Before You Remodel: 5 Smart Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask

Unless you custom-built your home from the ground up, chances are you’ve dreamed of making a few changes. A more functional kitchen. A home office that inspires focus. Maybe it’s the addition you’ve been talking about for years.

No matter how Pinterest-worthy your vision may be, successful remodeling requires more than just a collection of design goals—it calls for clarity, planning, and alignment. At Better Builders, we believe the most remarkable renovations start with the right questions.

Here are five things to consider before you take the next step.

1. Love It or List It?

Before picking up a sledgehammer or requesting design renderings, take a step back and ask yourself: Is this truly the home I want to invest in?

The cost of remodeling can be significant, so it’s important to compare it with the alternative—buying another home. If you’re planning to move in the next few years, you may want to keep changes to a minimum. But if you’re already living in your “forever” home, or the location is exactly where you want to be, a well-planned renovation can be one of the smartest and most satisfying investments you’ll ever make.

One of the first questions we ask new clients is: "Do you love your neighborhood?"

If you already feel rooted in your community, you’re already halfway to making a decision. A great location, supportive neighbors, and a sense of belonging are tough to replicate. That emotional equity is worth preserving.

2. Not Just What—But Why?

It’s easy to list the changes you want to make: knock out a wall, upgrade the primary bath, add square footage. But what’s driving those ideas?

Before you dive into the what, be clear about the why.

• Is your kitchen outdated and hard to work in?

• Are you lacking space for growing kids or pets?

• Do you need a dedicated work-from-home setup?

Your answers will help define your project’s true purpose—and keep you focused if you need to make tough decisions around scope or budget. A beautiful space is the goal, yes. But the real win is a home that supports how you live.

3. Is Everyone in Agreement?

It may sound simple, but this one’s critical: Is everyone in the household on the same page?

Home renovation can significantly impact daily routines, finances, and family dynamics. That’s why alignment matters before you start, not just during construction. If one partner is all-in while the other is hesitant, it can cause tension that no amount of design perfection can fix.

This is where our collaborative process really shines. At Better Builders, we ask questions that help couples and families explore their goals together, making sure every voice is heard, long before walls come down or plans are drawn up.

4. Are You Thinking Long Term?

If you’re remodeling to stay in your home for years to come, your design choices should reflect that. Think beyond today’s needs and consider how your space can serve you in the future.

• Will the layout still work as your family grows or downsizes?

• Are there aging-in-place or universal design features worth integrating now?

• Can rooms serve multiple functions as your lifestyle evolves?

Designing with the future in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it means adding layers of flexibility, comfort, and ease that will serve you for decades.

5. Do You Trust Your Contractor?

The success of your renovation hinges on more than just design—it depends on who you hire to bring that vision to life.

Before choosing a contractor, do your due diligence:

• Verify their license with Washington State Labor & Industries [Better Builders is: BETTEB*895RL]

• Check their Better Business Bureau rating

• Look for membership in the Master Builders Association

• Read reviews and ask for referrals

• Review their project portfolio and communication process

At Better Builders, we believe transparency builds trust. That’s why we’re happy to provide references from past clients and walk you through every step of our design-build process. From feasibility to final walkthrough, we’re here to guide you with honesty, expertise, and care.

Your Next Step: A Smarter Way to Start

Planning a renovation doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Our free resource,  The Homeowner’s Guide to Planning a Remarkable Renovation, guides you through every step—from early planning to final walkthrough—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. [Download the free guide now and start building the home you’ve always wanted.]