How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Remodel
- Oct 28, 2025
- 4 min read
Melissa Cahoon Interiors – Mercer Island, WA
Learn how to choose the right contractor for your remodel or new build. Discover why getting only two bids is best, why the cheapest isn’t always accurate, how to vet references, and why team coordination matters for luxury projects.
Choosing the right contractor can make or break your remodel. Interior designer Melissa Cahoon shares her expert advice on how to get bids, evaluate contractors, and build a cohesive team for your home project.
Introduction
One of the most common questions I get from clients is: “How do I choose the right contractor?”
Having gone through this process personally (and many times professionally), I’ve learned that selecting the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home. It can mean the difference between a seamless, enjoyable remodel — and one that drags on or blows the budget.
Here’s how I recommend approaching it:
1. Get Two Bids — and Only Two
It’s tempting to gather several estimates to “see what’s out there,” but more than two bids usually leads to confusion. Two bids give you a clear sense of where your project realistically falls - without overwhelming you with numbers that are difficult to compare apples-to-apples.
At the end of the day, the cost of your project is what it is. If you don't like the general budget, scope of work may need to change, not the quality of the contractor.
Of note, Most reputable contractors structure their profit margins similarly - typically around 15–18% of the total project cost.
It’s also important to remember that the cheapest bid isn’t always the best choice. A lower number might look appealing upfront, but it often reflects missing scope, underestimated labor, or lower craftsmanship standards. Ultimately, the project will cost what it will cost - and doing business with the most ethical, high-quality professional is usually the truest representation of your final budget.
2. Get References — But Focus on Personal Connections
The best references come from people you actually know and trust.
When we hired our own contractor for our home, several close friends and acquaintances had worked with them and could personally speak to the quality of the work, professionalism, and communication.
Those firsthand insights are far more valuable than anonymous online reviews - they reveal how a contractor handles challenges, communicates under pressure, and shows up on site.
3. Choose Teams That Work Well Together
If your project involves multiple professionals - an interior designer, Interior architect, a general contractor, a landscape architect, and a landscape contractor, it’s a huge advantage when those teams have worked together before.
For our personal home, our landscape architect and landscape contractor had previously collaborated with our general contractor on several projects. That existing rapport created an incredibly cohesive workflow, smoother communication, and mutual respect across the board - all of which benefits the client (you).
4. Key Questions and Considerations
a) Project Alignment
Ask what types of projects the contractor typically takes on.
For instance, one contractor we interviewed had an impressive portfolio — multiple magazine features and glowing reviews - but most of their work was on $13M+ waterfront estates.
Our project, while extensive, wasn’t even close to that scope of work or budget. We ultimately chose a contractor who focuses on large, mid- to high-end residential remodels, which was much more aligned with our scope and expectations.
b) Budget Management
Ask how they manage budgets and handle overages.
Every project will have natural scope changes, usually on behalf of the client - maybe you decide to upgrade to a more premium stone or repaint an additional space. But it’s worth asking: If costs run over due to inefficiencies or internal mistakes, does the contractor take responsibility?
Some contractors are willing to complete overages “at cost” (without profit) to honor the agreed-upon budget. That level of accountability shows they’re as committed to efficiency and integrity as you are.
c) Timeline and Team Capacity
Delays are one of the most common frustrations in remodeling. To minimize them, ask:
How many other jobs do you currently have?
How many team members will be dedicated to this project daily?
How do you handle scheduling if materials are delayed?
A strong designer–contractor partnership can make a world of difference here.
Designers help manage procurement and ordering to keep the contractor on schedule. They usually do weekly meetings with the contractor to check the site, answer questions and make sure things are running smoothly.
It’s a red flag when a job site sits empty for days at a time. Your contractor should be able to maintain consistent, near-daily progress once construction begins.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right contractor is about alignment, trust, and communication.
You’re not just hiring someone to build - you’re choosing a partner for one of the most personal and significant investments you’ll make.
Take your time, ask thoughtful questions, and trust your instincts. When your designer and contractor are aligned - and everyone respects the process - it shows in every detail of the finished space.
Work With Us
If you’re planning a remodel or new build and want design guidance from the start, I’d love to help. At Melissa Cahoon Interiors, we partner closely with trusted contractors, trades, and architects to create homes that feel cohesive, intentional, and timeless - from the foundation to the final layer.
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