Free Remodel Risk Assessment: How Safe Is Your Project?

What is the main focus of your remodel? *

What's the scope and scale of your cosmetic updates? *

Single room/small area (e.g., one room flooring/painting, <500sqft) updates (flooring, painting, roof, siding, lighting, etc.)

Multiple rooms/larger area (e.g., whole house flooring/siding, 500-1500sqft)

Full property (e.g., entire roof/exterior, >1500sqft)

Includes millwork changes (e.g., base trim, doors, crown molding — potential gaps/fit issues)

Multi-room flooring risks millwork mismatches like gaps in doors/trim — common in 20% of cosmetic jobs (NAHB 2025 RMI data).

What's the scope and size of your kitchen remodel? *

Minor (e.g., backsplash, refinishing cabinets, flooring only, <10x10 space)

Moderate (e.g., new counters, appliances, partial layout change, 10x10 to 15x15 space)

Full gut or major (e.g., combining rooms, plumbing/electrical moves, 20x20+ space)

Full guts risk material backorders turning 3-month jobs into 6-12 months (Consumer Reports 2025 renovation trends, ~35% delays).

What type, scope, and size of bathroom remodel? *

Half/powder room (minor fixtures/refresh, small <50sqft)

Hall/guest bathroom (moderate — new shower/vanity/tile, 50-100sqft)

Master or large bathroom (full gut, plumbing moves, luxury, >100sqft)

Master or large bathroom (full gut, plumbing moves, luxury, >100sqft).

What type and size of addition are you planning? *

Side/back/front extension (new foundation/roof tie-in, <200sqft)

Larger extension (new foundation/roof, 200-500sqft)

Upward (second story/dormer, any size — roof involved)

Combination (side + upward, >500sqft — major foundation/roof)

Master or large bathroom (full gut, plumbing moves, luxury, >100sqft).

What type and scope of conversion? *

Basement conversions risk moisture/warranty voids if not damp-proofed properly (HUD 2025 contamination policy, ~20% code fails

Basement finish or remodel (damp-proofing, egress, <1000sqft or larger)

Upward (second story/dormer, any size — roof involved)

Porch/enclosed sunroom (screened or fully enclosed, any size)

Basement conversions risk moisture/warranty voids if not damp-proofed properly (HUD 2025 contamination policy, ~20% code fails).

What's the scope of your whole-house or multi-room remodel? *

Cosmetic across multiple rooms (e.g., paint/floors/millwork, no structural)

Moderate with some layout changes (e.g., opening walls, <50% house affected)

Major/full gut (e.g., structural moves, plumbing/electrical, >50% house)

Basement conversions risk moisture/warranty voids if not damp-proofed properly (HUD 2025 contamination policy, ~20% code fails).

Have you received any written estimates yet? *

Yes, detailed line-item estimates (materials, labor, timelines broken out)

Yes, but rough or lump-sum numbers only

No estimates yet

Rough estimates often hide assumptions that escalate into disputes (BBB 2025 Scam Tracker, ~30% communication breakdowns).

How do you plan to verify the estimates and contracts? *

Compare line-items, check materials/pricing, get second opinions

Review basics like total cost and timeline

Trust the contractor's numbers

Haven't thought about verification yet

Rough estimates often hide assumptions that escalate into disputes (BBB 2025 Scam Tracker, ~30% communication breakdowns).

How many contractors have you gotten estimates from? *

3 or more

1–2

None yet

Fewer bids increase risk of unqualified "anyone can do it" types (BBB 2025, ~10-30% unethical practices).

Who do you plan to hire to lead project? *

A general contractor (GC) — oversees everything, hires subs

A remodeling company (turnkey — they do most work in-house)

Handling most coordination myself (DIY/owner-builder)

Not sure yet

GCs risk unvetted subs, while remodeling companies may have financial troubles — verify either way (BBB 2025 business scam study).

Do you plan to ask your GC for a list of subcontractors and check them yourself? *

Yes, I'll request the list and verify key subs (e.g., licenses, reviews)

I'll ask for the list but likely trust the GC

I hadn't planned to / will leave it to the GC

Unvetted subs cause ~26% failures — always check (Marsh 2025 contractor risks report).

Do you expect the remodeling company to use their own in-house team for most work? *

Yes, mostly in-house with minimal subs

Expect some subcontractors

Not sure / haven't asked

Even in-house teams can be unqualified if the company is "Rob Peter to Pay Paul" (BBB 2025, ~50% unfinished projects).

Who will be responsible for ordering and delivering materials?? *

Contractor/company handles all sourcing and delivery

I (homeowner) will source and order most materials

Mix of both

Not decided yet

Homeowner sourcing risks delays like backordered cabinets (Consumer Reports 2025, ~35% delays).

Do you have finalized design plans or drawings? *

Yes, complete professional plans

Rough sketches or ideas only

No plans yet

Rough designs lead to mid-project changes and disputes (Consumer Reports 2025, ~30% alterations).

Who created or will create your design plans? *

Licensed architect or designer

The contractor/company

Myself or online tools

Not sure yet

Self-designed risks unrealistic expectations (BBB 2025 complaints, ~30% breakdowns).

How did you vet or plan to the vet the architect or designer? *

Thorough (refs, portfolio, licenses)

Basic (reviews or referral)

Minimal (lowest quote or website)

Haven't vetted yet

Unvetted designers can cause layout flaws requiring fixes (HUD 2025, ~20% issues).

Will your project require building permits? *

Yes, and contractor/company or I will pull them

Yes, but not sure who handles

I don't think permits are needed

Not sure

No permits = liability for injuries or codes (HUD 2025 penalty increases, ~20% fails).

How do you plan to verify inspections and installations? *

Hire independent inspector + follow up myself

Rely on contractor/company and city inspectors

Not sure / haven't thought about it

City inspectors prioritize rules, not quality — ~26% miss issues (BBB 2025 reports).

Have you or your contractor verified proper insurance (liability + workers' comp)? *

Yes, confirmed in writing

Assumed it's covered

Haven't checked yet

Improper insurance makes you liable for worker injuries (Insurance Thought Leadership 2025).

Have you managed a remodel or major renovation over $20,000 before? *

Yes, and it went smoothly

Yes, but had issues

No, this is my first

First-timers risk assumptions escalating disputes (Yale Appliance 2025, ~30-38% underestimating budgets).

Which of these concerns you most? *Overbudget is top fear — up to 40% reality (NAHB 2025).

How clear are the expectations between you and your contractor so far? *

Everything is documented in detail

Mostly clear, some verbal agreements

Still early, lots of assumptions

Haven't discussed much yet

Verbal assumptions cause ~30% escalations (BBB 2025).

Do you have a contingency budget set aside for surprises? *

Yes, 15% or more

Yes, about 5–10%

No contingency planned yet

15% is recommended — under that risks overruns (NAHB 2025).

First Name

Email *

Phone *

Approximate project budget

Expected start date

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Aegis Shield provides virtual guidance and support for informational purposes only. We are not lawyers, architects, or inspectors. Our advice is not a substitute for professional legal, engineering, or official services. Always consult licensed experts for binding decisions. Results may vary; no guarantees of outcomes.