Protect Your Home and Wallet:
Avoiding Contractor Nightmares
We understand how frustrating, intimidating and time consuming picking a good contractor can be.
That is why we provide these resources for everyone, regardless if you are a client of ours.
We are known for providing advice, even if it is not in our best interest. Several homeowners have told us this article was a key component to choosing a remodeling company, even if they didn't pick us.
Choosing the wrong contractor can cost you thousands of dollars and months of undeserved stress.
That is why it is vital to take the time to review this guide.
Choosing a home remodeling company is a serious undertaking and should not be taken lightly.
A decision you make within roughly an hour or two could haunt you for weeks, months, and sometimes years.
If you don't believe it will happen to you or that it isn't that serious, type the phrase "contractor nightmares" on Google.
My family and I went through numerous contractor nightmares and that is why I co-founded Phoenix Home Remodeling with 2 other contractors to help more homeowners avoid these issues.
Quick tells To avoid Choosing the wrong contractor
You’re going to learn 4 quick “tells” which give away if the person you’re dealing with is unorganized, unprofessional, and unlikely to do a good job.
1.) Did they show up late for a scheduled call or a home quote?
This is a big red flag if they can’t show up on time to give you a quote. If they don't show up on time to try and get your business how frustrating is it going to be when you have to call them for showing up late on the project or not at all?
If they just show up to your house without doing a discovery call that is huge red flag. Here is why.
2.) Do they appear like they personally have their act together?
You want to see if they’re professional at all times. Even though contract work can be a “dirty job”, this shouldn’t affect whether or not they appear professional.
If it appears that they don’t respect themselves, are they going to respect you or your house? This is an easy way to avoid choosing any of the mediocre home improvement contractors.
3.) Did they seem to follow a process or are they “winging it?”
If they seem to be winging it, this might mean they are unlicensed. If they don’t have a license, there’s a good chance their work will be subpar.
If they are licensed and appear to wing it, they don’t have processes in place and they may not care which means they won’t care about showing up on time or getting things done on time. It also may mean your design and construction will be wrong and you’ll go through many stressful issues.
4.) When asked about their remodeling process were they concise or did they fumble through it?
If they can't articulate their process there's a good chance they don't have a process or it's not well thought out.
If you went to a surgeon and he started fumbling his words and seemed confused, you would get out of there right away, right?
Why should your contractor be any different?
Does The Home Remodeling Company Use Project Management Software?
You want to ask every remodeling company this question right away. If they don't use project management software specific to remodeling such as BuilderTrend, BuildTools or CoConstruct you want to run away as fast as you can.
The benefit of this software is every detail right from the start is documented. This includes homeowner questions, comments and pictures. Communication is fast & easy which ensures everyone is kept in the loop and knows what is happening.
You want to avoid any contractor who isn't using construction project management software, because the communication and not knowing what is happening next is very frustrating.
You will also have nightmares with them not finishing on time.
Imagine having construction workers in your house and your home's a mess for 2-6 weeks longer than the contractor told you.
Not using construction project management software will also create mistakes like forgetting to order things on time and making errors that they end up charging you for. This is one of the main reason's contractors increase the price once the project starts.
If they don't invest in a solution to handle the project build, how serious are they taking the homeowners experience?
If they don't invest in that, where else are they cutting corners?
Do They Use Large Air Filters?
Remodeling work can get messy.
Small particles and dust get stirred up during the project and can adversely affect air quality, not only for the duration of the project, but also for a long time afterwards.
These dust particles settle on curtains, furniture, your air ducts, and many other places. This can be a serious health risk to a homeowner and their family.
Remodeling dust can contain lead, silica mold spores and insect dander that you don’t want contaminating your home.
So you want to avoid any home remodeler who don't utilize large air filters for homeowner safety.
We have 2 of the industries best air filters from a company called BuildClean.
As you can see in the picture, the machine barely fits through a doorway and the filters are huge.
These large systems utilize several filters to continually clean the air and keep dust particles from floating into other parts of the house.
When we also use zipwall barriers to block off the area. It's a system that creates a plastic wall from floor to ceiling.
Avoid Anyone Not Licensed, Bonded, Insured, AND Workers Comp
You want to ask them for a copy of their license and insurance. Then go on https://roc.az.gov/ and search the ROC number they gave. Make sure it matches their name.
The reason this is so important is an Ahwatukee woman I spoke to went with another contractor and that contractor gave her fake paperwork and then skipped out costing her $29,000.
