Last Updated: December 2025 | Reading Time: 14 minutes
Finding a trustworthy remodeling contractor can feel overwhelming. Between online reviews that might be fake and quotes that vary by thousands of dollars and neighbors who swear by someone you have never heard of it is easy to get lost in the process. After working with thousands of homeowners across the Dallas-Fort Worth area over the past two decades we have seen what separates a smooth remodeling experience from a nightmare and we want to share that knowledge with you.
This guide walks you through every step of hiring a remodeling contractor from understanding what licenses actually matter in Texas to knowing exactly which questions will reveal whether a contractor is legitimate or just good at sales. Whether you are planning a kitchen remodel or a bathroom refresh or a whole-home transformation these insights will help you make a confident decision.
Understanding Remodeling Costs in 2025
Before you start calling contractors you need a realistic picture of what your project might cost. Nothing derails a remodel faster than sticker shock halfway through the process. Here is what homeowners are actually paying in 2025 according to industry data from HomeGuide and the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Kitchen Remodeling Costs
A standard kitchen remodel runs anywhere from $12,000 for basic updates to $65,000 or more for high-end transformations. Most Dallas homeowners land somewhere in the $25,000 to $45,000 range for a mid-level kitchen renovation that includes new cabinets and countertops and appliances and flooring.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends budgeting between 10% and 25% of your home value for a kitchen remodel. A quick calculation helps set realistic expectations. If your home is worth $400,000 that translates to roughly $40,000 to $100,000 depending on the scope of work. For more details about the kitchen features Dallas homeowners are choosing right now check out our guide to popular Dallas kitchen features.
Bathroom Remodeling Costs
Bathroom renovations typically cost between $6,639 and $17,622 with the national average sitting around $12,121 according to Angi. Master bathroom remodels tend to run higher usually between $18,000 and $50,000 because of the larger footprint and additional fixtures like dual vanities or separate shower and tub areas.
On a per square foot basis expect to pay $70 to $250 depending on your material choices and the complexity of the work. A simple wetspace-only project like swapping out a tub for a new shower might cost as little as $6,000 to $15,000 while a full gut renovation with high-end finishes can easily exceed $30,000. If you are curious about what is trending in bathroom design see our article on bathroom remodeling trends for 2025.
Whole-House Renovation Costs
Full home remodels average $15 to $60 per square foot for standard upgrades. A complete gut renovation where you strip everything back to the studs runs $60 to $150 per square foot. For a 2,000 square foot home that means anywhere from $28,000 for basic updates to $300,000 for a total transformation.
Industry experts recommend adding 15% to 20% above your estimated project cost as a contingency fund. Older homes especially those common throughout Dallas built in the 1950s through 1980s often reveal surprises once walls come down including outdated wiring and plumbing issues and structural concerns that were not visible during the initial assessment. If you need help with budgeting for your first remodel we have a dedicated guide for first-time renovators.
What Makes a Good Remodeling Contractor
Not all contractors are created equal. The difference between a professional remodeling contractor and someone who just owns a hammer can mean thousands of dollars and months of headaches. Here is what to look for.
Experience That Matches Your Project
A contractor who builds custom homes may not have the same expertise as someone who specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Renovation work requires different skills than new construction because you are working within existing structures and dealing with the unexpected. Ask specifically about projects similar to yours not just their total years in business.
The best remodeling contractors can show you a portfolio of completed work that matches what you are planning. They should be able to discuss the challenges they faced on those projects and how they solved them. This tells you more than any sales pitch ever could. We covered this topic in depth in our article about professional contractors vs DIY in Dallas.
Proper Insurance Coverage
Every legitimate remodeling contractor should carry both general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage. Liability insurance protects your property if something goes wrong during construction. Workers compensation protects you from being financially responsible if a worker gets injured on your property.
Do not just take their word for it. Ask for a certificate of insurance with your name on it as the certificate holder. Then call the insurance company directly to verify the policy is active. This takes five minutes and could save you from a six-figure lawsuit if something goes wrong.
Clear Communication Style
Pay attention to how contractors communicate during the estimate process because this is how they will communicate throughout your entire project. Do they return calls promptly? Do they answer questions directly or give vague responses? Do they listen to what you actually want or push their own agenda?
The best contractors establish clear communication expectations from day one. They will tell you who your day-to-day contact will be and how to reach them and when you can expect updates on progress. If a contractor cannot articulate this clearly before the project starts imagine how hard it will be once demolition begins.
