How to start your remodeling project
Working with Hugo Home Improvement – Your Complete Guide
Hugo Home Improvement, serving Bismarck and Mandan since 2012, makes home remodeling straightforward and stress-free. This guide outlines the exact process from first contact to warranty support, tailored for projects like walk-in showers, basements, flooring, and fences.
Determine Your Project Type
Not all home improvement projects require the same level of planning. Hugo handles both major remodels needing design and permits, and simpler installations completed in days.
Major Remodeling Projects
These include walk-in showers ($8,000-$18,000), basement finishing ($30,000-$75,000), and whole-home flooring ($5,000-$20,000). Hugo provides full design, line-item estimates, and North Dakota climate expertise for materials that withstand -20°F winters. Ideal for seniors aging in place or families needing space, with lifetime warranty and one-year service guarantee.Major Remodeling Projects These include walk-in showers ($8,000-$18,000), basement finishing ($30,000-$75,000), and whole-home flooring ($5,000-$20,000). Hugo provides full design, line-item estimates, and North Dakota climate expertise for materials that withstand -20°F winters. Ideal for seniors aging in place or families needing space, with lifetime warranty and one-year service guarantee.
Straightforward Projects
Fence installations (vinyl $28-$40/linear foot, wood $20-$32, chain-link $12-$20), single-room flooring, or minor bathroom updates fit here. Projects finish in 2-7 days with the same quality and lifetime product warranty; fencing focuses April-September with posts 42 inches below frost line. Best for budget-conscious homeowners with a clear vision.
Unsure? Free consultation clarifies your fit. Next, explore the full process.
How to Start a Remodeling Project (Step-by-Step Guide)
Starting a remodel can feel overwhelming—one wrong decision can cost money, time, and stress. Use these steps to start right, prepare properly, and choose a contractor you trust.
If you’re in Bismarck–Mandan or nearby towns, we’re happy to help you plan your project, even if you’re still months away from starting.
Step 1: Define your goal
Before picking materials or saving inspiration photos, decide why you’re remodeling:
- More space or better layout
- Fixing damage or worn-out areas
- Increasing home value
- Easier cleaning / less maintenance
- Better comfort (lighting, warmth, storage)
- Preparing for resale or rental
Pro tip: Write down your top 3 “must‑haves” and top 3 “nice‑to‑haves” to keep the project focused and on budget.
Step 2: Decide the scope
Most remodeling problems come from a poorly defined scope. Clarify what *is* and *isn’t* included.
Examples:
- Bathroom remodel: Are we replacing the vanity, moving plumbing, updating lighting, adding a niche, installing a waterproofing system?
- Basement finish: Just drywall and paint, or a full living space with bar, flooring, trim, doors, and lighting?
Clear scope = accurate pricing and realistic expectations.
Step 3: Set a budget range
You don’t need an exact number, but a range helps guide decisions:
- “I want to stay under $15k”
- “I’m comfortable around $25k–$35k”
- “I want the best result—show me options”
A good contractor will suggest good / better / best options and explain what affects the price.
Step 4: Get a clear, detailed estimate
You receive a transparent, itemized estimate that shows the cost of materials, labor, permits, and installation with no vague allowances or hidden fees.
You review it together with the contractor, go through each line, ask questions, and make adjustments to match your priorities and budget before signing anything.
Step 5: Ask these key questions
Use this checklist during your estimate or walkthrough:
Planning & Process
- What’s included in the scope—and what’s excluded?
- Who will be my main point of contact?
- What is the typical timeline for a project like mine?
- How do you protect my home from dust and damage?
Pricing & Payments
- Is this a fixed price or an estimate?
- What could change the price (hidden damage, upgrades, code issues)?
- What payment schedule do you use?
Quality & Materials
- What materials do you recommend and why?
- How do you handle waterproofing (for showers/bathrooms)?
- What prep do you do before flooring/epoxy so it lasts?
Warranty & After‑Care
- What warranty do you provide?
- What happens if something needs adjustment after the job?
- Do you offer ongoing maintenance or a care plan?
Step 6: Know the red flags
Be careful if a contractor:
- Gives a price without looking at the job
- Avoids putting details in writing
- Pushes for full payment upfront
- Won’t explain what’s included
- Can’t show real local work photos
- Has no clear schedule or communication plan
A remodel should feel organized and professional from day one.
