Introduction: What Your Remodeling Contractor Really Wants You to Know Before You Renovate Remodeling Contractor
At MGS Contracting Services, we understand that remodeling your home is more than just a construction project, it’s a personal investment in your lifestyle, comfort, and future. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, expanding your living space, or giving your entire home a much-needed facelift, you’re placing your trust in the hands of your remodeling contractor. That’s why we believe in transparency, education, and building strong, lasting partnerships with our clients from day one.
Over the years, we’ve heard the same questions, seen the same missteps, and resolved the same miscommunications, many of which could have been avoided if homeowners simply had the right knowledge at the start. Remodeling is exciting, yes, but it’s also complex. Behind every stunning backsplash or seamless open-concept layout is a detailed process involving permits, skilled tradespeople, budget management, and scheduling logistics. When you and your remodeling contractor are aligned and informed, the journey becomes not only smoother, but far more rewarding.
This blog was written to empower you, the homeowner, with ten insider truths that most professional remodeling contractors wish their clients understood from the beginning. These aren’t industry secrets, they’re practical insights that can protect your investment, streamline the process, and help you make more confident decisions every step of the way.
So before you break out the Pinterest boards and start picking tile samples, take a few moments to hear directly from the pros. We’re lifting the curtain on what it’s really like behind the scenes, and how your remodeling contractor can become your greatest ally, not just your hired hand.
Why Transparency Matters Remodeling Contractor
In a world filled with online reviews, DIY shows, and fast design trends, it’s easy to fall into the trap of unrealistic timelines and Pinterest-perfect expectations. But remodeling is a team sport, and your remodeling contractor plays a vital role in turning vision into reality. The more transparent we are with you, and the more informed you are about how this process really works, the better the outcome will be for everyone involved.
At MGS Contracting Services, we’re not just here to build walls and lay flooring. We’re here to guide, advise, and deliver results that reflect not only your design goals, but also your peace of mind. This article is one more way we deliver on that promise.
What You’ll Learn Remodeling Contractor
In the following sections, we’ll uncover the real-world truths that can help you:
- Avoid common (and costly) missteps,
- Communicate effectively with your contractor,
- Plan smarter from the start,
- And ultimately, get the most value out of your remodel.
Ready to see remodeling from the contractor’s side of the table? Let’s dive in.
CREDIT: PINTEREST
1. Trust the Team You Hired, Let Them Do What They Do Best
When you hire a professional remodeling contractor like MGS Contracting Services, you’re not just hiring a single person or a one-off company, you’re gaining access to an entire ecosystem of vetted professionals, licensed tradespeople, and seasoned subcontractors who know how to work together seamlessly. It’s a system that has been built over years of collaboration, trial and error, and hands-on experience in the field.
Why This Matters to You as a Homeowner Remodeling Contractor
One of the most common sources of conflict and delay in remodeling projects is when clients request to use their own friends or family members, like “my cousin the electrician” or “my brother-in-law the plumber”, in place of the contractor’s established team. While this might seem like a cost-saving or trust-driven decision, it often introduces significant risks and complications into the remodeling process.
Let’s break down why trusting your remodeling contractor’s team matters, not just to the contractor, but more importantly, to the success of your project.
1.1. Proven Relationships = Proven Results Remodeling Contractor
At MGS Contracting Services, we work with a carefully curated list of licensed subcontractors who meet our strict standards for craftsmanship, communication, timeliness, and accountability. These aren’t random names pulled from a phonebook. These are professionals we’ve vetted over years, sometimes even decades, of working side by side in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and full home renovations.
These long-standing relationships mean:
- Better communication: Our team knows how to coordinate with each other smoothly and efficiently.
- Fewer mistakes: Familiarity with each other’s processes helps eliminate costly errors and rework.
- Stronger accountability: Our subcontractors know that their reputation with MGS, and future work, is on the line.
When you disrupt that chemistry by inserting an outsider, you introduce new unknowns, potential friction, and the risk of quality loss.
1.2. Inserting Your Own Tradespeople Can Compromise Quality and Liability
While it may feel convenient or even comforting to include a friend or relative in your remodel, here’s what you need to consider:
- No established quality track record: Your remodeling contractor may have never worked with this person before. That means no knowledge of how they handle problems, manage time, or maintain safety standards.
