A step-by-step guide for homeowners navigating kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home renovation — plus the tool that makes comparing contractor quotes free and instant.
Free: upload up to 3 quotes · 1 comparison included · No credit card
Upload your bids and get a full decision dashboard — scores, flags, gaps, and a clear recommendation.
Hiring Progress
Step 4 of 6 — Quotes are being compared now
Contractor Scores
$52,400 · 1 flag
$58,900 · 3 flags
$63,100 · 5 flags
💬 Intelligence Engine Verdict
Apex Builders offers the best value — lowest price with the most complete scope and fewest risk signals. ProHome and City Renovation have scope gaps and high deposits.
Follow these in order and you'll never overpay or get blindsided.
Before contacting anyone, write down what you want done. The more specific you are, the more accurate — and comparable — your quotes will be. Vague scope = wildly varying bids.
One quote gives you nothing to compare. Three gives you a real market rate. Request bids from at least 3 licensed contractors within a 2-week window so conditions are similar.
In Michigan, residential contractors must hold a license from LARA. Ask for their license number and certificate of insurance before any conversation gets serious.
A cheaper quote that excludes permits, demo, or finishing isn't cheaper. You must compare line by line. RenoSpend's Smart Match Engine™ normalizes quotes automatically.
Before you sign, check the contract for red flags: >25% upfront, no warranty, vague scope, no change order process. Our intelligence engine catches all of these in under 60 seconds.
Contractors build margin in for negotiation. Once you have comparable bids, you have leverage. A polite 'can you review the demo and electrical line items?' often saves 5–10%.
Ask before you let them in for a site visit. The answers are revealing.
"Are you licensed and insured in Michigan?"
Why: Required by law — and your first filter.
"Can I see your license number and certificate of insurance?"
Why: Anyone reputable will hand this over instantly.
"Are permits included in this quote?"
Why: Unpermitted work can void your insurance and cause issues at resale.
"What is your payment schedule?"
Why: Must be tied to milestones — never pay more than 25% upfront.
"Who are your subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC?"
Why: You're hiring their team, not just them.
"How do you handle change orders?"
Why: Verbal approvals lead to disputes. You need it in writing.
"What is explicitly excluded from this scope?"
Why: This is how scope surprises happen — know what's out before you sign.
"What warranty do you offer on your labor?"
Why: Minimum 1 year is standard. Less than that is a red flag.
Upload your quotes and our intelligence engine generates all of this analysis automatically.
"We thought we had a great quote until RenoSpend showed us the $71K bid was missing $9K in permits and demo. We went with the $68K contractor who had everything included."
Brian & Carla S.
Birmingham, MI
$12,000
outcome
"The questions list alone was worth it. I asked about subcontractors and found out my 'contractor' was going to wholesale everything out. Passed."
Priya M.
Troy, MI
Avoided disaster
outcome
"I negotiated $4,800 off my kitchen remodel just by asking about two line items that RenoSpend flagged as above-market."
Jason H.
Royal Oak, MI
$4,800
outcome
Upload your bids. Our intelligence engine tells you who's overpriced, what's missing, and who you should hire.
Free: upload up to 3 quotes · 1 comparison included · No credit card