Look, if you think a kitchen remodel is gonna cost you what HGTV tells you, you’re in for a rude awakening. We're talking starting at $25k for a decent kitchen revamp (none of that cheap particle board nonsense). If you're dreaming of a full addition, you better be ready to shell out $250 to $400 per square foot. Albuquerque ain't no exception when it comes to inflation and supply issues. And don't even get me started on foundation settling and local soil issues driving costs through the roof. Here’s the cold hard truth, prices are just the beginning—add in change orders and you’re looking at a big ol' snowball effect on your budget.

In Albuquerque, you can hire just about any contractor you can think of—general contractors, specialized subcontractors like sparkies, plumbers (good luck finding enough skilled ones), and even those moonlighting as handymen for small jobs (they often cut corners). But let me spill the beans, if you want quality, you gotta go for the pros. You hire a fly-by-night operation, you'll end up with a lien waiver nightmare and unfinished rough-ins. I've seen it too many times to count.

Here’s a tip: don't trust everything you read online. Check with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department for licensed folks. Word of mouth is gold—ask around. Neighbors, friends, or that guy at the local lumber yard (who's probably seen more shingles than you ever will) usually know who's reliable. Don't forget to check out local forums and community boards. Always, and I mean always, hold out for those who are properly insured and bonded (to avoid future headaches).

There ain't a one-size-fits-all answer here. What's 'best' depends on your priorities—cost, timeline, or craftsmanship. Some swear by those small, family-run outfits because they invest in each job like it's their own house. Larger operations might have more manpower to throw at problems, but sometimes it's at the cost of that personal touch. Keep an eye out for firms with a solid portfolio of past jobs, and a reputation for not skimping on load-bearing walls or cutting corners.

Here's the deal: residential projects often come with personal touches, meaning more change orders. Commercial jobs? They're all about speed and efficiency (those have their headaches too like weather delays). Both types can be a hassle to manage, but commercial work often demands navigating the city's permit office (those guys sure love their paperwork) much more heavily. Different beasts, same level of stress.

Look, if anyone promises you a major remodel or addition in under a few months, they're full of it. A realistic timeline for a major project ranges from several months to a year—depending on scope, weather (say hello to Albuquerque’s unpredictable climate), and whether you're expanding during peak construction seasons. Delays happen, especially when it comes to getting skilled craftsmen on-site ('cause sparkies and plumbers are in short supply).

Some do, some don't. I've seen contractors offer free estimates as a hook, but charge for detailed project scoping. Free doesn't mean exhaustive. Often it's a ballpark figure just to get you talking. Be wary of those who charge exorbitant fees for estimates—they’re likely padding for something else. But remember, a solid estimate is your best friend when planning your remodel—so whether it's free or costs a little upfront, it’s usually worth it.