- No chain of command: If your cousin botches the plumbing and it causes a flood, who is responsible? The contractor? You? It becomes a legal and logistical gray area, and one that often lands poorly for the homeowner.
- Insurance gaps and liability risks: Most remodeling contractors carry insurance that covers their team and vetted subs. Outside tradespeople may not be covered under this umbrella, exposing your project, and your finances, to risk.
- Scheduling conflicts: Contractor-run projects follow carefully timed sequences. When an outside sub misses a deadline, it can delay every other step that follows.
In short: bringing in your own tradespeople often seems like a shortcut, but ends up being a detour filled with roadblocks.
1.3. The Power of a Contractor-Led Team: Cohesion, Control, and Confidence
A remodeling contractor’s true value lies not just in swinging a hammer, but in coordinating all moving parts of a project with precision and leadership. Think of your contractor as a general commanding an army. Every crew member knows their role, when to show up, how to communicate with other teams, and how to solve problems quickly and professionally.
With a contractor-managed team, you benefit from:
- Centralized communication: You don’t have to coordinate with five different trades. Your contractor does that for you.
- Quality control at every stage: From demo to drywall, your contractor inspects the work and ensures it meets expectations.
- Streamlined project management: When one team is responsible for the entire process, timelines are tighter and surprises are fewer.
You’re not just paying for labor, you’re paying for leadership, accountability, and peace of mind.
1.4. Trust Isn’t Just Earned, It’s Embedded Into the System Remodeling Contractor
When you chose MGS Contracting Services as your remodeling contractor, you did so because of our reputation for excellence, integrity, and professionalism. That same standard extends to the people we bring into your home.
We don’t just trust anyone with your project. And you shouldn’t either.
Bottom Line: You Hired Us for a Reason, Let’s Deliver on That Trust Remodeling Contractor
Remodeling contractors like MGS don’t just swing hammers, we manage expectations, timelines, personnel, safety, and quality control from start to finish. We’ve built our system around what works, and our network of trusted subcontractors is a key part of that success.
So while it might seem tempting to bring in your own people, know that you’ll get better results, fewer delays, and a more professional experience by trusting the team we’ve handpicked for your project.
Trust your contractor’s ecosystem, it’s built on reliability, expertise, and a proven track record. Let the team you hired do what they do best, so you can enjoy the remodel you deserve.
2. Not Everything Old Can, or Should, Be Reused Remodeling Contractor
We understand the emotional connection homeowners often have with older design elements in their homes. Maybe it’s the 1950s knotty pine cabinets passed down from your grandmother, the clawfoot tub you’ve always dreamed of refinishing, or the original wood flooring that’s seen generations of family milestones. At MGS Contracting Services, we love preserving character and honoring your home’s story, but as experienced remodeling contractors, we also have to balance sentimentality with reality: not everything old can, or should, be reused.
When planning your remodel, one of the earliest and most important conversations we’ll have is about what stays, what goes, and what’s worth saving. And while keeping a few vintage elements might feel like a way to cut costs or preserve charm, the truth is that reusing old materials often involves more risk, more expense, and more frustration than most homeowners expect.
2.1. Sentimental Value vs. Safety, Structural Integrity & Code Compliance
Yes, that antique glass window might look beautiful, but will it meet today’s building codes for insulation or energy efficiency? Will it survive removal and reinstallation? Is the lead paint a health hazard? These are just a few of the many questions a professional remodeling contractor must consider when determining whether a vintage element is viable in a modern remodel.
Some materials that may pose issues include:
- Old electrical fixtures that don’t meet modern fire safety standards
- Reclaimed wood that harbors rot, pests, or moisture damage
- Cabinetry that splinters or collapses when removed from walls
- Single-pane windows that leak air and fail modern energy audits
- Plumbing features that use outdated materials like lead or galvanized steel
Beyond aesthetics, your contractor must consider things like:
- Does the piece compromise the structural soundness of the remodel?
- Will it pass inspection during the permitting process?
- Is it compatible with the new materials being installed?
- Is it safe for your family in the long term?
In short, just because something has lasted decades in place doesn’t mean it will survive relocation, or that it belongs in your new space.
2.2. The Hidden Costs of Reusing Old Materials Remodeling Contractor
Many homeowners assume that salvaging old materials will save money. Ironically, it often does the opposite.
Here’s why:
- Extra labor is required to carefully remove, transport, and reinstall delicate or outdated items without damage.
