HOW-TO
How to Choose a General Contractor in Massachusetts
9 min read
The number-one fear homeowners have about renovation isn't the dust or the noise — it's going over budget. And it's a legitimate concern: industry studies show that 60% of home renovations exceed the original budget. But it doesn't have to happen to you.
After managing over 1,000 renovation projects across Greater Boston, we've seen every budget mistake in the book — and we've learned how to prevent them. Here's how to plan a renovation budget that actually holds.
Step 1: Define Your Scope Before Getting Estimates
The biggest cause of budget overruns isn't contractor pricing — it's scope creep. Before you call anyone, write down exactly what you want done. "Renovate the kitchen" isn't a scope. "Replace cabinets, install quartz counters, new tile backsplash, keep existing layout" — that's a scope.
Step 2: Get 2–3 Detailed Written Estimates
Don't just get a number — get a breakdown. A professional estimate should itemize materials, labor, permits, and timeline. If a contractor gives you a number on the back of a napkin, walk away. Compare estimates line by line, not just bottom lines.
Step 3: Build in a Contingency Fund
Every renovation budget should include a contingency:
- Cosmetic updates (paint, fixtures, hardware): 5–10% contingency
- Standard renovation (kitchen, bathroom): 10–15% contingency
- Structural work or old homes: 15–20% contingency
- Gut renovation of pre-1950 home: 20–25% contingency
Step 4: Know Where to Splurge vs. Save
Worth the splurge:
- Quality countertops (you touch them every day)
- Plumbing fixtures (cheap ones fail fast)
- Waterproofing (basements, showers — never cut corners here)
- Structural work (do it right or do it twice)
Where to save:
- Cabinet hardware (easy to upgrade later)
- Light fixtures (trendy ones go on sale constantly)
- Paint (the labor is the cost, not the paint itself)
- Backsplash (beautiful options exist at every price point)
Step 5: Understand Change Orders
A change order is any modification to the original scope after work begins. Some are inevitable (discovering knob-and-tube wiring behind a wall), but many are avoidable. The key: make all design decisions before demolition starts. Every decision you delay costs more once the crew is on-site.
Red Flags That Signal Budget Trouble
- Estimate that's significantly lower than all others (they're either cutting corners or planning to hit you with change orders)
- No written contract or vague scope descriptions
- Large upfront deposit (never pay more than 10–20% before work starts)
- Contractor who discourages you from getting other estimates
