Avoid costly mistakes and delays—here’s how to find a contractor you can trust in Salt Lake County. Remodeling your home—whether it’s a basement finish, kitchen revamp, or full custom addition—is a big deal. But let’s be honest: picking the wrong contractor can turn your dream project into a total nightmare. So how do you choose the right contractor for your home remodel in Salt Lake County without getting burned? Here’s your complete guide, straight from the experts at Foundation Finishes , where quality, communication, and transparency come first. 1. Start With Referrals and Reviews Before you hit Google, talk to neighbors, friends, or family who’ve recently done remodels. Real-world feedback is gold. 📌 Pro Tip: Look for a contractor with solid Google reviews , especially in your local area like Centerville, UT , or across Salt Lake County . Foundation Finishes has 5-star reviews from homeowners just like you. 2. Check Licensing, Insurance, and Permits Any legit contractor should be fully licensed, bonded, and insured. This protects you , not just them. Ask: Do you have a contractor license in Utah? Do you carry liability and workers’ comp insurance? Will you pull the necessary permits for this project? 🛑 If they hesitate? Move on. 3. Look at Past Work Reputable contractors should have a gallery of completed projects (like this one) that reflect the kind of style and quality you’re looking for. Bonus points if they’ve handled: Basement finishing Custom home builds Home additions That shows they can scale to your specific project needs. 4. Ask the Right Questions Don’t just talk price. Dig deeper: “How do you handle unexpected changes or delays?” “Who will be on-site managing the day-to-day?” “Can you provide a timeline from start to finish?” “How do you communicate during the project?” ✅ Clear answers = clear expectations = fewer surprises later. 5. Don’t Automatically Go With the Lowest Bid A lowball offer might look good upfront—but it often means cutting corners, rushing work, or using cheaper materials. A trustworthy contractor will: Give you a detailed scope of work Outline labor, materials, timelines, and payment milestones Be transparent about what’s not included 💬 At Foundation Finishes, we break everything down so clients know exactly what they’re paying for—and why. 6. Look for Clean Communication You’ll be working with this contractor for weeks or even months. If they ghost you on emails or dodge your calls now, imagine what happens halfway through your project. 📞 With Foundation Finishes, communication is baked into the process. From day one, we prioritize response times, weekly check-ins, and proactive updates. 7. Check Specialization Not all remodelers are created equal. If you’re doing a basement finish , you want someone who: Knows code requirements for egress, moisture barriers, and framing Has experience working in Salt Lake’s climate and soil Can handle structural, electrical, and plumbing coordination Foundation Finishes is built specifically for residential remodels in Utah—with a specialty in Salt Lake County basement renovations. 8. Look at Local Knowledge A good contractor understands: Local permitting processes Utah-specific building codes Common material issues for homes in your region This local edge helps avoid costly delays and keeps your project moving fast. 9. Ask About Warranties and Guarantees A great contractor stands behind their work. Foundation Finishes offers peace-of-mind protection on both materials and workmanship , because your home deserves more than just a handshake. 10. Trust Your Gut Last but not least— go with your instinct . If something feels off in the walkthrough, it probably is. You should feel comfortable asking questions, voicing concerns, and making decisions with your contractor.