- Modifications may be needed to make the item fit within new dimensions or design layouts.
- Additional subcontractors may be required to restore, reinforce, or bring items up to code (like refinishing, rewiring, or resealing).
- Extended timelines can occur if an item breaks during the remodel and must be replaced last-minute.
Let’s use kitchen cabinets as an example. Removing and reinstalling 1950s cabinetry isn’t just a matter of unscrewing and remounting them. The cabinet boxes might be nailed directly into the wall studs. Once detached, they may split or warp, making them unusable. In contrast, installing new, modern cabinets, often designed to exact specifications, can be faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective in the long run.
From a remodeling contractor’s perspective, our goal is always to deliver a durable, code-compliant, and visually seamless renovation. If that means investing more time and money into salvaging an old item than replacing it with something better suited for today’s use, we’ll always tell you the truth upfront.
2.3. MGS’s Balanced Approach: Preservation With Purpose Remodeling Contractor
At MGS Contracting Services, we never dismiss your desire to preserve meaningful details. Instead, we guide you through an honest evaluation process to determine what’s practical, safe, and worth the investment.
Here’s how we help you make smart reuse decisions:
- On-site assessment: We examine the condition and install method of the item before deciding if it can be saved.
- Cost-benefit breakdown: We provide transparent estimates comparing restoration vs. replacement.
- Creative alternatives: Sometimes, we suggest repurposing old materials in smaller ways, like turning a cabinet door into a display shelf or transforming reclaimed wood into a custom feature wall.
- Building code expertise: We ensure that anything reused won’t cause issues during permitting or inspection.
If it can be salvaged safely and economically, we’ll absolutely help you do it. If not, we’ll help you find beautiful, high-quality materials that honor your design vision, without compromising your project’s integrity.
Love the charm of the old, but want the strength of the new? Ask MGS Contracting Services about smart, safe, and cost-effective reuse strategies that preserve your home’s story, while building for the future.
3. Our Loyalty is Built Over Years, Respect Our Relationships
As a homeowner investing in a remodel, you’re trusting your remodeling contractor to manage not just materials and timelines, but people. Behind every successful renovation is a small army of skilled professionals working behind the scenes: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, tile setters, drywall installers, painters, and more. At MGS Contracting Services, we don’t just hire these people at random. We work with a core team of tradespeople we’ve vetted, trained alongside, and trusted through dozens, sometimes hundreds, of projects.
Those relationships aren’t just convenient. They’re essential.
3.1. Years of Collaboration = Faster, Cleaner, More Efficient Projects Remodeling Contractor
When tradespeople know each other, and more importantly, when they know your remodeling contractor’s expectations, everything runs smoother.
Think of a project like an orchestra. Each subcontractor plays a different instrument, but the contractor is the conductor. When we work with professionals we’ve partnered with before, everyone’s already reading the same sheet music. Communication is fluid, scheduling is tight, and potential conflicts are solved before they become costly.
At MGS Contracting Services, many of the people we work with aren’t just subcontractors. They’re trusted colleagues we’ve built years of rapport with. We know their craftsmanship, their timelines, their problem-solving style, and even how they respond under pressure. This deep familiarity leads to:
- Stronger teamwork
- Fewer delays
- More predictable outcomes
- Consistently higher quality work
That kind of synergy can’t be replicated overnight, and it’s one of the biggest benefits of hiring an experienced remodeling contractor.
3.2. Our People Are Vetted, For Skill, Professionalism, and Integrity
Not all subcontractors are created equal. In fact, finding reliable, communicative, code-compliant tradespeople is one of the hardest parts of running a remodeling business. That’s why we take our selection process seriously.
When we bring someone onto a job site, it’s because:
- They’ve demonstrated expert-level skills in their trade.
- They’ve shown consistent professionalism, from how they treat your home to how they handle unexpected issues.
- They carry the proper licenses and insurance, ensuring your legal and financial protection.
- They understand and respect our standards for quality, safety, and communication.
If they don’t meet those standards, they don’t stay on our list, plain and simple.
This commitment to a trusted team isn’t about favoritism. It’s about protecting your project, and your peace of mind. You don’t have to micromanage or second-guess anyone on your property. That’s our job. And we only trust people who’ve proven they deserve that trust.
3.3. You Deserve Respect, And So Does Our Team
At MGS, we value and respect every homeowner we work with. You’re not just a client, you’re a key part of the project’s success. Your vision, your feedback, and your satisfaction all matter deeply to us.
