Are you considering a career in home remodeling? If so, read on. In this guide, we detail everything you need to know to help you decide if being a remodeler is the right path for you. Learn what a remodeler does and the traits that make them successful. Find out how much do remodelers make and how being a remodeler differs from the work of both renovators and general contractors.

Click on a link below to jump straight to the section you’re most interested in:

• What does a remodeler do?
• Differences between remodelers, renovators and general contractors
• Why become a remodeler?
• How much do remodelers make?
• Are remodelers in demand?
• Who do remodelers work with?
• Traits of a Successful Remodeler
• Is Home Remodeling a Good Business?

What does a remodeler do?

Remodelers are construction professionals who remodel and restore existing homes. A remodeler helps clients reimagine a room or rooms, typically making significant changes to the design, fixtures and sometimes, the entire layout. 

For example, during a kitchen redo, a remodeler may completely gut the existing kitchen. Floors, cabinets, counters, lighting and appliances are among the items likely to be replaced. Sinks and faucets are typically changed out too and updated. During a remodel, walls may be knocked out to create an open concept layout, for example.

There is a wide array of types of remodeling jobs available, depending on the area you’d like to specialize in. Here are some examples:

• Whole House: This involves re-doing the entire house. The remodeler dismantles the interior of a home and puts it back together again in a new, improved way to fit a clients’ specifications, needs and desires. This type of work requires understanding the many moving parts that make up a home and how they interact with each other. These include wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems to name a few.
• Additions: Some remodelers specialize in expanding homes for clients who want to add to the square footage of their living area. This could mean making a finished basement, converting a garage to a room, building an ADU, a sunroom or additional bedroom. Being skilled at carpentry is a must, along with learning the various building codes and requirements regarding the expansion of a home’s footprint. 
• Kitchen or Bath: The kitchen is a common room that remodelers choose to specialize in. Some offer both kitchen and bath remodeling services. Redoing these hard working rooms means becoming familiar with the various tiles, counters, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures and plumbing options available. It is essential to learn how to install them properly to protect against leaks, excessive moisture and other considerations particular to these rooms.
• Historic Restoration: This very specific focus takes on the challenge of restoring the features of a home to match the era in which it was built. Remodelers who work on historic structures typically need to coordinate closely with the local governing bodies that regulate what changes can be made to a vintage home, especially if it is located in an official historic district. And, of course, home restoration specialists are knowledgeable about the various architectural styles, features and hues that reflect various eras.

Differences between remodelers, renovators and general contractors

In referring to construction, people often confuse remodelers and renovators. And, while there are some similarities between the two, there are key differences. A renovation of a room or home typically involves less extensive changes and repairs than a remodel which involves a complete makeover of a room or home. A renovation, for example, may include cabinet refacing, new lighting fixtures, updated faucets and other more cosmetic changes.

Remodelers also differ from general contractors who more often focus on building new homes, or apartments and housing developments. A remodeler works on existing homes. A remodeling contractor typically works specifically on building renovations and home improvements.

General contractors coordinate and manage all the materials, activities, and personnel involved in a construction project through every stage of its lifecycle.

Why become a remodeler?

Being a remodeler can be a rewarding career that lets you use your skills and creativity to help homeowners breathe new life into their homes. Here are some reasons people decide to pursue the field:

• Transformation is Satisfying: It is rewarding to play a huge part in changing a tired space into a more vibrant and livable one.
• A Chance to Be Creative: Guiding clients through the changes they want to make and then carrying out those changes lets you tap your creative side. You will be literally uncovering hidden potential in homes and making them beautiful again.
• Building Something that Endures: Working as a remodeler means you are doing construction that will be enjoyed for years to come, and stand the test of time. 
• You Get to Make People Happy: Besides helping clients create a space that is safe and comfortable to enjoy for years to come, you also help them improve their property values and improve their quality of life by transforming the place where they spend most of their time. 
• Lifelong Learning: The construction business is constantly evolving, and therefore you will be learning new skills, practices and designs along the way. This guarantees the work will rarely be boring.

How much do remodelers make?

Your home remodeler salary will depend on several factors, including your experience and education level, your location and whether or not you are running your own business or working for an employer.

Profit margins can also vary depending on your specialty and the scope of your project. 

Remodeling contractors earn an average of $24 per hour and $50,264 per year, according to ZipRecruiter. Entry-level workers earn $30,000 a year, while higher earners can reach $180,000 annually. Comparably reports that the average home remodeler salary in the United States is $110,027. 

Are remodelers in demand?

Remodelers face some challenges but no one thinks they are insurmountable. It is predicted that home renovations will drop by nearly 14 % in 2023 compared to 2022, Forbes reported.  Getting the blame is a cooling housing market, and a looming fear of a recession. Labor shortages, supply chain delays, and homeowners doing their own home improvement work during the pandemic added to the challenges.

However, even with the predictions, remodelers told Forbes they are doubtful the drop will be that high, and report having a full slate of projects in their sales pipeline. Experts say reliable and well established companies should have no trouble weathering any downturn just as they did in 2008. 

Who do remodelers work with?

Remodelers work with clients to turn their dreams into reality. They guide them to create a budget and set expectations, and they organize the project. Then, they bring in subcontractors as needed to do the work. Some remodelers do most of the work themselves, while others coordinate projects and hire others to complete them. This could involve a wide range of subcontractors, and tradespeople, depending on the scope of the project and the skills of the remodeler. 

Traits of a Successful Remodeler

Remodeling is a complex business that requires varied skills, including communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities. Call them a jack of all trades who have a broad base of skills and knowledge. They understand construction materials and practices, are experienced at operating power tools, and taking accurate measurements. Since they will be collaborating with clients and other contractors, they need strong communication skills.

Successful remodelers are also skilled multitaskers, assuring that various processes are running in parallel as they juggle the work of multiple clients simultaneously. This often involves handling projects at various stages of the construction pipeline.

They, too, are great problem solvers prepared to deal with the unexpected while also being nimble enough to move from one task or one project to another.

Is Home Remodeling a Good Business?

If you are considering a career as a remodeler, here are some other questions to ask yourself to help you decide if the field is a good fit for you:

• Are you ready to work for yourself? Working for yourself can be incredibly rewarding because it offers independence and a chance to chart your own path. However, it also means that, especially at the start,  you will be carrying the heaviest weight of responsibility both financially and the burden of work.  
• Are you a self-starter? Consider whether or not you prefer to be assigned jobs or be the one to create the plan and direction. If you prefer the latter, you will get plenty of practice doing so should you become a remodeler.
• What financial means do you have available to get started? There are expenses associated with starting any business, and it carries risks. Having a cushion or a way to acquire capital will increase your chances of success and help mitigate the financial risks.
• Which specialty matches your skills and preference? Consider what type of remodeling work best fits your personality and experience. What is the demand and market for that type of work in the regions where you plan to work?

Conclusion

Now that you know the answer to “what does a remodeler do?”, you can decide for yourself whether this is the right career path for you. Remodelers play a key role in the construction business. They fill the demand and marketplace of homeowners who seek to reinvent their living spaces, and make them safe, comfortable, updated and well-designed. It is a rewarding career in an industry that continues to see demand from clients looking to improve and maintain what is typically their biggest investment and where they spend most of their time.

If you're ready to take the plunge, check out our next guide on How to Become a Remodeler and keep learning.