Here is the news article about it: https://www.abc15.com/news/let-joe-know/when-a-renovation-goes-terribly-wrong
One of the large problems with using an unlicensed contractor is there's very little recourse the ROC can take. If they aren't licensed, the ROC doesn't have a license to suspend or revoke. That news article mentioned how this company already had 6-7 complaints with the ROC but the homeowners don't have much they can do.
Most homeowners know to ask for the first 3 items. The last one is not well known and quite risky.
Workers Compensation insurance is an insurance all construction companies legally have to have on their employees. Many subcontractors we have talked to in the past have not had this insurance on their employees. We wouldn't work with them because its a huge liability for us and homeowners.
If you hire a remodeling company that does not have workers compensation, if any employee gets hurt on your property you can be liable.
Even though you signed an agreement with the remodeling company, you could be looking at a homeowners claim (which they could deny), medical bills, or possible law suit. Luckily it does not happen often but it is a huge risk worth mentioning.
Construction has one of the highest workers compensation costs of any industry because the risk of injury is high.
If a contractor doesn’t follow the law (and good business practices to protect their clients) in being licensed, insured, bonded and workers comp, what else are they cutting corners on?
Did The Home Remodeling Company Provide An Agreement?
If they aren’t willing to provide an agreement or contract to you then they are either rookies or are hiding something.
BY ARIZONA LAW: Projects over $1000 require an agreement.
You want to work with a company that spells everything out. An agreement is there to protect you and the contractor.
Do They Have A Designer?
Having an in-house designer to help you is really important.
You are going to need to pick out many items for your renovation and you want it to go as smoothly as possible.
Having an in-house designer helps with:
Ready to Remodel Without Regret?
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602-492-8205
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Reviewing The Remodeler's Proposal
So now you have asked the above questions and narrowed down the contractors to initially avoid.
The next step is to look out for specific things on their proposal:
Did they include all of the project items they are going to complete?
If things are missing, make sure to reach out to them and have them add it. Missing something from the scope of work happens to all remodelers because there are so many elements in a project.
That part is ok, but just getting an email back or them saying something like "yeah that's included" is not enough. You want to ensure they change the proposal to include everything you talked about.
If they miss a lot of things or if their proposal doesn't spell out all the items they are completing, are they taking you seriously? I would avoid any contractors that don't provide a written proposal with the scope of work detailing with bullet points the items they will complete.
Did they provide at least 3 references from past remodel clients?
Talk is cheap. A good remodeling company will be able to provide referrals from past clients to back up their claims.
If their proposal does not have references, why are they not including them? It could be they don't care or they don't want you to call their references. Hard to know for sure, but either way that's a red flag.
When you have their references, here are questions you want to ask them:
If there are multiple remodel projects did they show the cost of each room/project?
If they threw all the projects into one lump sum it is difficult to evaluate which projects you want to do.
This should be a standard and if they aren't willing to break it up by project, you want to stay away from them.
We DO NOT Underbid Like Some Phoenix Contractors
It's no secret that many contractors lure homeowners with low estimates, only to hit them with unexpected costs mid-project. At Phoenix Home Remodeling, we take a different approach.
Our in-house estimator carefully reviews project details before you receive a proposal, ensuring accurate pricing upfront, not guesswork. This prevents the common bait-and-switch tactics that leave homeowners frustrated and over budget.
If a contractor underbids, you, not them, are responsible for covering unexpected costs. This can lead to liens on your home or contractors abandoning the job entirely.
That’s why our design-build process starts with a feasibility, planning, and design phase, so you know exactly what your remodel will cost before construction begins. You stay in control, with the ability to refine your plans to match your budget and wishlist.
With us, there are no surprises, just expert planning, honest pricing, and a remodel done right the first time.
Why The Cheapest Contractor Should Often Be Avoided
Saving money and getting a good fair price are obviously important, but going with the cheapest contractor can have terrible consequences.
Bids that come in much lower than other companies are a red flag. Unfortunately some contractors purposely bid low to win the job, then increase the price on the homeowner, and have to cut corners to complete it.
We have all heard the phrase "you get what you pay for".
Would you rather:
Have a contractor tell you a project will be $50,000, it finishes on time and the cost is actually $50,000.
OR
Have a contractor tell you a project will be $45,000, it takes 2 months longer than they originally said and the total cost is actually $50,000- $65,000
The answer may seem obvious, but many people don't think this situation will happen to them yet it happens all the time.
A survey found that (48%) of all homeowners would not hire their contractor for a future project. That means nearly 1/2 of homeowners were not happy with their remodel contractor!
Too many homeowners are left disappointed in the quality of the work done. Even worse, they may have to spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars to fix the deficiencies of the initial contractor. (This is very common, we get calls for this all the time)
This is one of the main reasons we created this article to help avoid choosing the wrong contractor.
