Choosing among home renovation contractors in New York City is one of the most challenging decisions you will have to make if you are planning to upgrade your home or apartment in the city.

When there are so many of them who promise exceptional results, how do you know which is right for you? The questions you ask your contractor may be the thin line between hiring a great one and a bad one. And, asking the right questions will help you narrow down your options. This will help you avoid additional expenses that may result from the poor service of inexperienced remodelers. 

Questions to Ask Potential Home Renovation Contractors in New York City 

The quality of the output of your dream home depends on the kind of remodelers you hire. When you are in the middle of choosing the right team to work with, here are some relevant questions to ask potential home renovation contractors in New York City:

1. Are you licensed? 

A contractor’s valid license is the minimum requirement for them to qualify for the job. The license is your assurance that the contractor has passed background checks, tests, and requirements to be fit for the role.  It also gives you the peace of mind that the contractor is credible and equipped with the skills and knowledge to perform a successful home renovation.

2. Are you insured? If so, what type of insurance do you have? 

A contractor’s insurance protects you from any liability that may arise from NYC apartment remodeling that has gone wrong. General liability insurance protects the contractors from financial liabilities from damages to property and medical services that result from injury.

3. Are you accredited by the Better Business Bureau? 

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) helps customers find trustworthy businesses from different industries. They are a national organization that has accredited over 400,000 businesses across North America. Accreditation by the BBB assures you that the contractor you are planning to work with has an exceptional record of doing business. Here is Remodel Magic’s BBB profile for your reference.

4. Have you handled projects like this in the past? 

Track record is crucial in determining the kind of contractor that you are hiring. Among all of the home renovation contractors in New York City, you want one who can deliver their promises despite hiccups along the way. Ask the NYC apartment remodeling contractor how well they handle past projects. This will give you an idea of how they’ll manage yours.

5. Do you have subcontractors? If so, what are their credentials? 

Many contractors work with subcontractors, so better to ask about it up-front. If they work with subcontractors, ask about their names, experience, and credentials. You want to ensure they are just as good as the contractor you are hiring.

6. How soon can you start with the NYC apartment remodeling project?

Some home renovation contractors in New York City handle multiple projects at once. This can offer both advantages and disadvantages. So, if you have a strict timeline, ask the contractor how soon they can start with yours. Their availability to attend to your home renovation project is an important factor to consider.

7. Do you have a portfolio of your completed projects? 

A portfolio of completed projects helps you determine whether the home renovation contractor has the skills to bring your dream home to life. Their portfolio also lets you see the quality of work that they do on each project they complete. It is best to look at and review their portfolio to help you make an informed decision. Check out our portfolio of previous renovation projects here.

8. Do you offer a warranty on your completed projects? 

Contractors who offer a warranty on their completed projects are confident in the quality of their output. They care about your satisfaction so they will offer a 12- or 24-month warranty in case you encounter problems in your new home upgrades. If you’re planning to do NYC apartment remodeling any time soon, look for a contractor who can offer you a warranty. This gives you peace of mind that they just won’t disappear with your money. 

Hire the Best Home Renovation Contractor in New York City

When trying to evaluate several home renovation contractors in New York City, you have to do your due diligence and assess the right one for the job. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before signing any contracts. When you finally meet with a potential contractor, ask these essential questions we’ve listed above so you get to know the contractor better. It will also help you eliminate the crooked ones who will likely run away with your money and leave you with below-standard results.

If you are planning an NYC apartment remodeling and you don’t want to go through the hassle of assessing multiple contractors, work with Remodel Magic. We are licensed, insured, and BBB-accredited—giving you confidence and peace of mind that your home is in the hands of professional remodeling experts. Check out our previous works here and learn more about our process. If you’re ready to start your NYC apartment remodeling, get a quote today!