5 Min Read
You have your Pinterest board full of great ideas. You have binged every HGTV home improvement show and YouTube remodeling before and after vidoes. You're ready to start your home renovation. But wait...something...or someone is missing.
"Honey, I forgot to find a contractor."
Regardless of whether you’re planning a full home remodeling project, upgrading a guest bath, or finally going for that dream kitchen remodel, choosing the right pro matters more than any tile sample or cabinet color. You are entrusting a team with your home.
Learn the right questions to ask and how to spot qualified (and unqualified) remodeling contractors in this latest guide from the Encompass Contracting team.
This guide covers the most common questions Athens, GA, homeowners have about finding a contractor who can do the job right.
Use the links below to jump to the sections that interest you:
- How do I know if a remodeling contractor in Athens, GA, is licensed and insured?
- What questions should I ask before hiring a contractor for my remodel?
- What about the average cost to remodel a house in Athens, GA?
- How many estimates should I get before choosing a remodeling contractor?
- What should be included in a remodeling estimate or quote?
- How long does a typical home remodeling project take in Athens, GA?
- Do I need permits for remodeling projects in Athens-Clarke County?
- What’s the difference between a general contractor and a remodeling contractor?
- How can I avoid contractor scams or bad remodeling experiences?
Disclaimer
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax laws can vary based on location, personal financial circumstances, and annual updates from the IRS. Always consult a licensed tax professional or accountant to determine what deductions or credits apply to your specific situation.
How do I know if a remodeling contractor in Athens, GA, is licensed and insured?
This starting point isn’t flashy, but it’s a big deal in your search for a qualified remodeling contractor.
A licensed contractor should be able to provide proof of licensing and insurance without hesitation. Not “I’ll send it later,” not “don’t worry about it.” Just a quick email or document that shows they’re covered.
Look for:
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Liability insurance (protects your home if something gets damaged)
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Workers’ comp (protects you if someone gets hurt on your property)
If you’re working with a remodeling contractor in Athens, GA, they should also be checking that their subcontractors are insured, too. That’s part of running a professional operation.
What questions should I ask before hiring a contractor for my remodel?
The best conversations feel less like an interview and more like, Okay, do we have a game plan?
If you’re wondering about the most important questions to ask a remodeling contractor, start here:
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Who’s managing the job day-to-day?
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How do you communicate during the project (text, email, weekly updates)?
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What projects have you done that look like mine?
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What happens if we hit a surprise behind the walls?
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How do you handle changes once the job is underway?
If they answer clearly and confidently, that’s a good sign. If you get a lot of vague “we’ll see” language, that’s usually your cue to keep looking.
This step is huge when you’re still in the searching phase because you’re not just hiring skills, you’re hiring structure.
What about the average cost to remodel a house in Athens, GA?
If you’re trying to ballpark the average cost to remodel a house in Athens, GA, you’re not alone—everyone wants to know before they fall too far down the remodeling rabbit hole.
Costs depend heavily on:
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Your scope (cosmetic vs. full renovation)
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How old the home is
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The level of finishes you choose
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Whether you’re moving plumbing/electrical
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And what surprises are hiding behind the walls
Kitchens often carry the biggest price tag, bathrooms can swing wildly based on finishes, and whole-home remodels range from “refresh” to “basically a new house.”
A good contractor will walk you through where the money goes without pressuring you into decisions on the spot.
If you want more resources for budgeting for a remodel, check out our Cost Guide.
How many estimates should I get before choosing a remodeling contractor?
Two is okay. Three is usually better.
Not because you want to collect quotes like trading cards, but because it helps you spot the outliers. When one estimate is way lower than the rest, it’s rarely a “great deal.” It’s often missing key scope items or built around assumptions that don’t match your expectations.
This comes up a lot in bathroom remodeling: one contractor includes waterproofing, ventilation updates, and proper prep work… and another simply doesn’t.