Issues That Often come up From using the lowest bidder
Homeowners don’t remodel often, so they can’t be expected to know everything, especially all of the risks and stress that a contractor can inflict.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t learn about them until it’s too late.
Here are the 7 most common issues everyone wants to avoid:
Bait & Switch
Some contractors intentionally lowball their proposals to win your business, knowing that once the project begins, you’re essentially locked in. This unethical practice tarnishes the reputation of the entire remodeling industry.
It’s no surprise that remodeling companies rank as the #2 source of consumer complaints in America, second only to used car dealerships.
Using a bait-and-switch tactic is not only dishonest, it’s unfair to homeowners and should have no place in this industry.
Cuts Corners
The last thing any homeowner wants is a remodel completed that then falls apart. Some of the lowest bidders don't offer written guarantees because they can't back up their work.
Cutting corners can also lead to plumbing issues that cause costly leaks, electrical issues that can cause a fire and many other issues that are dangerous for homeowners and their family.
Lack of insurance / workers comp
There are countless warnings about hiring remodeling companies without proper insurance and workers’ compensation, and for good reason, the risks are too great to ignore.
Some contractors cut costs by skimping on insurance, putting both themselves and homeowners at serious risk.
Why it matters:
- If a contractor lacks workers’ compensation, you could be held liable for injuries on your property.
- Without proper insurance, you assume all risks for their mistakes and accidents.
Contractors who cut corners on safety often cut corners elsewhere, compounding risks and creating unnecessary stress for homeowners. Always confirm your contractor has proper insurance and workers' compensation, it’s essential for your protection.
The remodel contractor is not organized
At first this may not seem that important or simply boring.
It is actually vital when you think of all the things that go into a remodel. For an example, here is a screenshot of part of the Gantt chart we use on a multi-bathroom remodel:
As you can see there are a lot of project items that need to be planned out and if one thing is missed and can push out the timeline on many aspects of your project.
If the contractor is not organized, that means all your items probably won't be ordered in time. Your project will go longer. They will make mistakes costing you money. The list is virtually endless.
They don't respect you or your home
If a company doesn't respect themselves and the homeowner by getting the proper insurance, systematizing their business and the other things outlined in this article, do you think they will respect your home and keep it clean?
If someone doesn't respect their business they won't respect your home. That causes damages to your house they either have to fix adding more time and stress for you, not fixing it or causing arguments just to get them to fix their damage.
If they don't respect your home that causes issues in areas like the house being dirty, not locking your doors, letting pets get out, not creating a safe work environment causing injuries, and so much more.
Respect is such a vital key to remodeling but some homeowners don't know to consider it in this way.
Project keeps getting pushed out
We have all heard about remodel projects getting pushed out. In fact, it's practically common place unfortunately in many homeowners' minds.
If you hire the cheapest bidder they don't have the funds to hire the better workers. Or the funds to hire enough workers. So there's both the need for the quantity and quality of employees to get your project finished on time.
If you hire the cheapest bidder they probably can't afford other things like project management software to run the project to ensure things aren't missed and the project doesn't extend 2-6 weeks out.
In fact, I've talked to many Phoenix homeowners that mention contractors taking months and months to finish and having to chase them. 2-6 weeks is unfortunately being kind in many cases.
I don't know anyone who wants construction workers in their home along with the mess and stress associated with it for an additional 2-6 weeks.
Uses cheap products that break
After you spend thousands of dollars and time on your remodel, the last thing you want is for it to break or become a bigger headache. You don't want to have someone come back and remodel a space you had remodeled a year or two ago and waste that much money.
If someone's bid is low, they either have to raise it after they start the project or use inferior materials that will probably deteriorate or break. This can cause you to spend more money than what the competitor that was more would have cost.
You want products and materials that are high quality and durable. While it may cost more, it will actually last longer in your home. In the long run, this could actually save you money.
Questions to ask yourself
If you are on the fence about using the cheapest contractor, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Did you download our Contractor Scorecard with the 11 items to quickly & easily grade any contractor you are considering?
Quickly find out if you are comparing a "B-" contractor with an "A" contractor.
Everyone wants & deserves to feel great about their home
If you are like many of our past clients, you are unhappy with some aspect of your home’s interior but worried about the stress a remodel can cause. We feel your pain and we don't just care about the remodel, we care about you and your experience.
Everyone wants and deserves to feel great about their home and enjoy sharing it with friends, family & neighbors.
We know the stress of trying to pick a remodeling company and the tremendous headaches many contractors can inflict due to being unorganized, using antiquated processes, and not caring enough about the homeowner's experience.
