Relocating is stressful enough. When you need to remodel the new home you’ll be moving into, you face the extra challenges of living far away from your project. Homeowners often think they need to be close by to monitor every aspect of their remodel. But if you choose the right company to work with, you can achieve the results you want with a surprising absence of worry. Keep the following checklist in mind when choosing a company for your relocation remodeling project:

1. Professionalism: Since you won’t be working with a company in your current community – where you could more easily receive a “word of mouth” reference – it’s essential to research the remodeling firms you are considering. The internet is the most common place to start research from afar. Pay attention to the company’s website: is it up to date and informative? Does the website include a portfolio of work performed that features the level of quality you are after and has any of the work won awards? What can you learn about the company’s team? Any internet research should obviously be followed up with a phone call or email. Pay attention to how quickly you receive a response and to the professionalism of the people you talk to in the company, from the person who answers the phone or email to the person with whom you discuss your project details. Find more tips for selecting a contractor here.

2. Communication: Any remodeling firm that promotes relocation remodeling should have a well-structured and demonstrable system of communication in place. Communication will be critical to your satisfaction and peace of mind during the remodeling process, especially because you cannot be on-site. Ask questions about how the firm will communicate with you during the remodeling process, from the initial evaluation and estimate phase, through design, construction and completion. The more specific the answers to your questions about communication, the happier you are likely to be during your remodel.

3. Reputation: Credibility and reputation are particularly important when you are choosing a remodeling company from a distance. How long has the company been in business? What kind of awards have they won? Do they belong to any professional and/or industry organizations? Ask for references that include past and current clients, particularly those with projects similar in scope and size to yours. And take the time to speak with current clients. Past work is important, but today’s work is what you will be experiencing. This effort will give you a good sense of the company’s resilience, professionalism, quality and customer care.

Relocating and remodeling at the same time doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re relocating to the San Diego area, you’re lucky enough to be moving to “America’s Finest City”! Take the time to do the research upfront, choose a company you can trust and let stress transform to peace of mind during your San Diego relocation remodeling project.