Measure twice, cut once: 7 steps to hiring the right contractor for your home renovation

Contractors on TV make most home improvement projects look like a walk in the park. The project runs like a well-oiled machine, the end result is always stunning, and the people who do the work are always personable and responsible (not to mention telegenic). But unlike those on TV, there are some building pros out there who aren’t so great.

Weeding out the bad apples and finding a contractor who will properly execute your project on schedule and on budget can be exhausting. But doing the legwork up front is not nearly as draining as dealing with a below-average or suspect contractor who can’t seem to get the job done to your liking after you’ve hired them (and probably paid for a third of the cost up front).

So how are you supposed to find a trustworthy, competent contractor? Cross your fingers, cover your eyes, and hope for the best? Not exactly.

If you follow the precautionary measures below, you’ll be a lot closer to making sure the contractor you hire is best suited to bring your dream project to life.

1. Make sure they play by the rules

Contractors must meet your state’s minimum licensing requirements to operate. So learn the rules where you live and make sure the person (or the company) you’re considering is compliant. Also, some projects might need to be accredited for specialized work. So even if your contractor has a general license to build, if they are doing a particular project, such as masonry or roofing, they might need additional certifications. To confirm this, be sure to get their license number(s). Any hesitation here should be a cause for concern.

2. Gather multiple reviews

Written reviews are a strong indicator of a contractor’s body of work.

Word of mouth is also helpful, especially if the contractor was recommended by a friend, colleague or family member. Of course, the internet can also be a great resource. Reliable websites include the Better Business Bureau, Angie-Home for everything home, Houzz, and HomeAdvisor, as well as social media. Be sure to get photos of their completed projects for additional affirmation.

3. You can judge a book by its cover

When you’re paying a lot of money to hire someone for a job, that old saying about judging a book by its cover should go by the wayside. Yes, appearance actually matters.

For instance, is their company vehicle dirty and full of dents? Does the truck have professional signage? What’s the contractor’s demeanor? Do they get back to you in a timely manner? Do they listen to your concerns or regularly cut you off during conversation? Do they keep looking at their phone while you’re meeting with them? Do they put on booties before coming in? Or do they stomp around your house with muddy feet?

These things are just a few indicators of how they will perform on the job.

4. Ask for an insurance certificate

Unlike a contractor’s license, an insurance certificate might not be a state requirement. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not as important. Builder’s insurance is crucial to protecting the homeowner if something goes seriously wrong on their property. And although it’s largely assumed that serious, reputable contractors have insurance, some don’t carry it.

Be sure to ask for a copy of their insurance certificate(s) and check the policy dates so you’re not deceived. An uninsured contractor should definitely raise a red flag.

5. The devil’s in the details

Contractors who are detail-oriented are worth their weight in gold. They’ll provide you with an organized plan of deliverables and due dates. You want someone who is aware of every step of the project and experienced in clearing any hurdles or pitfalls that may occur along the way. For example, will they need to pull a permit for the project with your city or town? Do they need a license for excavation? An organized contractor will know these things ahead of time and get them taken care of – before you even ask! And, as a bonus, a detailed contractor will most likely give you a more realistic timeline and not overpromise on deliverables.

Check to see if they included everything in writing, even down to who is going to clean up debris and remove trash. Ask what specific protections they will use on your house. And don’t forget to ask what is required of you during the process.

6. Don’t get tricked by low bids

The old adage “You get what you pay for” rings true in many instances. Remember that low bids might be tempting to accept, especially as your imagination wanders. Think of all the money we’ll save!

Not so fast. A low bid might reflect a misunderstanding of the job and what it’ll take to complete. Bids are usually a good indicator of the level of work the contractor will perform. So, if the bid is too low to be true, it probably is.

Conversely, that doesn’t mean the highest bid will yield the best result. Most worthwhile and experienced contractors tend to be close on their bids. If you receive a much lower estimate than the rest, it could mean that contractor is just too busy to take on your job.

Be sure to review at least three bids before choosing a contractor. That way you’ll get a better understanding of your options.

7. Get educated

The more you know about the job and what it takes to complete, the better prepared you’ll be to talk to contractors. It’ll help you ask the necessary follow- up questions rather than just smiling and nodding at whatever they say.

The bottom line

Even after following these seven steps, at the end of the day, choosing the right contractor comes down to trust. But how do you develop trust with someone you barely know? These guidelines aren’t a guaranteed way to do that, but they’ll give you a much better idea of the person and their company – before you sign on the dotted line.

Ready to take the next step?

If you (or someone you know) are taking on a renovation project, a HELOC from Citizens can help you unlock the full potential of your home. We provide an easy and efficient approval process and two repayment options for maximum flexibility. And our home equity specialists provide support at every stage of the process.