Your contractor can make or break your renovation experience. Here\’s how to choose wisely.
Green Flags to Look For
A good contractor will provide detailed written estimates that break down labor, materials, and timeline. They\’ll have proper licensing and insurance, which they\’re happy to verify. They communicate clearly and promptly, returning calls and emails in a reasonable timeframe.
Look for contractors who ask lots of questions about your vision and needs. They should visit your home to assess the project before giving a quote—beware of estimates given over the phone without seeing the space.
Check their references and actually call them. Ask about communication, timeline adherence, cleanliness, and how they handled problems. A portfolio of completed work, either online or in photos, shows their capabilities and style.
Red Flags to Watch For
Run from contractors who require large upfront payments (more than 30% is suspicious). They should never pressure you to decide immediately or offer \”special deals\” that expire today.
Be wary of estimates that seem too good to be true—they usually are. The contractor might be cutting corners, inexperienced, or planning to hit you with change orders later.
Poor communication at the quote stage will only get worse during the project. If they\’re hard to reach now, imagine trying to get them to fix a problem.
Lack of proper insurance and licensing isn\’t just a red flag—it\’s a deal-breaker. If something goes wrong, you could be liable.
Questions to Ask
- How long have you been in business?
- Can you provide references from recent projects similar to mine?
- What\’s your timeline for this project?
- How do you handle changes or unexpected issues?
- Who will be on-site daily, and how can I reach them?
- What\’s your payment schedule?
- Do you warranty your work?
Trust your gut. If something feels off about a contractor, keep looking. The right fit will feel like a partnership, not a battle.