How to choose the best contractor for your home improvement project
Taking on a home improvement project is an enormous undertaking — a realm where dreams of better living meet the reality of budgets, timelines, and craftsmanship. To navigate these waters, finding the right contractor is essential. But how do you go about choosing the best one? Here, we’ll walk you through essential criteria and steps to ensure you find a contractor who’s a perfect fit for your project, budget, and expectations.
###### Do your homework
Before you even start making calls, it's critical to do your preliminary research. Begin with online reviews and ratings on reputable platforms like Angie's List, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, Houzz, Porch, and Bob Vila. These websites can give you a sense of what types of projects contractors specialize in, how they handle customer service, and the quality of their work. Try to focus on reviews that provide detailed feedback rather than general praise or complaints.
###### Get multiple quotes
It might be tempting to go with the first contractor who gives you a reasonable bid, but always get at least three quotes. This allows you to compare prices, scopes of work, and timelines. Make sure each contractor is bidding on the same specifications to make an apples-to-apples comparison.
###### Verify credentials and experience
A low bid might be enticing, but it could mean that the contractor is cutting corners or lacks the necessary experience. Verify their credentials: Are they licensed, bonded, and insured? Do they have experience with similar types of projects? Check the history of their business and ask for portfolios of completed projects.
###### Check references
Always check professional references. Ask for at least three references from recent clients and be sure to call each one. The conversations should focus on the contractor's reliability, quality of work, timeliness, and how they handled any problems that arose.
###### Understand the contract
A vital part of hiring a contractor is the contract. Make sure that it covers every aspect of the job: timelines, payment schedules, project scope, materials to be used, and warranties. Pay special attention to clauses about delays and how extra work will be handled. If something seems unclear, ask for clarification or seek legal advice.
###### Hold the money
Never pay for the entire project upfront. Establish a payment schedule tied to specific milestones or completion percentages. This ensures that you have leverage as the job progresses and discourages the contractor from abandoning the project midway.
###### Keep communication open
Open lines of communication can prevent many problems. Set the expectation for regular updates and progress reports. Ensure that you’re readily available to address questions or concerns promptly. Consistent communication helps to identify potential issues before they escalate into significant problems.
###### Watch for red flags
Be alert to red flags, such as the contractor asking for a large upfront deposit, being unwilling to put terms in writing, or having a pattern of negative reviews regarding their punctuality or work quality. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
###### Visit a current project
If possible, arrange to visit a current job site. This will give you first-hand insight into how the contractor operates. You’ll see their team’s work ethic, the cleanliness of the site, and how organized they are.
###### Follow up
After the project is completed, make sure to get a written lien waiver to confirm that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. A good contractor will also follow up to ensure you’re satisfied with the completed work.
###### Do your homework
Before you even start making calls, it's critical to do your preliminary research. Begin with online reviews and ratings on reputable platforms like Angie's List, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, Houzz, Porch, and Bob Vila. These websites can give you a sense of what types of projects contractors specialize in, how they handle customer service, and the quality of their work. Try to focus on reviews that provide detailed feedback rather than general praise or complaints.
###### Get multiple quotes
It might be tempting to go with the first contractor who gives you a reasonable bid, but always get at least three quotes. This allows you to compare prices, scopes of work, and timelines. Make sure each contractor is bidding on the same specifications to make an apples-to-apples comparison.
###### Verify credentials and experience
A low bid might be enticing, but it could mean that the contractor is cutting corners or lacks the necessary experience. Verify their credentials: Are they licensed, bonded, and insured? Do they have experience with similar types of projects? Check the history of their business and ask for portfolios of completed projects.
###### Check references
Always check professional references. Ask for at least three references from recent clients and be sure to call each one. The conversations should focus on the contractor's reliability, quality of work, timeliness, and how they handled any problems that arose.
###### Understand the contract
A vital part of hiring a contractor is the contract. Make sure that it covers every aspect of the job: timelines, payment schedules, project scope, materials to be used, and warranties. Pay special attention to clauses about delays and how extra work will be handled. If something seems unclear, ask for clarification or seek legal advice.
###### Hold the money
Never pay for the entire project upfront. Establish a payment schedule tied to specific milestones or completion percentages. This ensures that you have leverage as the job progresses and discourages the contractor from abandoning the project midway.
###### Keep communication open
Open lines of communication can prevent many problems. Set the expectation for regular updates and progress reports. Ensure that you’re readily available to address questions or concerns promptly. Consistent communication helps to identify potential issues before they escalate into significant problems.
###### Watch for red flags
Be alert to red flags, such as the contractor asking for a large upfront deposit, being unwilling to put terms in writing, or having a pattern of negative reviews regarding their punctuality or work quality. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
###### Visit a current project
If possible, arrange to visit a current job site. This will give you first-hand insight into how the contractor operates. You’ll see their team’s work ethic, the cleanliness of the site, and how organized they are.
###### Follow up
After the project is completed, make sure to get a written lien waiver to confirm that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. A good contractor will also follow up to ensure you’re satisfied with the completed work.