You can avoid the stress many contractors inflict like:
Everyone deserves to feel great about their home and enjoy the new dream space with friends, family and neighbors... without contractor issues!
If you haven't already, feel free to see if we will be a good fit for your project.
Get Expert Help On Your Remodeling
Use the blue button below to pick a time to talk with our remodel expert. Receive a phone call at the perfect time for you by scheduling your discovery call.
Our Consultation Manager reviews your remodel goals, answers questions, and shares an early investment range based on your bathroom type. If the project is a fit, the next step is an in-home evaluation followed by a written proposal for the Feasibility, Planning, and Design phase.
See Why Phoenix Homeowners Trust Our Remodeling Process
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Don't wait another day! Discover your home's potential!
Why Your Neighbors Recommend Us
Real Stories. Real Results. Real Confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Look For Before Hiring A Remodeling Contractor?
You should look for a defined process, clear design documentation, verified project experience, and a team that explains how pricing is finalized before construction begins. Phoenix Home Remodeling uses a planning-first design-build model, which means the project is designed in detail before the build phase starts. That approach helps homeowners understand scope, selections, timeline, and final price before major construction work begins. PHR is licensed as ROC 313636 and has 200+ reviews from remodeling clients. The goal is to give homeowners a structured path from first conversation to completed interior remodel, with one team managing the work from concept to completion.
How Does A Planning-First Remodel Help Homeowners Make Better Decisions?
A planning-first remodel helps homeowners make better decisions by resolving design, scope, and selections before construction starts. Phoenix Home Remodeling follows the principle “Design first. Build second.” so clients can see the plan, review 3D renderings, and understand how each choice affects the final project. All projects begin with a Feasibility, Planning, and Design phase before construction starts, which usually takes about 6-10 weeks. This phase creates alignment between the homeowner, designer, project manager, and construction team. It also supports fixed pricing because the final price is provided only after design and selections are complete.
Why Is Design Completed Before Construction Begins?
Design is completed before construction begins so the homeowner and remodeling team can agree on the full scope before work starts. Phoenix Home Remodeling develops the layout, selections, 3D renderings, and project details during the planning and design phase. This allows the team to provide a final price only after design and selections are complete. It also reduces the chance of decisions being made under pressure while construction is already underway. One team from concept to completion, no handoff between designer and contractor, helps keep the plan consistent from the first design conversation through the finished remodel.
How Long Should The Design Phase Take Before A Remodel Starts?
The design phase typically takes about 6-10 weeks before construction starts. During this time, Phoenix Home Remodeling develops the concept, refines the scope, creates 3D renderings, helps with selections, and prepares the project for production. This planning time is important because it gives homeowners a detailed view of what will be built and how the space will function. It also gives the team time to identify practical details that affect schedule, sequence, and pricing. A well-run design phase helps create a defined scope, which is one of the most important ways to keep a remodel organized from start to finish.
What Are 3D Renderings Used For In A Remodel?
3D renderings are used to help homeowners see their remodeled space before construction begins. Phoenix Home Remodeling provides renderings during the planning and design phase so clients can review layout, cabinetry, tile, fixtures, lighting concepts, and overall flow before a single wall is touched. This visual step can make design choices easier because homeowners are not relying only on samples or floor plans. Renderings also help the team confirm that the design direction matches the homeowner’s goals. When design decisions are documented early, the construction phase can follow a more organized plan with fewer avoidable changes.
When Is The Final Price Provided For A Remodel?
The final price is provided only after design and selections are complete. Phoenix Home Remodeling does this because a remodel price should be based on a defined scope, chosen materials, layout decisions, and the actual details of the project. Early budget conversations help determine feasibility, but the final construction price comes after planning is complete. This is part of PHR’s design-build process and supports fixed pricing before construction begins. It also helps homeowners understand what is included in the project instead of moving forward with an incomplete scope. The result is a more organized remodeling experience from proposal to completion.
How Much Does A Kitchen Remodel Cost With Phoenix Home Remodeling?
A kitchen remodel with Phoenix Home Remodeling is typically $50K-$100K. The exact price depends on the design, layout, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, fixtures, and the full scope developed during the planning and design phase. PHR does not finalize the price until selections and design details are complete because the project should be priced around what will actually be built. Kitchen remodels typically take 4-7 weeks for construction after the design phase is finished. Homeowners can also view completed projects on the before and after remodeling pictures page to see examples of completed interior transformations.
How Much Does A Bathroom Remodel Cost With Phoenix Home Remodeling?
