The outcome of a renovation depends as much on choosing the contractor as on the work itself. The wrong choice means a slipping schedule, an uncertain budget and unfinished work. This checklist sets out the questions to ask and the warning signs to watch for before you decide.
The 12-point checklist
- Do they give a written, itemised quote? Ask for each item priced separately, not a single total.
- Is the scope list clear? What is included and excluded must be in writing (strip-out, debris removal, cleaning?).
- Are materials concretely specified? Brand, model or technical specification instead of “first class”.
- Do they provide a schedule? A stage-based timeline and handover date.
- Do they sign a contract? Scope, duration, payment and change terms in writing.
- Is payment tied to completed work? Payment against progress protects both parties.
- Own crews or subcontractors? A company working with its own crews owns both responsibility and coordination.
- Do they offer references? Completed projects, ideally ones you can see in person.
- Do they carry out a site consultation? A company quoting without seeing the site will change the price later.
- Do they share progress reports? Regular photo updates make remote follow-up possible.
- Are they reachable after handover? Is a commitment to respond on workmanship issues in writing?
- Do they issue invoices? An official document is both a safeguard and evidence in any dispute.
Red flags
- Quoting a firm price over the phone without a site visit
- Asking for most of the total up front
- Avoiding putting scope and materials in writing
- Reluctance to sign a contract
- A “we’ll sort it out as we go” attitude
- Unable to show references or completed work
- Answering every question with generalities like “the best” or “the cheapest”
Questions to ask
- How many people will work on this, and over how many days?
- Who chooses the materials — will you work with materials I select?
- How will it be priced if I change my mind mid-project?
- What happens if an unexpected problem appears (old services, damp)?
- Who do I contact if something goes wrong after handover?
- Are debris removal, cleaning and protection included in the quote?
How to compare quotes
First equalise the scope: ask every company to quote for the same item list and the same material grade. Then compare duration, payment plan and contract terms alongside price. The lowest price is not a decision criterion on its own; a low quote with vague scope grows during the work. For budget planning, see what determines renovation cost.
Why the single-responsibility model matters
In the model where electrician, plumber, drywaller, painter and floor layer are hired separately, coordination falls to the homeowner — creating sequencing errors and unclear responsibility. A model where one team delivers every item under one contract removes that risk. For common pitfalls, see the 10 most common renovation mistakes.
Demgirişim provides an itemised written quote after a free consultation within Istanbul, and carries out renovation and repair with its own crews, a written schedule and photo progress reports.
Frequently asked questions
What documents should I ask a contractor for?
An itemised written quote, a scope list, a work schedule and a contract. For a company, tax registration and the ability to issue invoices; plus reference projects and, ideally, completed work you can visit.
Is an up-front payment normal?
An initial payment for materials and mobilisation is reasonable; being asked for most of the total in advance is risky. Payment tied to completed work is the sound approach.
Why should the lowest quote raise questions?
Low quotes with vague scope and unspecified materials grow with extras during the work. Quotes covering the same scope and material grade can be compared; quotes with unequal scope cannot.
The initial consultation and written quote for Renovation & Repair are free within Istanbul. Scope, duration and cost are confirmed after the consultation.