Realistic ranges help plan Bismarck-Mandan remodels based on scope and materials.
| Project | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-in Shower/Bathroom | $5,000-$30,000 | $14,000 |
| Basement Finishing | $25,000-$120,000 | $52,000 |
| Flooring (Whole Home) | $5,000-$35,000 | $6-$10/sq ft |
| Fence (150 ft) | $1,800-$6,000 | $4,500-$6,000 |
Financing Options
Financing eases major investments for Bismarck homeowners.
HELOC: Low rates against equity; ideal $15K-$75K.
Cash-Out Refinance: Consolidates payments.
Personal Loan: Unsecured for $5K-$25K.
Cash: No debt for smaller jobs.
Hugo Home Care Plans ($29-$149/month) spread costs with maintenance, discounts. Consult local credit unions; Hugo provides docs.
Ready to Start
Contact for your project discussion - no pressure
Why Hugo Home Improvement (HHI) is a good fit
Homeowners hire us because we’re focused on both results and the experience:
- Clear scope and communication (no guessing)
- Respect for your home: dust control, protection, clean-up
- Detail-driven finishing (trim, corners, transitions, alignment) transparency, no surprises.
- Strong prep and correct systems (especially flooring, epoxy, showers)
FAQ
Yes — we can provide an on-site estimate for most projects. If you already have photos and measurements, we can often give a rough range first.
Yes — we carry proper business insurance, and we follow local requirements and best practices for safe, professional work.
Usually, yes. Deposits help secure your spot on the schedule and cover ordered materials. We’ll explain the deposit amount and when it’s due before you sign.
Most projects use milestone payments (example: deposit → progress payments → final payment). We’ll outline it clearly so there are no surprises.
Often yes. We set up dust control, protect walkways, and keep the work area clean and safe. For some projects (like major bathrooms), you may need an alternate bathroom plan.
It depends on scope, material lead times, and any hidden conditions. We’ll give you a realistic timeline and keep you updated if anything changes.
Yes — if permits are required, we’ll let you know and help coordinate them (permit fees may apply).
We use proven products that match your budget and goals. If you have a preferred brand, we can usually work with it.
Sometimes, yes. We’ll confirm compatibility and condition first. Labor warranties may be limited when materials aren’t supplied by us.
Yes — workmanship warranty details vary by project type. We’ll explain what’s covered and for how long in writing.
We list what’s included, what’s excluded, and any allowances (like fixtures or tile). If something isn’t included, we say it upfront.
No problem — we’ll write up a change order so the cost and timeline impact are clear before we move forward.
Yes. We use floor protection, plastic containment when needed, and we clean up at the end of each work day.
Yes, for most remodels. If a dumpster is needed, we’ll include it in the plan and pricing.
We can usually get close, but exact matches (paint, texture, stain) aren’t always possible. We’ll set expectations before we start.
Sometimes (example: specialty trades). If we do, we coordinate scheduling and quality so you don’t have to chase anyone.
If you offer it: Yes — ask us about available options.
If you don’t: Not currently, but we can structure projects in phases to fit your budget.
We’ll send a simple prep checklist (clear personal items, protect valuables, plan for noise/dust, pets/kids safety, etc.).
Answer the questions to receive your fence cost estimate, a catalog, and a $500 discount!
Read more
By Victor Goncharov, Founder of Hugo Home Improvement Home Remodeling Warranties Explained: The Complete Guide for Bismarck & Mandan Homeowners
By Victor, Founder of Hugo Home Improvement Best Time for Home Remodeling in North Dakota | Seasonal Guide 2025 North
North Dakota winters test every home. Seniors face the biggest challenges. Slippery bathroom floors. Dark hallways. High thresholds. Falls happen
FAQ Fence Company Near Me
Evaluate yard's wind and soil conditions—vinyl works well for minimal maintenance, wood adds appeal but requires periodic sealing.
Ground freezes and shifts posts upward; bury them over 4 feet deep in concrete to stabilize.
Usually for fences taller than 6 feet; guidance provided through the process.
Generally 2 days if the weather cooperates.
Yes, fitted precisely for reliable use. Generally any type of gates are provided: vinyl, aluminum, composite, chain link with any specific needs.