But just as we treat you with professionalism, we ask that same respect be extended to our trades. We’ve seen projects where a homeowner unfairly criticizes a subcontractor based on a misunderstanding or personal bias. While we always welcome questions or concerns, it’s important to remember that we’ve chosen these people because we know they do great work.
It’s also important to understand the bigger picture. As a remodeling contractor, we may only work with you for a few months, but we’ve worked with our teams for years. We’ve seen how they handle tough deadlines, bad weather, client changes, and on-the-spot problem-solving. That long-term loyalty is earned, not given lightly, and we stand by it because it serves the greater good of every project.
That doesn’t mean we’re blind to mistakes. If a trade partner underperforms, disrespects you, or compromises quality, we’ll handle it immediately. But we ask that issues be brought forward professionally, and early, so we can resolve them quickly, fairly, and without disrupting the flow of your remodel.
Have a concern about someone on the crew? Don’t hesitate to speak up. At MGS Contracting Services, we believe in open dialogue and mutual respect. Tell us early, and we’ll find a solution that keeps your project on track, without compromising the integrity of our trusted team.
4. We Don’t Love Change Orders, They’re a Last Resort, Not a Strategy
At MGS Contracting Services, we take pride in setting clear expectations and building transparency into every remodeling project we manage. One of the most misunderstood aspects of working with a remodeling contractor is the change order, a term that can strike fear into homeowners who equate it with surprise costs, delays, or even shady business tactics. Let’s be clear: change orders are not a hidden pricing strategy. They are a professional safeguard for both the homeowner and the contractor.
While the idea of a mid-project change might seem like a red flag, it’s actually a common and often necessary part of complex remodeling work. But we also believe that the best remodeling contractors don’t rely on change orders as a crutch, they rely on solid planning, honest communication, and thorough scope-of-work documentation to minimize the need for them in the first place.
4.1. Our Commitment: Clear, Comprehensive Planning From Day One
Before we ever lift a hammer or order materials, we work with you to develop a detailed scope-of-work agreement, a foundational document that outlines everything from layout changes and material selections to fixture installation, demolition areas, electrical upgrades, and finish specifications.
Why is this important?
Because the more we define up front:
- The less room there is for confusion once the work begins.
- The easier it is to keep the budget aligned with your expectations.
- The smoother the workflow becomes for everyone on the job site.
As a reputable remodeling contractor, we put in the time during the pre-construction phase to anticipate potential issues, get accurate material quotes, consult with our subcontractors, and walk through your space thoroughly, so we can build with clarity and confidence.
4.2. Why Change Orders Happen (And Why They’re Not Always Bad)
Even with the most meticulous planning, remodeling is not always predictable. Once we open up walls, remove flooring, or dig into existing structures, we sometimes find unforeseen conditions that weren’t visible during the walkthrough or blueprints. These may include:
- Water damage or mold hidden behind drywall
- Electrical or plumbing systems that aren’t up to code
- Structural problems, like undersized joists or deteriorating framing
- Foundation shifts, cracked slabs, or improper support beneath flooring
When these issues come to light, change orders are the ethical and professional way to handle them.
They’re not a trap, they’re a mutual agreement that outlines:
- What the new issue is
- Why it matters (code, safety, functionality)
- What the added cost and time impact will be
- What options you have moving forward
This protects you from surprise invoices and protects us from being forced to work outside the terms of the original contract, something that could compromise both quality and legal responsibility.
4.3. We Don’t Profit Off Confusion, We Prevent It
Unfortunately, in the remodeling world, not every contractor operates with transparency. Some underbid projects intentionally, knowing they can later tack on additional costs using vague contracts and excessive change orders. That’s not how we operate at MGS.
We believe that the most successful projects come from trust, transparency, and teamwork. Change orders, when necessary, are presented with full documentation, supporting evidence, and client approval before any extra work is performed. There are no surprises, only solutions.
In fact, we do everything possible to avoid change orders unless absolutely necessary. That’s why we:
- Conduct thorough pre-project inspections
- Involve key subcontractors in early walkthroughs
- Maintain a contingency allowance in complex remodels
- Encourage detailed client input during the planning stage
You deserve a contractor who builds with foresight, not one who profits off ambiguity.
