6 Tips and Tricks for Finding the Right Contractor

*Updated February 5th, 2025

Taking on a home improvement project—whether it’s a small renovation or a full-scale remodel—is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges? Finding the right contractor to bring your vision to life. With so many options out there, how do you make sure you’re hiring someone reliable, experienced, and the right fit for your project?

A great contractor does more than just complete the job. They coordinate subcontractors, manage permits and payments, work with architects, source materials, and provide expert guidance throughout the entire process. Choosing the wrong one can lead to delays, unexpected costs, and unnecessary stress, so taking the time to vet your contractor properly is key to a smooth and successful project.

To start, ask potential contractors important questions like:

• How long have you been in business? Experience matters, especially for complex projects.
• Do you have experience with this type of project? Not all contractors specialize in the same things.
• Are you licensed and insured? This protects both you and the contractor.
• Do you have references? Speaking with past clients can give you valuable insight into their work.
• What’s the estimated cost and timeline? Clear expectations upfront can prevent surprises later.

These are just the basics. To make sure you hire the right contractor—not just any contractor—follow these six key tips to find a pro who will get the job done right.

1. Shop Around

Explore options first and foremost! Ideally, you could collect at least three different quotes from different contractors. Start with recommendations via friends and family. You can also compare contractor profiles online, and request pictures and references from their previous projects.

Aside from cost, your evaluation should also include the qualifications of prospective hires. Not only should you consider cost and experience with similar work in the past, but also be sure to inquire about prior projects to provide insight into their expertise. Take into account any requirements needed for completion and ask potential contractors how they plan on meeting them.

2. Interview Potential Fits

Once you’ve covered all your bases with research, continue to narrow down your search with interviews via phone or in person. Take note of their communication style and make sure it meshes for what you’re looking for. Do they prefer email? Would they rather communicate through texts or calling?

Home projects can be lengthy and require an open communication style in the event that questions or issues arise throughout the project. Finding the right contractor can be a challenge, so take your time throughout this phase to pick the best person to assist in making your dreams a reality.

3. Request Proof of Licensing and Insurance

Safeguard yourself and your property from any surprises down the road by verifying a contractor’s licensing status prior to agreeing to their services. Don’t get taken advantage of – check with the state and local government to confirm they are compliant with all legal requirements. Take ownership of your investment by making sure any prospective contractors can provide valid documentation across the board.

4. Put a Payment Plan in Place

Working out an appropriate payment schedule is key to success with any home project. This step gives insight into their financial stability and sense of any professionalism. Most contractors request an initial down payment prior to beginning work, and depending on the level of expense for supplies this could be higher up front.

A good rule of thumb following the initial down payment is to follow with additional payments as milestones are met or exceeded. Once everything has been completed according to agreed contracts and plans – including lien releases, passing final inspections and completing all punch list items – only then should you finish up the final 10% of the invoice.

5. Set Expectations

Prior to signing a contract, give the potential contractor guidelines for working in or around your home. Without clear communication from the start, it may not be possible for a contractor to accommodate your needs. Make sure you provide all necessary details upfront if an exact timeline and specific boundaries are required – this way, both parties can decide whether or not accepting the job is viable.

This also includes understanding responsibilities for both parties. For example, you may have to move everything out of a room in order for it to be painted, or even something as small as keeping your pets out of the backyard during certain work hours.

6. Put it in Writing

Writing and signing a written and agreed upon contract between you and your contractor greatly lowers the possibility of an issue arising. You can avoid potential blunders simply by having a clear and comprehensive contract. Doing this will put everyone on the same page and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

This agreement outlines everything necessary for a successful project, including the materials to be used and who will pay any subcontractors involved. It also provides a detailed description of the work being done and includes dispute resolution procedures. Guarantees on both material quality and craftsmanship should be provided along with start and end dates to help all parties involved track progress.

With the proper precautions in place, finding the right contractor doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By being clear about your goals, getting everything in writing, and vetting your potential contractors carefully, you can avoid many of the headaches that come with home improvement projects. And if things do go wrong, remember that open communication is the key to solving conflicts.

Final Thoughts

FAQs:

What is a qualified contractor?

A qualified contractor has relevant experience, appropriate licensing and insurance to work on your project. They will answer any questions to the best of their ability as they come up throughout the project, and will have a payment process in place.

How do I know if a contractor is a scammer?

Unfortunately, there are scam artists posing as contractors looking to cheat you out of your money. There are some red flags when it comes to recognizing a scam, including but not limited to:

• No insurance
• No license
• Requires cash payment upfront
• No references
• Difficult to contact
• No written contract

What should you not say to a contractor?

A few things to steer clear of when communicating with a contractor for your home project include:

• Don’t tell a contractor you aren’t in a hurry
• Don’t give them permission to choose the materials
• Don’t tell a contractor they are the only one bidding on the job
• Don’t tell a contractor your budget

Additional Home Improvement Resources

• The ROI of Common Home Improvement Projects
• How to Stage a House for Sale Successfully
• Gutter Maintenance by Climate