Dos and Don’ts of Remodeling

Do collect and prioritize your design ideas

Before you meet with a contractor, gather inspiration that reflects your ideal layout, finishes, appliances and color palette. Whether you use Pinterest, screenshots, magazine clippings or a bulletin board, organize your ideas by priority: must-have, nice-to-have and maybe someday. This clarity helps your contractor guide decisions and manage costs.

Do consider resale value, even if you plan to stay

Life changes quickly. If you plan to sell your home in the future, overly personal or quirky design choices can limit buyer appeal. A thoughtful remodel strikes a balance between personal taste and broad market value.

Work with a contractor who partners with experienced designers and trusted suppliers with an understanding of Chicagoland resale trends. They should also be able to advise on expected return on investment using current industry data, such as the Zonda 2025 Cost vs. Value Report.

Do research your contractor thoroughly

Your home is one of your most valuable assets. While reading online reviews for contractors can be helpful, it’s just as important to consider the person-to-person fit, since you’ll be working closely with these individuals day to day for an extended period of time.

Before signing anything, take the time to interview multiple contractors and ask clear, direct questions, including:

• How long have you been in the remodeling business?
• What types of projects do you specialize in?
• Have you completed projects similar to mine in my area?
• When will I meet the project manager who will oversee day-to-day work during construction?
• When challenges arise, how are you prepared to address them, and what contingencies do you have to ensure my project stays on time and on budget?
• Are you licensed and insured for this work? Do you carry Workers’ Compensation insurance?
• How will your project plan minimize disruption and inconvenience to my household?
• Are your workers EPA-certified?
• What warranties do you provide on your work?

A reputable contractor should answer these questions confidently and be willing to provide documentation upon request.

Do choose an experienced remodeling company

Experience matters more than homeowners often realize, especially when remodeling older homes. There is a common expression in our industry, “experience is always rewarded,” which speaks to the value of years dedicated to the craft of remodeling. It reflects the ability to identify and solve problems when unexpected structural or other unknown but complex issues arise.

Inexperienced installers are often unprepared for these challenges, which can lead to delays, added costs, and in some cases, failed projects.

At Get Dwell, each of our project managers brings a minimum of 20 years of remodeling experience, and our carpenters are master craftsmen capable of addressing unforeseen conditions without derailing a project.

Project delays and abandonment most often occur when contractors take on work beyond their expertise, overextend themselves financially or are managing too many projects at once. In those situations, homeowners are left dealing with stalled progress, escalating costs or contractors who simply walk away.

Do hire EPA-certified workers

Federal law requires contractors working in homes built before 1978 to follow lead-safe practices, particularly in households where children are present. The cleanliness, dust containment and safety protocols required for certification are simply good business practices regardless of the age of your home. EPA certification is a strong indicator that a contractor prioritizes safety, ongoing training and regulatory compliance.

Get Dwell is an EPA-certified firm for renovation, repair and painting. You can verify certification using the EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Professional Locator.

Do hire people you trust

Trust your instincts. If a contractor’s answers are vague or you feel uncomfortable, it’s best to walk away. Remodeling requires allowing people into your home for weeks or even months at a time, and trust matters.

At Get Dwell, all team members are personally vetted by our owners and held to high standards of professionalism. Our people arrive on time, respect you and your home, and maintain a clean, controlled work environment, leaving the site organized at the end of each day.

Do understand the true cost of your project

A successful remodel starts with a detailed scope and a realistic budget. A professional contractor will help you understand where to invest, where to save, and how to prioritize features to get the most value from your dollars.

While it’s impossible to anticipate every condition behind your walls, a trustworthy contractor will clearly outline potential additional costs and change orders before work begins. This transparency is essential to establishing trust, setting a realistic budget, and avoiding costly mid-project surprises, disagreements, delays or even project abandonment.

Do meet your project team before work begins

You’ll be sharing your home with the construction team for many hours each day. Meeting them in advance helps establish mutual respect and a strong working relationship.

Get Dwell has long been known for the quality of its people. We introduce clients to their project team ahead of time because we know from experience that the remodeling process matters just as much as the final result.

Do expect regular communication and reporting

Poor communication is consistently cited as one of the biggest sources of frustration for homeowners during the remodeling process. Your contractor should provide regular updates — ideally daily or weekly, depending on the project — outlining progress, upcoming work and any changes.

Remodeling Don’ts

Don’t start work without contingency planning

Every remodel comes with unknowns. Your contractor should discuss potential risks upfront and clearly explain how unexpected issues will be handled. Ask what happens if materials are delayed, hidden damage is uncovered, or a key team member becomes unavailable.

Smaller companies may struggle to recover if a lead carpenter becomes ill, injured or is otherwise unavailable. A clear contingency plan protects both your timeline and your budget.

Don’t pay contractors in cash

Cash discounts are a red flag. Contractors who insist on cash payments may be avoiding taxes or legal obligations, lack proper insurance, or rely on itinerant, untested crews. These practices often expose homeowners to unnecessary risk.

As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”

Don’t hire companies without Workers’ Compensation insurance

Illinois law requires most employers to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance.¹ Without it, you may be exposed to significant liability if a worker is injured in your home.

While many contractors carry General Liability Insurance, this does not replace Workers’ Compensation coverage. Always ask to see a contractor’s Certificate of Insurance for Workers’ Compensation to confirm proper coverage before work begins.

Current immigration issues, rising labor and material costs, and ongoing supply chain challenges continue to impact the remodeling industry in significant ways in 2026. Get Dwell relies on more than 20 years of long-standing relationships with our employees, trusted trade partners, local family-owned hardware stores and other proven, high-quality local resources. These relationships allow us to remain flexible, informed and responsive when challenges arise.

For more than two decades, Get Dwell has stood behind its work and honored warranties for Chicago-area homeowners, helping clients maintain, repair, prepare and remodel their homes with minimal stress. Our work is built on experience, transparency and trusted relationships. We’re always happy to talk with you about your home and your goals and walk you through what to expect at every step of the process.

Hire a remodeling company you can trust. Call us at 847-922-3418 or schedule time to talk with a Get Dwell project manager today.

Source:

1 “Workers’ Compensation Insurance Compliance,” Illinois Department of Revenue