Let’s plan thoroughly upfront, because our goal is always clarity, control, and respect for your investment. When you work with MGS Contracting Services, you can count on your remodeling contractor to communicate early, budget honestly, and use change orders only when absolutely necessary, never as a pricing tactic.
5. We’ll Handle Permits, But We Can’t Bend the Rules
One of the greatest advantages of hiring a licensed and experienced remodeling contractor like MGS Contracting Services is that we take the heavy lifting of permits, inspections, and building code compliance off your shoulders. Most homeowners find the permitting process confusing, time-consuming, and filled with technical jargon. That’s where we step in, with years of experience navigating city departments, zoning ordinances, and building regulations so your remodel stays on track, legal, and safe.
That said, it’s important to understand the boundaries of our role. While we do advocate on your behalf and streamline the permit process, we cannot, and will not, bend or break the rules. And we want you to know why that’s not only in our best interest, but in yours, too.
5.1. We Know the System, And How to Work Within It
Over the years, MGS Contracting Services has built strong, professional relationships with local permit offices, inspectors, and city planners. We know who to talk to, how to submit plans efficiently, and what red flags to avoid so your project isn’t delayed by unnecessary back-and-forth.
Why does that matter? Because remodeling isn’t just about pretty finishes, it’s about making permanent changes to a physical structure. Whether it’s moving a wall, rerouting plumbing, adding square footage, or upgrading electrical systems, most major changes need to be reviewed and approved by your municipality to ensure:
- Structural safety
- Fire prevention
- Accessibility
- Environmental efficiency
- Code compliance based on zoning and location
Hiring a remodeling contractor who knows how to handle this process properly saves you time, headaches, and potential legal issues.
5.2. Building Codes Exist to Protect You (Even If They Feel Frustrating)
Homeowners sometimes view building codes as unnecessary obstacles. “Why can’t I put my bathroom window five inches from the neighbor’s property line?” or “Can’t we skip the outlet on the kitchen island to keep it clean?” These might seem like minor preferences, but from a building code standpoint, they’re not optional.
Building codes are not arbitrary. They are designed to protect people, both today and in the future. These regulations are the reason your structure can withstand storms, why your outlets won’t start a fire, and why future buyers (and inspectors) will be confident in the work done to your home.
When a remodeling contractor submits plans for permits, those plans are reviewed against local building codes and zoning ordinances. If something violates code, the city will flag it, and if the contractor proceeds without addressing it, you could face fines, stop-work orders, denied permits, or even lawsuits.
And if you bypass permitting altogether? You could struggle to sell your home later, be forced to undo work, or have insurance claims denied in the event of property damage.
5.3. We Won’t Risk Your Home, or Our License, for a Shortcut
We understand how tempting it can be to ask, “Can you just do it anyway?” Especially when it feels like your vision is clashing with a technicality. But here’s the hard truth: asking your remodeling contractor to ignore code requirements or permit processes not only jeopardizes your home, it jeopardizes our license, our liability coverage, and our long-standing reputation in the community.
At MGS Contracting Services, we work too hard and value our clients too much to cut corners or gamble with your safety. Our team is licensed, insured, and deeply committed to ethical construction practices. That means:
- No unpermitted structural changes
- No DIY electrical hacks
- No guesswork with plumbing lines
- No blind eye to safety risks
Instead, we get creative. We explore every legal, code-compliant option to help you achieve your design goals within the rules.
5.4. Our Job: Bring Your Vision to Life, Safely, Legally, and Smartly
Great remodeling isn’t just about knowing what you can’t do. It’s about knowing what you can do, and doing it beautifully. At MGS, we pride ourselves on finding innovative, compliant solutions that meet your design vision and satisfy inspection standards.
For example:
- Want an open-concept layout but need a support beam? We can integrate a sleek engineered beam and hide it in your ceiling.
- Want a spa-like bathroom with special lighting? We’ll design a layout that meets electrical code and your aesthetics.
- Need more space but face setback restrictions? We’ll explore vertical expansion or reconfiguration instead of pushing your footprint illegally.
As a professional remodeling contractor, we treat codes not as limitations, but as design parameters that shape smart, responsible, and future-proof renovations.Let’s innovate within code, because true craftsmanship happens when creativity meets compliance. When you work with MGS Contracting Services, you get a remodeling contractor who understands the rules, respects the process, and delivers exceptional results without compromising your home’s future.