Who to Hire for Home Renovations: Book the Best Pro for the Job

Tackling home renovations, no matter how big or small, is much easier when you hire a professional to help. After all—most of us don’t know how to renovate a house on our own, nor do we have the extra sets of hands to do the work. But knowing who to hire for home renovations is essential to get the results you desire. In most cases, it’s best to hire a general contractor who specializes in home remodeling, though there are a few other pros to consider.  Let’s take a closer look at who to hire for your next home renovation.

For Most Renovations: General Contractors

A general contractor is the go-to person for large-scale home renovations. They oversee the entire project, manage schedules, source materials, and coordinate with other professionals like electricians and plumbers. General contractors are especially suited for jobs involving multiple trades, such as kitchen remodels or home extensions. 

In most states, general contractors must be licensed, bonded, and insured. Licensing ensures they meet minimum competency standards, while bonding and insurance protect you financially if something goes wrong during the renovation. Always check your local regulations, as requirements can vary. 

If your renovation project involves structural changes or requires permits, hiring a local home remodeling contractor is particularly important. They not only ensure the work is done to code, but they also help navigate the often-complicated permitting process.

For Major Overhauls: Architects

While general contractors handle the logistics and construction, architects focus on the planning and aesthetics of your renovation. If you feel comfortable handling that part of the renovation on your own, you can skip hiring this expert (many homeowners do). 

However, tread carefully if this is a major home remodel. Licensed architects are crucial for large-scale projects involving structural changes. They’ll create blueprints and ensure that your renovation complies with local building codes. 

For Specialized Projects: Speciality Contractors

You may also need to hire a few specialty contractors throughout the renovation process, depending on the needs of your chosen projects. Specialty contractors, like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, are licensed professionals who focus on specific aspects of a home renovation. Unlike general contractors, they don’t manage the entire project but are brought in for their expertise in particular trades. 

Specialty contractors must have specific licenses and certifications. For instance, electricians need to pass tests related to electrical codes, and plumbers must be familiar with plumbing systems and safety standards. Always verify that a specialty contractor is licensed in their trade before hiring them. 

You’ll need a specialty contractor if your renovation involves complex systems like electrical wiring, plumbing, or HVAC. For example, upgrading your home’s electrical system or installing a new HVAC unit requires a professional who understands the intricacies of these systems. Specialty contractors often work alongside general contractors, or you may hire them directly for smaller projects.

How to Choose Who to Hire for a Home Renovation

Selecting the right contractor for your home renovation goes beyond just credentials and licensing—it’s also about trust and compatibility. Start by getting multiple bids (this will help you keep home renovation costs lower) and ask for references from each contractor. A reputable professional should have no problem providing a list of satisfied clients or examples of previous work. 

Make sure the contractor is easy to communicate with and responsive to your questions. Review their portfolio to see if they’ve completed projects similar to yours, and get clear expectations on their home renovation timeline and costs to avoid surprises later. Be wary of contractors who request large payments up front, lack references, or are unwilling to sign a detailed contract. These can be warning signs of unprofessionalism or potential issues down the road.