Texas Contractor Licensing: What You Need to Know
Here is something that surprises many homeowners. Texas does not require a statewide license for general contractors. Unlike states such as California or Florida where contractors must pass extensive exams and maintain specific credentials Texas leaves most licensing requirements up to individual cities and counties according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Dallas Contractor Requirements
Dallas requires general contractors to register with the city through the Building Inspection Department. The city has specific registration categories including residential general contracting and commercial general contracting and specialty work like roofing and fencing and foundation repair. Starting in May 2025 Dallas transitioned to a new system called DallasNow which handles permit applications and inspection scheduling and registration renewals. For more about permits in the Dallas area see our guide to Dallas home renovation permits.
Other DFW Cities
Requirements vary throughout the metroplex. Plano and Frisco and Allen and Richardson each have their own rules. Some cities require registration while others focus primarily on permits for individual projects. Always check with your specific city building department before hiring a contractor to understand what credentials they should hold for your area.
Specialty Trades Still Require State Licenses
While general contractors may not need state licensing the specialized trades absolutely do. Electricians must be licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Plumbers are licensed through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. HVAC technicians have their own requirements as well.
This matters because a legitimate remodeling contractor will either employ licensed tradespeople directly or hire properly licensed subcontractors. If someone offers to do electrical or plumbing work without the appropriate credentials run the other way. The risks including failed inspections and code violations and genuine safety hazards are simply not worth it.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Walking into contractor interviews prepared makes all the difference. These questions help you separate experienced professionals from operators who will cause problems down the road. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recommends interviewing at least three contractors before making a decision.
About Their Business
Start with the basics. How long have you been in business under this company name? This question matters because some contractors rebrand when they accumulate too many negative reviews or legal problems. A company that has operated under the same name for 10 or 15 or 20 years shows stability and accountability.
Ask about their current workload. How many projects are you managing right now? A contractor who is juggling too many jobs at once may not give your project the attention it deserves. On the other hand a contractor with no other work might indicate a problem you do not want to discover the hard way.
About Your Project Specifically
Can you show me similar projects you have completed? A kitchen remodel is different from a bathroom renovation which is different from an addition. You want someone who has handled your type of project multiple times not someone learning on your dime.
What challenges do you anticipate with my project? An experienced contractor will identify potential issues during the initial walkthrough. They might notice signs of water damage behind walls or point out that your electrical panel probably needs upgrading to handle new appliances. If a contractor says your project will be simple and straightforward they either have not looked closely enough or they are telling you what you want to hear. We cover common pitfalls in our article about remodeling mistakes to avoid.
About the Process
Who will be my day-to-day contact and how do I reach them? Some companies have dedicated project managers while others have the owner on site every day. Neither approach is inherently better but you need to know who to call when questions come up.
Will you pull the permits or do you expect me to? This is crucial. Whoever pulls the permit is responsible for the work meeting code. A contractor who asks you to pull permits yourself is trying to avoid accountability. Professional remodeling contractors handle permitting as part of their service.
How do you handle change orders and unexpected issues? Surprises happen on almost every remodel especially in older homes. A good contractor has a clear process for documenting changes and getting your approval before proceeding with additional work.
About Timeline and Payment
What is your estimated timeline and what could cause delays? No contractor can predict the future but experienced ones know common delay factors for your type of project. They should give you a realistic range rather than an optimistic promise they cannot keep.
What is your payment schedule? Professional contractors typically request a deposit of 10% to 30% upfront with progress payments tied to project milestones. Be extremely cautious of anyone asking for 50% or more before work begins. That much money upfront gives them little incentive to show up on time or finish the job properly.
Red Flags That Should Stop You Cold
Experience has taught us to recognize warning signs that predict problems. If you encounter any of these during your search keep looking.
Pressure Tactics
Any contractor pushing you to sign immediately or offering a discount that expires today is using sales pressure not professional service. Legitimate remodeling contractors understand you need time to compare options and make an informed decision. They will follow up but they will not manipulate.
Cash-Only Requests
A contractor who insists on cash payments especially large amounts is a major red flag. Cash deals leave no paper trail which can indicate tax evasion or an intention to disappear if problems arise. Reputable contractors accept checks and credit cards and provide detailed invoices.
No Written Contract
Never proceed without a detailed written contract. This document should specify the scope of work and materials to be used and timeline and payment schedule and warranty terms. Verbal agreements are worthless when disputes arise. If a contractor resists putting things in writing they are planning to cut corners or add charges later.
Unwilling to Provide References
Any contractor worth hiring has satisfied clients who will vouch for their work. If someone cannot provide at least three to five references for projects similar to yours that tells you everything you need to know. They either have not completed enough work to build a reference list or their past clients are not willing to recommend them.
