Inviting someone into your home to repair or renovate it involves a certain amount of trust. You’re not only paying someone to do a job; you’re depending on them to respect your property, communicate with you, show up when expected, and handle the inevitable surprises that can come with home projects. Whether the job is relatively small or a major renovation, these eight checkpoints can help you find a contractor you’ll feel comfortable having both on the project and in your home.
- Verify credentials and insurance. Before you become comfortable with a contractor personally, make sure you’re comfortable with the basics professionally. Find out what licenses, registrations, bonding, and insurance are required for the type of work you’re having done where you live. Ask for current proof of general liability insurance and, when applicable, workers’ compensation coverage. If subcontractors will be working at your home too, ask how they’re screened and insured.
- Look for relevant experience. Ask about projects similar to yours and take a look at the finished work whenever possible. Reviews can help, but I also like the idea of talking with a few recent customers. Ask what it was actually like to work with the contractor — whether communication was good, problems were handled fairly, and they’d hire the same person again.
- Compare detailed written estimates. Getting several estimates can help you understand both the project and the people bidding on it. Look beyond the final number and compare what’s included, which materials are being used, the expected timeline, and anything that isn’t covered. If one estimate is noticeably different, ask why. A good contractor should be comfortable helping you understand the difference.
- Get the agreement in writing. Even when you like and trust the person you’re hiring, a written contract protects the relationship as much as it protects the project. It should outline the work, materials when appropriate, anticipated timing, payment terms, warranties, cleanup, and what happens if something changes. Clear expectations make it easier for everyone to stay on the same page.
- Understand the payment schedule before signing. It’s understandable that a contractor may need a reasonable deposit for materials or other upfront expenses, but the appropriate amount and legal limits vary. Don’t pay the entire project cost before the work is completed. For larger projects, a written payment schedule tied to agreed stages of progress can help both sides know what to expect. Make sure changes and additional costs also require your approval before they’re added.
- Pay attention to communication. You’re going to have questions, and sometimes the contractor will have questions for you too. Notice whether conversations feel clear and comfortable from the beginning. Find out who you’ll talk with during the project, who will be supervising the work, how you’ll receive updates, and how surprises will be handled. You shouldn’t have to wonder whom to call when something needs attention.
- Clarify permits and inspections. Ask whether permits or inspections are required and who will be responsible for them. If someone encourages you to skip a required step, that’s worth taking seriously. Rules vary from one area and project to another, so when there’s any doubt, check with the appropriate local authority.
THINK BEYOND RESALE VALUE
Your home isn’t only an investment. It’s also the place where you live every day. When considering a renovation, think about resale value along with durability, maintenance, functionality, how much you’ll enjoy the improvement, and how long you plan to stay. Sometimes making a home work better for you is reason enough to make a thoughtful improvement.
- Look for professionalism on the job site. Remember that for days or weeks, the job site may also be your home. Ask how floors, furnishings, landscaping, and other areas will be protected. Talk about cleanup, debris, work hours, security, and safety. The way a contractor treats the parts of your home they’re not working on can tell you a lot about the care they’ll bring to the part they are.
The right contractor isn’t simply someone who can complete the job. It’s someone you can communicate with, depend on, and feel comfortable having around your home while the work is being done. Taking the time to ask questions and understand what you’re agreeing to isn’t being difficult. It’s how you give both yourself and the contractor the best chance of having a good experience together.
If you’d like to hear what contractors wish homeowners understood before a project begins, this is an interesting next read:
10 Things Your Remodeling Contractor Wants You To Know
And if you need a few names to get the search started, please reach out. I’m always happy to share contractors or service professionals I’ve had good experiences with or who have been recommended to me. You’ll still want to ask your own questions and choose the person who feels right for you. But when something in your home needs attention, having someone you trust to point you toward people you can start with can make the whole process feel a little less overwhelming.