. In some cases, homeowners need repairs or renovations in order to make the home salable or livable. However, not everyone has the cash set aside to pay for large renovation projects, so company financing is a perk.
Before You Hire One of the Best Home Renovation Contractors
While these renovation contractors are highly successful and offer services over a large geographic area, they might not be suitable in all situations. If none of these contractors service a specific region, the next best option is to use tried-and-true methods to find a contractor in the general vicinity. Among the best ways to locate contractors is through a local lender. By asking for a list of the best “remodeling companies near me,” the lender can put together a list of the companies with the best reputations.
In addition, if the homeowner will have the project financed by taking out a home equity loan on their house, the lender will be interested in making sure they hire a contractor that will improve the home’s value.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Home Renovation Contractors
Renovation projects vary widely in cost, but in general, they range from about $18,052 to $76,416, with a national average of about $46,792 for a whole-house project. However, the final cost will depend on many things, such as project size, the going price of labor in the community, whether a company has to travel more than an hour to reach the home, and more. At the low end, small projects can run as little as $3,400, while high-end or luxury renovations can top $150,000.
The quality of materials chosen will also impact the overall price charged by the contractor—quartz countertops are more expensive than preformed laminate, and selecting pricey appliances and fixtures can significantly increase the final tally.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Home Renovation Contractors
By choosing reputable renovation contractors, homeowners have the best shot at getting quality work. A good contractor will stay on top of the project and see it through from the initial design stage to completion. The best home renovation contractors will be fully insured, so the homeowner is covered in the event something is damaged or a worker is injured while on the job.
Acting as one’s own general contractor for a renovation job isn’t for the faint of heart. Sure, homeowners can save a few bucks if they wear the hat of a general contractor, but it might end up being more trouble than it’s worth because finding quality subcontractors, scheduling them, pulling permits (if necessary), and ordering materials can quickly become overwhelming. Reputable contractors come with some distinct advantages.
- A single project manager oversees the whole job.
- The homeowner receives a warranty on workmanship.
- The contractor performs call-back visits if small aspects are missed.
FAQs
Renovating a home or part of a home can be a pricey proposition, and it can disturb a family’s way of life for days or weeks. Still, it’s generally the way homeowners update their properties and increase their home’s value. Those who are just starting to think about hiring a renovation contractor will likely have a few questions.
Q. How much do renovation contractors charge?
That varies, depending on project size, the quality of the materials and fixtures, and the going rate of labor. In general, most homeowners pay in the neighborhood of $46,792 for a whole-house renovation. When contacting a company, be sure to ask, “Does the company offer home remodeling near me?” The less time the contractor and crew have to spend traveling to the location, the lower the final cost.
Q: How long does it take for a home renovation contractor to renovate a house?
It could take a few days if the renovations are minimal or it could take weeks or even months to complete complex renovations.
Q. Do home renovation contractors offer free estimates?
Most home renovation contractors will provide homeowners with free estimates. Be aware, however, that an estimate is just a ballpark figure. The final cost may vary.
Q. Do home renovation contractors prepare multiple renovation plans?
It depends on the size of the company and the scope of its services. Some renovation contractors only offer plans for specific home areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom, while others will prepare plans for whole-house remodeling.
Q. Do home renovation contractors sign a contract before work begins?
Almost always. A contract protects both the client and the contractor if problems happen down the line, such as desired materials going out of stock, a need for change orders, or personality conflicts.
Q. What’s the best way to find home remodeling contractors near me?
Consider one of the contractors in the above lineup, or ask for referrals from friends, real estate agents, and lenders. Do some due diligence, research the company, ask for a firm bid, and make sure everyone is on the same page before signing on the dotted line.