Hiring a contractor for home renovations can be overwhelming, especially if this is the first big project you’ve ever taken on. If you’re unsure where to begin, we have a helpful checklist full of tips that will show you how to find a good contractor, including what questions to ask and how you can protect yourself throughout the process.

Hiring a Contractor: A Checklist

Start With Referrals

The first step in finding a good contractor is to start with referrals from family, friends and neighbors. Beyond word-of-mouth recommendations, researching professional organization directories, references and reviews from past clients is essential. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is a great resource for finding reputable remodelers near you. Beyond that, most trustworthy businesses will have review listings you can find with a simple online search of the business name on Google, Yelp or Angie’s List.

“If you’re in an area where there are a number of projects going on, take a contractor’s information down, begin your research online and visit their web site. Also, note how many times you’re seeing the contractors’ presence in your community. That’s a fairly decent sign that consumers are satisfied with the work and people are happy to refer them.”

Jody Costello | Contractors From Hell

Ask the Right Questions

Remodeling a home is a time-consuming and costly process. So when it comes to making sure your home is in good hands, you can never ask a contractor too many questions. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of prospects, refer to the points below to make sure you get to the most essential questions to ask before hiring a contractor.

“You need to make sure that any contractor you do business with has proven themselves in the past, and will be there if you need them in the future. Don’t just ask the contractor if they are stable, look for tangible proof of longevity and financial stability by asking for the following items: proof of business license, bank letter and insurance certificates, supplier reference letters and customer references.”

Rick Thomas | Thomas Custom Builders, Inc.

Questions to Ask a Contractor

“If you ask for references, be aware the references you’re about to receive will be positive. When following up on these references, you should be asking questions like: ‘What would you have done differently in working with [the contractor]?’, ‘What should I be prepared for?’, ‘Is there anything you didn’t like about working with them?’, and then you can go back to the contractor with specific concerns.”

Bryce Jacob | J.S. Brown & Co.

Put Everything in Writing

How do you protect yourself when hiring a contractor? Having a clear and thorough contract is absolutely necessary. The contract should be in writing, signed and dated, and include:

If any language seems unclear in the contract, speak up and ask questions so nothing in the agreement takes you by surprise.

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Look for Hidden Fees

While it’s important to have a contract in writing, it’s equally important to understand what’s not included in the contract. Watch out for contractor bids that include “cost plus” and “time and material” pricing models with no cap on maximum budget, as hidden fees can quickly add up. It also helps to be upfront about your home improvement budget to make sure you and the contractor stay on track financially.

Get Multiple Bids

Another valuable tip for hiring a contractor is that the least expensive remodeler isn’t always the best, and a lot of the time, price reflects quality. Review bids from at least three different contractors, as several quotes give you a point of comparison for what’s reasonable to pay for these services in your area.

“Homeowners should always look out for contractors who are ready to work and can start immediately – there’s a reason they’re available. If a contractor can’t answer your questions clearly either, that’s one of the things people need to be aware of as well. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and in construction, that’s usually the case.”

Bryce Jacob | J.S. Brown & Co.

Trust Your Instincts

Red flags to watch out for as you begin working with a contractor include:

“Biggest red flag: If they ask for a large deposit upfront. They’re likely behind on other projects and will use part of your money to fund another one. Illegal, of course, but it is done more often than you think.”

Jody Costello | Contractors From Hell

If you have any doubts or uneasy feelings as you review these contractor hiring tips, proceed with caution or move on altogether. Chances are, your feelings are justified, and you should be working with a contractor you can trust.

Tips for Working With a Contractor

Beyond how to hire a contractor, we also have some helpful tips for working with one. First, establish a plan for how you’ll communicate with your contractor, and how often. Second, make sure the workers are comfortable and set ground rules for parking, bathroom use and any other issues that may come up throughout the project.

“Whether the project is a complete renovation, a specific room remodeling project, or even new construction, a general contractor has the responsibility of fitting all the pieces and people together to complete the project. If they are not meeting their contractual obligations, discuss the issues with them as quickly as possible, to help alleviate concerns before they become major roadblocks.”

Anita Clark | Warner Robins Homes

Keep an organized folder to track all records, warranties and payment receipts. Schedule a final walk-through to ensure the job is complete and confirm all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid prior to making the final payment. We recommend requesting a receipt marked, “Paid in Full,” for your records when the final payment has been made.

You’re Ready to Hire a Contractor

There are many factors to consider when planning for your home renovation project, but by following our hiring-a-contractor checklist, being cautious and following your gut instincts, you can be confident the time and effort put into the project will be worth it.

Once you’ve hired the right contractor for the job, check out our post about how to budget for a home renovation . Additionally, you can learn even more about how to find a good contractor and tips for every aspect of your project in our DIY Home Improvement Guide .

Do you have any tips for hiring a contractor that we haven’t covered here? Share them in the comments below.