How can you look beyond the glossy photos, reviews, and website links you’ve saved before you even begin setting up consultations?

At Home Specialists, our West Michigan remodeling company has spent decades helping homeowners transform their spaces with transparency, collaboration, and care. 

Here’s what to look for when choosing the right home remodeling partner for your next project.

Look for Educators, Not Salespeople

A trustworthy West Michigan home remodeler will take the time to educate you. They’ll explain design or material options, help you weigh priorities, and give you the clarity to make confident decisions. You will feel guided, never sold to.

Your home remodeling contractor should be your partner and collaborator. With this relationship, you will have the insight you need to create a project that fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

Expect Trust and Teamwork

Every basement, bathroom, cottage, or kitchen remodeling project is a team effort. It is a shared vision built on open communication, mutual respect, and transparency about both goals and limitations.

Hiring a professional home remodeling company helps you stay realistic while maximizing your project’s potential. By discussing what can be achieved within your budget and where trade-offs may be needed, you remain empowered and your project stays on track.

Ask About Their Process

Every company should be able to explain each project milestone, from design consultation to the final walkthrough. Although every home remodel is unique, the process itself should be clear and repeatable.

At Home Specialists, our local remodeling contractors keep clients informed with weekly updates detailing what was completed, any challenges discovered, and what’s coming next. This ensures that everyone stays on the same page.

Pay Attention to Communication

Poor communication or miscommunication are the top frustrations reported after embarking on remodeling a home. A reliable contractor welcomes your questions and responds promptly and patiently with the information you need to keep your project running smoothly and to your satisfaction.

When contractors communicate clearly and consistently, it’s a strong sign they’ll treat you and your home with respect throughout the process.

Spot the Red Flags Early

Unfortunately, not all contractors operate with your best interests in mind. Here are some warning signs you should look for:

⚠️ High-pressure tactics, such as discounts for signing on the spot

⚠️ Overly perfect online reviews without realistic details

⚠️ No defined process or inconsistent project updates

⚠️ Focus on commission rather than client education 

These signs often indicate a sales-oriented company rather than one that prioritizes long-term client satisfaction

Look for Experience and Stability

A remodeler’s strength lies in their team and trade relationships. Long-term employees, trusted trade partners, and established suppliers all contribute to consistent quality. 

Ask About Warranties and Ongoing Support

Most remodelers offer a one-year warranty, but the most reputable firms stand behind their work for three to five years. They also remain available for smaller service needs after the project ends. This ongoing relationship demonstrates their commitment to your satisfaction long after the dust settles.

Key Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Here are some interview questions you should ask any contractor you’re considering for custom home remodeling. They will reveal quite a bit about the company’s values and professionalism and determine whether it’s a good fit for you and your special project:

• “What would you do if this were your home?”
• “Why do you do what you do?”
• “Can you walk me through your process?”
• “How will communication work during the project?”
• “Who will be working in my home each day?”

The answers you receive to the questions above will tell you whether you’re dealing with a genuine partner or just another salesperson.

Understand That Price Isn’t Everything

Budgets are important. But they aren’t everything. Often, the cheapest estimate leaves something out, such as quality materials, experienced labor, or a structured process. Conversely, a high price doesn’t automatically equal high quality. The right home remodeler provides transparency in pricing and explains what your investment covers so you can make informed decisions.

Request a Quote for Home Remodeling

Selecting the right remodeling company comes down to more than numbers alone. It’s about trust, process and partnership. Look for a team that educates you, communicates clearly, and treats your home with the same care they would their own. At Home Specialists, our West Michigan remodeling contractor believes the collaborative experience should be rooted in honesty, craftsmanship and a shared vision. 

To request a quote or consultation for any of our remodeling services, please call (616) 453-4552.

By Kevin De Visser, President and CEO of Home Specialists