The Remodel Planning Checklist

The steps to work through before you call contractors, while you compare quotes, and before you sign. Tick them off as you go, or print the page.

01

Define the project

Write down why you are remodeling. More space, a better layout, an older room that needs updating, or getting ready to sell.
List your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Keep them separate. It makes trade-offs easier when the budget gets tight.
Collect photos of rooms you like. Note what you like in each one: the layout, the materials, the light.
Photograph and measure the space as it is today. Include windows, doors, outlets and anything you want to keep.
Decide what is off limits. Walls, plumbing or features you do not want to move.

02

Decide on a total you are comfortable spending. Include design, materials, labor, permits and cleanup.
Keep a reserve for surprises. Older homes often hide problems behind walls and under floors.
Decide how you will pay. Savings, financing or a mix. Know this before you sign anything.
Rank your must-haves. If quotes come in high, you will know what to scale back first.

03

Ask your city or county which permits you need. Work on plumbing, electrical, gas, walls or additions usually needs one.
Check HOA rules if you have an HOA. Many need approval before outside or structural work.
Agree on who pulls the permits. It should be written into the contract.

04

Get quotes from more than one contractor. CSLB, California’s licensing board, suggests getting at least three bids for the same work.
Check every license with CSLB. Look up the license number on cslb.ca.gov. Make sure it is active and matches the business name on the quote.
Ask to see photos of similar past projects.
Ask who will do the work. Their own crew or subcontractors, and who will be on site day to day.

05

Compare the scope before the price. A low quote may leave out demolition, prep, permits, haul-away or finish work.
Check the allowances. An allowance is a placeholder amount for items like tile or fixtures. Low allowances make a quote look cheaper than it is.
Confirm the materials by brand, model or grade.
Compare timelines and start dates.
Ask what warranty each contractor offers, in writing.

06

Get a written contract. It should list the work, the price, the payment schedule, the start and finish dates, and who pulls the permits.
Check the down payment. In California, a down payment on a home improvement job cannot be more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less.
Tie payments to finished work. Later payments should not be more than the value of the work done or materials delivered.
Read the change order process. Every change to the scope or price should be written and signed before the work is done.

07

Keep every document in one place. The contract, change orders, receipts, permits and photos.
Walk through the finished work before the final payment. Make a list of anything to fix and agree on dates.
Make sure final inspections are signed off.
Keep warranties and product manuals.

This checklist is general planning information, not legal advice. For contract and payment rules, see the Contractors State License Board.