The Lowest Bid by Far
When one bid comes in dramatically lower than others be very cautious. This often means the contractor is either cutting corners on materials or labor or they do not fully understand the scope of work. That low bid will not look so attractive when you are dealing with change orders and substandard work and a project that drags on months longer than promised.
How to Check References and Reviews
References and reviews provide insight into how a contractor actually performs not just how well they sell. Here is how to use them effectively.
Actually Call the References
Most homeowners skip this step which is a mistake. When you call past clients ask specific questions. Was the project completed on time and on budget? How did the contractor handle unexpected issues? Would you hire them again? Were there any problems and if so how were they resolved?
Pay attention to hesitation or qualified praise. Answers like well the work turned out fine eventually or they were okay once we sorted out some issues early on deserve follow-up questions. You want references who are genuinely enthusiastic not just willing to say something nice.
Read Reviews Carefully
Online reviews can be helpful but read them critically. Look for specific details about the project rather than generic praise. Reviews that mention the same crew members by name or describe specific challenges that were overcome tend to be genuine. Reviews that read like marketing copy probably are.
Also look at how the contractor responds to negative reviews. Every business gets an unhappy customer occasionally. What matters is how they handle it. Professional contractors address complaints directly and try to make things right. Defensive or dismissive responses suggest you will face the same attitude if problems arise on your project.
Check for Complaints
The Better Business Bureau tracks complaints against businesses. So does your state attorney general office. In Texas you can also check with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for complaints against licensed trades like electricians and plumbers who may work on your project.
The Contract: What Must Be Included
A solid contract protects both you and the contractor. Before signing make sure these elements are clearly documented.
Detailed Scope of Work
The contract should describe exactly what work will be performed. Vague language like kitchen remodel as discussed is not sufficient. You need specifics. Remove existing cabinets and countertops. Install 24 linear feet of maple shaker-style cabinets with soft-close hardware. Install quartz countertops in Arctic White with undermount stainless sink. The more detail the better.
Materials Specifications
Which specific materials will be used? Contracts should include brand names and model numbers and colors where applicable. If the contract just says tile flooring without specifying what tile you might end up with the cheapest option available rather than what you discussed during the estimate. For ideas on material choices check our guide to sustainable kitchen materials.
Payment Schedule
When are payments due and what triggers each payment? A typical structure might be 20% at contract signing and 30% when materials arrive and 30% at project midpoint and 20% upon completion. Never pay the final amount until all work is done to your satisfaction including punch list items and all required inspections have passed.
Timeline With Milestones
The contract should include start and completion dates along with key milestones. What happens if the contractor misses these dates? Some contracts include penalty clauses for delays caused by the contractor though these are negotiable. At minimum you want clear expectations documented.
Change Order Process
How will changes to the original scope be handled? This is where many homeowners get burned. The contract should require written change orders signed by both parties before any additional work is performed. No verbal agreements and no assumptions.
Warranty Information
What warranty does the contractor provide on their workmanship? This is separate from manufacturer warranties on materials and appliances. Reputable contractors typically offer at least a one-year warranty on labor with some offering two years or more for major work.
Consider These Project Enhancements
While you are planning your remodel consider some additional upgrades that can add significant value and functionality to your home.
Smart Home Integration
Adding smart home technology during a remodel is often easier and more cost-effective than retrofitting later. Think about smart thermostats and lighting controls and security systems and automated blinds. For a complete overview see our article on smart home upgrades for your Dallas remodel.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Remodeling provides an excellent opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Updated insulation and energy-efficient windows and modern HVAC systems can reduce utility bills for years to come while also qualifying for various rebates and tax credits. Learn more in our guide to energy efficient home upgrades.
Garage Conversions
If you need more living space but cannot expand your footprint converting a garage can be a smart solution. This option works particularly well for home offices and guest suites and rental units. Our garage conversion guide covers everything you need to know about this type of project.
Working Successfully With Your Contractor
Once you have hired the right contractor your job is not over. How you interact throughout the project affects both the outcome and your experience.
Make Decisions Early
Nothing slows down a remodel like waiting on the homeowner to choose tile or confirm cabinet colors or select lighting fixtures. Work with your contractor to understand what decisions need to be made by when. Then stick to those deadlines. Last-minute changes are expensive and disruptive.
Communicate Concerns Promptly
If something does not look right say something immediately. It is much easier to fix issues during construction than after the fact. Good contractors appreciate clients who are engaged and communicate clearly rather than storing up grievances for a big blowup later.
