Hiring a contractor can feel a bit like online dating. Everyone looks great in their profile, says all the right things, and swears they’ll show up on time. Then they disappear for two weeks, leave your bathroom looking like a war zone, and ghost you before finishing the job. The good news? It is possible to find reliable, skilled professionals who won’t run off with your deposit or install your kitchen cabinets upside down. Here’s how to sniff out the good ones, and avoid getting nailed by the bad.
Start With Word of Mouth, Not Random Internet Scrolls
You wouldn’t trust a stranger on Craigslist with your credit card, so why hand them your house keys? Start by asking friends, neighbors, and that coworker who’s always talking about their kitchen remodel. Real-life recommendations from people you trust are gold. Bonus points if you can actually go and see the work in person.
Do the Digital Stalking
Once you’ve got a few names, do a little light internet sleuthing. Check their website, look them up on Yelp or Google, and scroll through reviews. Look for consistent themes—if five people say they’re slow, they’re probably not winning any speed contests. On the flip side, if every review sounds suspiciously perfect and uses phrases like “life-changing renovation experience,” it might be their cousin writing them.
Ask for Proof of Everything
A trustworthy contractor should be licensed, insured, and able to produce references faster than you can say “unfinished drywall.” Ask to see paperwork before you let them into your home. A good contractor won’t blink. A shady one will start mumbling about how “permits are just suggestions.” Red flag.
Builders vs. Babysitters
A lot of contractors are builders, not mind readers. They need clear instructions. Be specific about what you want, whether it’s an accent wall in seafoam green or a bathroom that doesn’t resemble a 1990s gas station. Communication is key. And if they constantly interrupt you or act like your ideas are “cute,” it might be time to find someone who actually listens.
Don’t Pay It All Upfront
Paying a small deposit? Standard. Paying half the budget before a single hammer swings? Risky. Reputable contractors usually work on a draw schedule, meaning they get paid as work progresses. If someone demands a pile of cash upfront, they could be funding their vacation, not your new deck.
Get It in Writing
No matter how much you like them, don’t rely on handshakes or casual texts. Get a detailed contract outlining costs, timelines, materials, and who’s responsible for what. You’re not being difficult, you’re being smart. A written agreement protects both of you, especially when the “three-week job” somehow stretches into winter.
Whether you’re building you home from the ground up or you just need someone who can come in and remodel the basement for you, finding good contractors is vital to the success of your project, and your family’s sanity, so be sure to take these tips on board and only let the good ones into your life!
