Frequently asked questions

Block Renovation—also simply known as Block—starts by learning about your remodeling goals, timeline, and budget. Then, we match you with vetted, reliable contractors who are specifically suited to your project—so you’re not stuck sorting through endless options or wondering who to trust. From quote comparison to project execution, we’re with you every step of the way. We ensure quotes are comprehensive and easy to compare, and we help you understand and negotiate the right scope and budget. Once work begins, our project protections and expert support are designed to minimize stress, reduce risk, and give you confidence that your renovation is progressing smoothly and fairly. Learn more about how Block works here.

Block serves all 50 states. We connect property owners with vetted local contractors across a broad range of urban and suburban areas across the US, including but not limited to:

Greater New York City Area
New Jersey
Greater Boston
Chicago
Philadelphia
San Francisco Bay Area
Los Angeles
Greater Washington DC

Take our quiz to find personalized contractor matches in your area.

Block supports a wide range of new build and renovation types, including apartments, condos, and single-family homes. We tackle everything, from bathroom and kitchen remodels to full-home transformations, basements, garages, attics, additions, and more. Whether you’re doing a quick update or a complex renovation, we help you plan, hire, and manage the project with expert resources and vetted professionals. We’d love to hear more about your needs: Book time with us or email sales@blockrenovation.com if you have a specific question about your project scope.

Yes! Besides residential remodels, Block can also service your new build projects, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and all types of commercial design scopes, from retail to office to hospitality.

Every Block homeowner is paired with a free dedicated Project Planner—your personal expert for navigating proposals, timelines, and contractor selection.

They’ll help you:
— Review and compare bids
— Catch red flags or missing scope details
— Coordinate site visits
— Recommend designers or architects if needed
— Support proposal negotiations
— Give advice or answer any questions during the course of your renovation

Whether you want full support or just a second opinion, your Planner is here to help—free of charge, with no obligation.
Book time with your Planner now

Yes! Block does not charge a fee to homeowners, unless you choose to add-on one of our optional renovation solutions, such as Design Services.

Homeowners can get matched with contractors, have site visits, receive personalized project estimates, and meet with Block’s renovation consultants—all free of charge. Throughout your project with Block, you will also have complete access to Block’s dashboard, where you can communicate with your contractor, make secure payments, approve change orders, and more.

Block helps contractors connect with homeowners who are ready to renovate. Once a successful match leads to a won project, contractors pay Block a small commission. The consistent pipeline of work from Block helps them grow their businesses and keeps them motivated to do great work for homeowners like you.

Renovation Studio, Block’s AI-powered planning tool, is a free resource to anyone who is in the planning stage. You can use it to visualize diverse remodeling options and get project renderings, see how design decisions affect your budget, and save and share project plans to guide your renovation journey. Get started with Renovation Studio here.

We take contractor vetting seriously. Every contractor on our platform goes through a rigorous evaluation, including background checks, verification of licensing and insurance, review of past projects, and skills assessment. We only accept professionals with proven experience and a commitment to quality—so you can feel confident you’re working with the right fit for your remodeling project. Learn more about our contractor vetting process here.

Finding the right contractor for the job is a key step in starting your renovation journey. We do our best to match your project to a contractor based on criteria like location, scope, availability, licenses, insurances, and more, depending on your project. If you are not happy with your contractor match, let us know, and we will work to find another contractor for your project.

You’ll receive contractor matches shortly after completing your project profile. Our matching process is fast, but not rushed—we connect you with pros who are the best fit for your goals, timeline, and scope so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Once you receive your matches, you can easily schedule site visits within our platform. Once contractors come to assess your job site in person, they will share a detailed proposal that will allow you to compare bids and make a decision with confidence. In this stage, Block’s Renovation Consultants are here to help you every step of the way to make sure you get the perfect match.

If after getting matched with contractors, scheduling site visits, and receiving proposals you are not ready to move forward, you are under no obligation to hire a Block contractor. Block is here to guide you through the process and make sure that you have the information you need to make the right decision for you.

We welcome any contractors to Apply to join the Block network. There are no fees to join and if you’re accepted, you’ll get matched with high-quality client leads who are ready to renovate in your area.

Yes, you can opt into design services for an additional fee. The design support package allows you to bring your full vision to life by partnering with a professional designer who can provide a 1-on-1 consultation, 2D drawings, or a 3D rendering of your design.

There are many benefits to hiring a contractor through Block—contractors oversee the building and renovation process, hire and manage subcontractors like plumbers and electricians, and ensure work is completed safely, on time, and within budget. Contractors are a good option if you already have a strong sense of what design style you’re looking for, and may just need a materials list and designer consultation on finishes and fixtures to get you ready to go.

If your renovation requires changing the structure of your home, you’ll often need to work with an architect, as your municipality may require signed architectural plans for permits. Depending on your budget and timeline goals, your Project Planner can help you determine what level of design support you need.