Document Everything
Take photos throughout the project. Save all emails and text messages. Keep copies of every invoice and receipt. This documentation protects you if disputes arise and helps you remember details when the project is just a memory.
Prepare for Disruption
Remodeling is inherently disruptive. There will be dust and noise and workers coming and going. Make arrangements for pets and valuables. Set up a temporary kitchen if your main one is being renovated. Mentally prepare for the inconvenience. Homeowners who accept that reality upfront handle the process much better than those who expect business as usual.
Upcoming Home Improvement Events in DFW
One of the best ways to find reputable contractors and gather ideas for your remodel is to attend a local home show. These events bring together dozens or even hundreds of vendors under one roof giving you the opportunity to compare services and ask questions face-to-face. Here are the upcoming events worth marking on your calendar.
Dallas Home Show – January 17-18 2026
The Dallas Home Show returns to Fair Park Centennial Hall (3929 Grand Avenue Dallas TX 75210) with exhibitors covering everything from kitchen and bath remodeling to landscaping and smart home technology. Hours are Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm. Free passes are available online or admission is $10 at the door. This is an excellent opportunity to meet multiple contractors in person and compare their approaches before scheduling in-home estimates.
Ellis County Home and Garden Show – January 24-25 2026
Homeowners in the southern Dallas area should check out the Ellis County Home and Garden Show at the Waxahachie Civic Center. This smaller regional event often features local contractors who work specifically in the Ellis County and southern Dallas County areas. Check Show Technology for details and schedule.
Fort Worth Home and Garden Show – February 20-22 2026
The 5th Anniversary Fort Worth Home and Garden Show at Will Rogers Memorial Center offers three full days of exhibits and seminars. This event is particularly strong for outdoor living projects including landscaping and outdoor kitchens and pools and patios. If you are considering exterior improvements along with your interior remodel this show is worth the trip to Fort Worth.
Collin County Home and Garden Show – February 27 to March 1 2026
For homeowners in Allen and Plano and Frisco and the surrounding area the 17th Annual Collin County Home and Garden Show at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen (formerly the Allen Event Center) is a convenient option. This show typically draws contractors who specialize in the Collin County market which can be helpful if you want someone familiar with your specific community.
Tips for Getting the Most from Home Shows
Arrive with a plan. Know what type of project you are considering and prepare questions in advance. Bring photos of your current space if possible. Collect business cards and take notes because after talking to ten different contractors they will start to blur together. Ask about their portfolio and timeline and whether they offer free estimates. Do not feel pressured to sign anything at the show. Reputable contractors will be happy to schedule a follow-up consultation at your home.
Making Your Final Decision
After gathering estimates and checking references and reviewing contracts trust your instincts. The right remodeling contractor feels right. You should feel confident in their expertise and comfortable with their communication style and clear about what you are getting for your investment.
Do not let price be your only guide. The lowest bid rarely represents the best value. Consider the complete package including experience and communication and reliability and warranty terms. A slightly higher investment upfront often saves money and frustration in the long run.
Your home is likely your largest financial asset and certainly one of your most personal spaces. Entrusting someone to transform it requires careful consideration. Take your time. Ask hard questions. Verify everything. The effort you invest in choosing the right remodeling contractor pays dividends throughout your project and for years afterward when you are enjoying your beautifully renovated home.
Ready to Start Your Remodeling Project?
If you are considering a remodel in the Dallas-Fort Worth area we would be honored to discuss your project. With over two decades of experience transforming homes throughout the metroplex we bring the expertise and communication and accountability that this guide describes. We serve homeowners throughout Dallas and Plano and Frisco and Irving and Garland and Carrollton and Lewisville and the surrounding communities. Contact us for a free consultation and see why our clients keep coming back and referring their friends and family.
Additional Resources
External Resources for Homeowners:
• National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) – Find certified remodelers and consumer resources
• Better Business Bureau – Check contractor ratings and complaints
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation – Verify trade licenses
• National Kitchen and Bath Association – Kitchen and bath industry standards and certified professionals
• City of Austin Contractor Registration – Example of local registration requirements
About the Author
This guide was written by the team at Icon Remodeling Dallas drawing on more than 20 years of hands-on experience in residential remodeling across Dallas-Fort Worth. We have completed hundreds of kitchen and bathroom and whole-home renovations and have learned what works and what does not work through real-world project experience. Our goal is to help homeowners make informed decisions whether they hire us or not. Read more about our company or see what our clients say.