A primary bathroom remodel is typically $40K-$75K, and a guest bathroom remodel is typically $18K-$25K. A shower remodel is typically $15K-$40K, depending on scope, layout, tile, glass, fixtures, and other design selections. Phoenix Home Remodeling develops the exact scope during the Feasibility, Planning, and Design phase, then provides a final price after design and selections are complete. Construction timelines vary by project type. A primary bath typically takes 5-7 weeks, a guest bath typically takes 3-5 weeks, and a shower typically takes 1-3 weeks after the design phase is complete.
How Much Does A Whole-Home Remodel Cost?
A whole-home remodel with Phoenix Home Remodeling is typically $150K-$300K. The final cost depends on the number of rooms included, the level of design detail, cabinetry, surfaces, fixtures, lighting, and how the spaces connect. Whole-home projects usually require more planning because decisions across kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, living areas, and other interior spaces should work together. Construction for a whole-home remodel typically takes 1.5-3 months after the design phase is complete. The planning and design phase usually takes about 6-10 weeks and helps create a unified plan before construction begins.
What Role Does A Dedicated Project Manager Play?
A dedicated project manager coordinates the remodel, communicates progress, and helps keep the construction phase aligned with the approved plan. At Phoenix Home Remodeling, the project manager is part of the design-build team that carries the project from concept to completion. This role helps homeowners know who to contact, what is happening next, and how the schedule is progressing. The project manager also works with the production team so the documented design and selections are followed during construction. Combined with the homeowner portal, this gives clients a structured communication path throughout the remodel.
How Does The Homeowner Portal Help During A Remodel?
The homeowner portal helps clients follow project communication, schedule updates, selections, and important remodel details in one place. Phoenix Home Remodeling uses the portal as part of its organized remodeling process, giving homeowners a central location for project information instead of scattered messages. This supports better coordination between the homeowner, designer, project manager, and construction team. It also helps document decisions made during the planning and design phase, including selections and scope details. When the build phase starts, the portal continues to support communication so homeowners can stay informed as the project moves forward.
What Is A Change Order Rate And Why Does It Matter?
A change order rate shows how often approved project scopes change after construction begins. Phoenix Home Remodeling has a 2.1% change order rate, which reflects the value of planning the remodel in detail before the build phase starts. Because PHR completes design, 3D renderings, selections, and scope development first, many decisions are made before construction begins. That does not mean changes can never happen, but it does mean the process is built to reduce avoidable surprises. A lower change order rate supports a more predictable experience for homeowners who want the project clearly defined before work starts.
What Warranty Does Phoenix Home Remodeling Provide?
Phoenix Home Remodeling provides a 2-year warranty on its remodeling work. The warranty is part of a broader process that includes detailed planning, documented selections, a dedicated project manager, and one team managing the project from concept to completion. PHR focuses on interior remodeling projects such as kitchens, bathrooms, showers, laundry rooms, living spaces, and whole-home remodels. The warranty gives homeowners a defined post-project support period after the remodel is complete. Clients can also read about other homeowners’ experiences on the remodel clients page.
How Can I Evaluate A Remodeler’s Process Before Starting?
You can evaluate a remodeler’s process by asking how design, selections, pricing, scheduling, and project communication are handled before construction begins. Phoenix Home Remodeling uses a design-build model with one team from concept to completion, which reduces handoffs and keeps the project connected. During the 6-10 week planning and design phase, the team develops the scope, creates 3D renderings, supports selections, and prepares the project for construction. Homeowners should understand when the final price is provided and how communication will work during the remodel. With PHR, the final price is provided only after design and selections are complete.
Does Phoenix Home Remodeling Offer Financing Information?
Phoenix Home Remodeling provides financing information through Hearth for homeowners who want to explore payment options. Remodeling is a major investment, so financing may be part of the planning conversation for some clients. PHR’s project minimum is $15,000, and exact project pricing depends on the remodel type, scope, design, and selections. Homeowners can review financing information at PHR’s financing page. The planning-first process still applies, meaning the final price is provided only after the design and selections are complete. This helps homeowners understand the defined scope before construction begins.
How Do I Start A Remodeling Conversation With Phoenix Home Remodeling?
You can start a remodeling conversation by scheduling a consultation with Phoenix Home Remodeling. The first step is to discuss your project goals, the rooms involved, your desired timeline, and whether the project fits PHR’s interior remodeling services. From there, the team can explain the Feasibility, Planning, and Design phase, which usually takes about 6-10 weeks before construction begins. This is where scope, selections, 3D renderings, and pricing are developed. To begin, visit the schedule consultation page and share the details of the remodel you are considering.