Yes—Block Protections are designed to keep you in control and safeguard your renovation with:

— Price assurance: Get detailed scopes and pricing up front, reducing change orders later.
— Change order review: Our team can review any change order at no cost.
— Progress-based payments: You pay as progress is made, encouraging timely delivery.
— Escalation support: We’re here to give our objective guidance and help you and your contractor get your project back on track quickly if problems arise.
— 1-year workmanship warranty: Our network contractors back their work, giving you peace of mind.

Block manages payments through a secure, progress-based system that ensures contractors only get paid as work gets done. You’ll have full visibility of the timeline through Block’s dashboard, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Every contractor in the Block network also provides a workmanship warranty, giving you added confidence in the quality of your home remodel.

Block’s standard payment structure ensures clear expectations for both homeowners and contractors, with all payments processed securely through our platform. You can expect these payments:

1. Proposal acceptance: Pay an initial amount to secure your contractor after accepting their proposal.
2. Break ground: When your project begins, you’ll make a first installment. This helps cover key upfront costs like subcontractors, materials, and permits.
3. Progress payment: Around the midpoint of your project, your contractor will request a progress payment to keep things moving smoothly.
4. Final payment: Once your project is substantially complete, about 99% finished, you’ll make your final payment. Some minor items may still be addressed at this stage.

Project cancellations are rare, and can sometimes be due to circumstances beyond a homeowner’s control. However, cancellations can be deeply disruptive for general contractors who have allocated significant resources to planning, staffing, and early stage work for a renovation project.

For these reasons, and to allow Block to continue maintaining an ecosystem that can effectively serve both general contractors and homeowners, Block may impose fees and other consequences. These fees are intended to reflect the costs and other impacts of cancellations on general contractors, their crews, and Block Renovation itself. We will work to find alternative resolution in cases of a major disruptive event or certain valid reasons beyond a homeowner’s control.

Read our complete cancellation policy here.

The duration of a renovation project can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the scope and complexity of the project, the size of the space being renovated, the availability of materials and labor, and unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the construction process.It's best to consult with your contractor to develop a realistic timeline for your specific renovation project.

Whether or not you can live in your home during construction depends on several factors, including the scope of the renovation, the extent of disruption caused by the construction activities, and your personal preferences. Here are a few considerations to help you make a decision:

— Analyze the scope and scale of the project. Will the renovation require extensive demolition and structural modifications? If so, significant noise and dust may make it more challenging to reside in the property.
— Assess the potential risks associated with construction activities, such as exposure to hazardous materials, disruption to utilities, or compromised living conditions. Consult with your contractor or construction professionals to understand the safety measures in place and any precautions needed to protect your well-being.
— Consider if you have alternative living arrangements available, such as staying with family or friends, renting a temporary accommodation, or utilizing a separate living space on your property.

The close-out process for a renovation project involves completing the final tasks and documentation necessary to bring the project to a conclusion. Here are some common steps involved in the close-out process:

— Final inspections: Before closing out the project, it is essential to schedule and complete any required final inspections by the local building department or relevant authorities.
— Punch list and final touches: A punch list is created, which is a list of any remaining items or tasks that need to be addressed before project completion. The contractor will work to address these items and ensure that all work is completed to the satisfaction of the homeowner.
— Completion of documentation: As part of the close-out process, various documents need to be finalized and organized, such as permits, contracts, plans, specifications, warranties, and manuals for equipment or appliances installed during the renovation.
— Final payments: The close-out process typically involves settling any outstanding payments. This includes ensuring that all invoices and payment requests from the contractor and subcontractors are reviewed, approved, and paid according to the agreed-upon terms and schedule.
— Final sign-off: Once all work is completed, inspections have passed, and all outstanding items have been addressed, the contractor and homeowner perform a final walkthrough of the project. The homeowner evaluates the finished work and signs off on its satisfactory completion, indicating their acceptance of the project.

Your contractor will help you navigate the permitting process in your region and building, walking you through what requirements you need to adhere to and helping you submit comprehensive packages for approval by your local department of buildings or co-op or condo boards.

For every successful client referral you make to Block, you’ll be rewarded with a cash bonus, and your clients will receive the trusted, expert-guided renovation experience that Block is known for. Read more about our trade program and then book time to chat with us live.

Our gallery showcases a range of completed home and apartment renovations—including before-and-after photos of bathrooms, kitchens, and more. It’s a great way to get inspired and see the quality of work our vetted contractors deliver across different project types and styles.

Get to know our business and our team here, and read about Block in the news on our press page.

If you’re a property owner thinking about renovation, we offer educational guides and webinars to help you navigate the process. You can also engage directly with other homeowners in your area and experts from the Block team in a free community we run on Slack.