How to find, evaluate, and hire the right remodeling contractor — questions to ask, red flags, and what to look for in estimates and contracts.
Last updated: May 2026 · Alex Smearman, Fedor Fabrication Quick Answer A fixed-price (or lump-sum) remodeling contract means the total is written down before construction begins. No hourly rates, no open-ended allowances, no surprise charges. The price changes only via a documented scope change — a change order. The Landscape The Three Contract Types You’ll … Read more
Last updated: May 2026 · Alex Smearman, Fedor Fabrication Key Takeaways Pennsylvania registers home improvement contractors; it doesn’t license them. Anyone doing more than $5,000 of home improvement per year must hold a PA HIC registration. Verify at the PA Attorney General’s HIC search. Fedor: PA HIC #PA202519. HICPA caps deposits at one-third of the … Read more
Last updated: May 2026 · Alex Smearman, Fedor Fabrication Key Takeaways Walk your space for a few days and note what frustrates you — flow, storage, lighting, counter space. Bring 10–15 organized inspiration images, MoSCoW-sorted priorities (Must / Should / Could / Won’t this round), and a budget range. Knowing your priorities before the meeting … Read more
Last updated: May 2026 · Alex Smearman, Fedor Fabrication The gap between two remodeling quotes is almost never profit margin — it’s scope. The lower bid leaves things out. The higher fixed-price quote puts them in the number. At the kitchen table with two or three very different quotes, the question is: am I being … Read more
Last updated: May 2026 · Alex Smearman, Fedor Fabrication Compare remodeling estimates by what each one includes — scope, allowances, design, project management — not by the bottom-line total. The lowest number is almost always the least complete. If three quotes for the same kitchen in Chester County, Delaware County, or the Main Line are … Read more
Last updated: May 2026 · Alex Smearman, Fedor Fabrication Quick Answer A remodeling contract should put eight things in writing: a fixed total price, a defined scope of work, a deposit and milestone payment schedule, a written change-order process, who pulls the permits and carries the license (with HIC number), how hidden conditions are handled, … Read more
Last updated: May 2026 · Alex Smearman, Fedor Fabrication More than 95% of our Chester County, Delaware County, and Main Line clients stay in the house the entire project. You cook from a temporary kitchen we help set up, live around a contained work zone for a few weeks, and accept some real disruption. Staying … Read more
Last updated: May 2026 · Alex Smearman, Fedor Fabrication Key Takeaways A complete estimate itemizes 12 categories: demolition, cabinetry, countertops, tile/flooring, plumbing (rough-in + finish), electrical (rough-in + finish), drywall/paint, fixtures, appliances, permits, design, PM, and a payment schedule. Two bids for the same kitchen rarely differ by $15,000+ because one contractor is cheaper — … Read more
Last updated: May 2026 · Alex Smearman, Fedor Fabrication Key Takeaways A Fedor consultation is free, no-obligation, conducted by Alex Smearman, and lasts 45–90 minutes. No one signs a contract or leaves a deposit at a first meeting. If a contractor pressures you to commit on the spot, walk away. The contractor walks your space … Read more
Last updated: May 2026 · Alex Smearman, Fedor Fabrication Key Takeaways Any PA contractor doing more than $500 in home improvement work must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) — verify at hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov. The most important financial question: “Fixed price or allowances?” Stack four or five allowances and a $45,000 estimate quietly becomes … Read more
