How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor

Here is how to choose a remodeling contractor without guesswork: check the license with your state, get proof of insurance from the insurer, and compare at least three written quotes for the same scope before you sign anything.

Five Checks Before You Sign

1. 
   Step 1

   Check the license

   Licensing depends on the state and the trade. Look the contractor up on the state board site, not on their own website.

2. Step 2

   Verify insurance

   Ask the insurer, not the contractor, to send you a certificate of general liability insurance that names you.

3. Step 3

   Compare three written quotes

   Give every contractor the same scope and materials list so the numbers compare line by line.

4. Step 4

   Read the contract

   Scope, materials, schedule, payment stages, who pulls the permits, how changes are priced and the warranty.

5. Step 5

   Confirm the permits

   Work on plumbing, wiring, ventilation or walls usually needs a permit. The contractor should pull it in their name.

Licensing Differs by State

Examples from our launch cities, checked 2026-10-19:

• Houston, TX: Texas has no state license for general contractors or remodelers. Sources on our Houston page.
• Dallas, TX: Texas has no statewide license for general contractors or remodelers. Sources on our Dallas page.
• Atlanta, GA: Georgia requires a state license for residential contracting when the total value of the work or the contractor’s compensation, whichever is higher, exceeds $2,500. License lookup. Sources on our Atlanta page.
• Phoenix, AZ: Arizona license classes that fit kitchen and bath work include B General Residential Contractor, B-3 General Remodeling and Repair Contractor (remodel and repair of an existing home, with electrical, plumbing and mechanical work subcontracted), R-11 Electrical, R-37 Plumbing, R-60 Finish Carpentry (cabinets and countertops) and R-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile. License lookup. Sources on our Phoenix page.
• Charlotte, NC: A general contractor must hold an NCLBGC license when the contract is valued at $40,000 or more (G.S. License lookup. Sources on our Charlotte page.

Questions to Ask Every Contractor

• What is your license number, and which state board issued it?
• Can your insurer send me a certificate?
• Who pulls the permits, and are they in the price?
• What is included line by line, and what is excluded?
• What is the payment schedule?
• How do you price changes and surprises found behind walls?
• What warranty do you give on labor?

Plan for Surprises

In the 2026 Houzz and Home Study, 37% of renovating homeowners went over their planned budget (Houzz Inc., 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study: Renovation Trends (covers renovations done in 2025) (2026 (survey fielded January to March 2026; report covered by the Composite Panel Association on 2026-05-14))). A contingency line and a clear change-order clause protect both sides.

Red Flags

• Pressure to sign the same day or pay a large deposit in cash.
• No written contract, or a quote with one total and no detail.
• Asking you to pull the permit in your name for work they are doing.
• No license number when your state requires one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next: Find remodelers by city · Estimate your remodel · Get the budget planner

Sources

1. Houzz Inc., 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study: Renovation Trends (covers renovations done in 2025) (2026 (survey fielded January to March 2026; report covered by the Composite Panel Association on 2026-05-14))