If you’re comparing the best remodeling contractors in Athens, GA, make sure each estimate is based on the same scope and quality level. Otherwise, it’s not really a comparison.
What should be included in a remodeling estimate or quote?
A quote should feel like a plan, not a mystery number.
A strong estimate usually spells out:
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What’s being built (and what isn’t)
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Allowances for finishes and fixtures
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Timeline expectations
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Payment schedule
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How changes are handled
Good remodeling contractors don’t just throw out a price; they show you how they arrived at it.
If the estimate is one page with a total at the bottom and not much else, ask for more detail. You’re not being “too picky.” You’re avoiding surprises.
How long does a typical home remodeling project take in Athens, GA?
Every remodel has its own rhythm, but most timelines for home renovations land somewhere in these ranges:
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Small bathroom refresh: 2–4 weeks
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Full bathroom renovation: 4–8+ weeks
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Kitchen remodel: 6–12+ weeks
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Whole-home remodel: several months
What you really want here is honesty, especially upfront.
A solid general contractor will talk you through material lead times, scheduling, and the points where things can slow down (because they can).
If someone promises you a full kitchen in two weeks and a “guaranteed” timeline with no wiggle room… that’s a warning sign, not a perk.
Do I need permits for remodeling projects in Athens-Clarke County?
If the project requires structural changes, then you will definitely need a permit.
You might also need a permit for:
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Plumbing or electrical work
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Major HVAC changes
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Layout changes or additions
The permit regulations differ based on your project, so ask your contractor about any you might need. Experienced local contractors can handle that process for you so you can get back to enjoying your new home come to life.
What’s the difference between a general contractor and a remodeling contractor?
The short version: a lot of overlap, but not always the same focus.
The label matters less than experience. What you want is someone who has done your type of project over and over again and has the systems to manage it.
But typically, a general contractor handles a wide range of projects, such as additions, renovations, or even new construction.
Whereas a remodeling contractor often focuses specifically on renovating existing homes, like:
- Kitchen remodeling
- Bathroom remodeling
- Basement finishing
- Siding installations and repairs
- Whole-home upgrades
How can I avoid contractor scams or bad remodeling experiences?
Most remodeling horror stories start the same way: everything sounded fine… until the project started.
Watch out for red flags like:
- Lack of an established portfolio
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No licensing or insurance documentation
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A suspiciously low bid
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Big deposits before work begins
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No written contract
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Unclear scope or timeline
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Poor communication early on
On the flip side, the “you’re in good hands” signs usually show up quickly:
- They have an established portfolio
- They explain the process without rushing you
- The estimate is clear and organized
- You know who’s responsible for what
- They’re consistent—not reactive
And another important note: don’t skip review research.
Reading contractor reviews can tell you what the quote can’t. Look for patterns in what people say—communication, cleanliness, staying on schedule, handling issues when things shifted.
When you keep seeing the same names recommended, you’re probably looking at an A+ team.
It's your home: go with your gut
A remodel can be fun. It can also be exhausting. Usually, the difference comes down to who’s managing it.
When you know how to choose a remodeling contractor, you can skip the guesswork and focus on what you actually want: a home you love living in.
Look for a remodeling contractor who’s organized, clear, and experienced in the type of renovation you’re doing. Compare your options thoughtfully, read reviews, ask the right questions, and trust the process, not just the price.
And when you find the team that checks the boxes and makes you feel comfortable? That’s when you’re ready to build.
what Encompass Contracting can do for you
Encompass Contracting has proudly served homeowners in Athens, GA, and the surrounding communities with high-quality interior and exterior remodeling for more than 15 years. We believe your home should always feel personal, and that belief guides every project we take on.
From start to finish, our team prioritizes clear communication and a thoughtful, design-build approach, so you always know what’s happening and what to expect. We treat your remodel with the care, attention, and craftsmanship it deserves.
We can’t wait to partner with you to bring your vision to life and create a home that feels even better than you imagined.
Ready to get started?
Connect with our team and take the first step toward building the home you want .
