How to Hire a Utah Remodeler (Without Getting Burned)
15 years of Utah remodels has taught us exactly what separates the calm projects from the disasters. Six things to check — and one question that filters everything.
You are about to write the second-biggest check of your adult life to a stranger. It should feel calm, not stressful. Here is the vetting checklist we recommend homeowners run on us (and every other Utah remodeler on your shortlist).
The 6 pre-hire checks
- License — verified on Utah DOPL, current, no active suspensions
- Insurance — general liability + workers comp, certificates delivered by the carrier not by the contractor
- Bond — required for any Utah project over $3,000
- Written estimate — line-items on materials, labor, permits, and timeline. Not a napkin sketch.
- References — 3+ completed projects in the past 12 months you can call or visit
- Google reviews — 20+ reviews with an authentic distribution (not all 5-star from the same week)
The one question that filters everyone
"Can I have the name and cell phone of the person who will be on-site running the project?" A great remodeler answers instantly. A bad one deflects, hedges, or offers a corporate 1-800 number. Your project manager is your entire experience — everything hinges on that one relationship.
What to look for in the contract
A clear scope. A payment schedule tied to milestones (not calendar dates). Change-order process in writing. Warranty terms. Timeline with start and completion dates. Nothing verbal.
Red flags (and one green flag most miss)
Red flags: cash-only pricing, "you don't need a permit," demanding more than 30% upfront, no license number on the estimate, refusing to name subcontractors, uninsured vehicles on the job site.
Green flag most homeowners miss: they push back on you. A great remodeler will tell you when your idea will not work, when your budget is unrealistic, or when your timeline is impossible. A bad one says yes to everything and hides the truth in a change order.
Meet Mike & the ProCareMan teamCommon questions
How do I check if a Utah contractor is licensed?
Search the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) database at dopl.utah.gov. Look for active license status, no active suspensions, and matching business name.
How much should a contractor ask for upfront?
Reasonable deposits are 10-30% depending on project size and material lead time. Anything over 30% upfront (before work starts) is a red flag.
What should a remodeling contract include?
Line-itemed scope, materials list, permit responsibility, payment schedule tied to milestones, change-order process in writing, timeline, and warranty terms.
