Home remodeling contractors can range from well trained professionals who do quality work and complete projects on time to unscrupulous, fly-by-night con men that can take your money and run.
So how do you know whether the contractor you’re considering hiring is reputable or not?
How to Find a Reputable Home Remodeling Contractor
Before calling contractors for estimates on your remodeling project, start by researching what’s involved in the project and have a good idea of what you want done. This can include sketching a layout of the kitchen, bath, or porch you have in mind, as well has collecting clipping you like of similar projects from magazines.
Next, ask friends, neighbors, and relatives for recommendations of contractors who have worked for them, then narrow the field to those contractors which handle the kind of work you want done.
Eliminate contractors who:
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- Don’t arrive on time for their appointment.
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- Seem disorganized or unsure of the work that’s involved.
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- Refuse to provide references or a contractor’s license.
- Provide very low or high estimates for the job.
Homeowner Questions to Ask Contractors
In addition to going over in detail what you expect from the job, ask each potential contractor the following questions:
Q: How long has the contractor been in business?
A: The longer the better. If the contractor has been in business less than five years, inquire as to whether they’ve filed for bankruptcy in the past.
Q: Will the contractor supply references for similar jobs?
A: If the contractor won’t or can’t supply references, consider it a big red flag. When you call to check on references, ask the homeowner if you can come by and see the work firsthand. Examine the work closely, and question the homeowner about what it was like working with the contractor.
Q: Is the contractor a member of the home builder’s association?
A: Call the local home builder’s association to check, and avoid any contractors who aren’t members in good standing.
Q: Is the contractor licensed, insured, and bonded?
A: Reputable contractors should carry both general liability and workman’s comp insurance as well as being bonded. Ask to see the license and write down the license number, then call the local home builder’s association and check to see if their licensed is up to date and if the contractor has any complaints against them on file. Also, call the Better Business Bureau and ask about any complaints.
Q: Does the contractor often do the type of work you have in mind?
A: Avoid contractors who don’t have extensive experience in the area of home improvement you plan to have done.
Q: When will the contractor be able to start the job?
A: Make sure the time frame the contractor gives is firm and works with your schedule.
Q: How long will it take the contractor to complete the job?
A: Is the contractor’s deadline firm, and what is the penalty if the job takes longer (make sure the penalty is big enough so it won’t be ignored).
Q: Will the contractor provide a detailed, written estimate?
A: Make sure the estimate details the work to be done, and that any limits on materials are enough to cover the expense for the items you plan to use.
Q: Will the contractor provide a contract for the job?
A: All but the most minor projects should include a detailed contract. Consider having your lawyer look over the contract to make sure it’s legally binding and protects your interests. If not, request specific changes.
Q: Do changes have to be agreed on in writing?
A: Make sure the materials—such as cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and flooring—are specified in the contract, and that any substitutions or changes in the work to be done require approval by the homeowner.
Q: Does the contractor require an advance, and if so how much?
A: Any advance payment before starting the job should be for no more the 10% to 20% of the total price (some states require no more than 10% in advance).
Q: Will additional payments be required during the job?
A: Any additional partial payments should be detailed in the agreement based upon completion of specific tasks. Make sure that at least 10% to 20% of the total job is still owed upon completion, and don’t make the final payment until the job is completely finished to your satisfaction.
Q: Will the contractor obtain building permits for the work?
A: All but the most basic repair jobs should have a building permit, with inspection and approval required for components—such as wiring or plumbing—as the job progresses. In addition, exterior work may require approval by a homeowner’s association or historic board.
Q: Will all subcontractors be licensed and certified?
A: Subcontractors—such as plumbers and electricians—should be licensed and certified in their area of expertise.
Q: Who is responsible for paying subcontractors?
A: The contractor usually handles payment to subcontractors, and this should be reflected in the agreement. Make sure all subcontractors have been paid in full before settling up with the contractor.
Q: Can the homeowner terminate the contract for cause?
A: Make sure there’s a provision in the contract allowing you to cancel the agreement if the job isn’t started on time, runs over, is not done to code, or uses materials not approved by the homeowner.
Further Information
- Avoiding Contractor Scams (article)
- How to Hire a Handyman (video)
- Do You Need a Contract? (article)
- How to Hire an Electrician (article)
- How to Hire a Plumber (article)
Need a bricklayer. Do they fall under terms noted above?? Have a door going to backyard off 1/2 bath in my house.the plan was for door to be used as away to get to the someday planned pool. Worked nicely for a backyard wedding we hosted. The door is put on backwards with the hinges on the outside. Other problems also. Now just wanting to close in. Brick up. Is this something you guys want to tackle & televised…or just suggest a bricklayer who will do small project. Have brick & name of mortar.
BE VERY CAREFUL!!! If the contractor starts a bullying tactic when you say something about what you don’t like. If he doesn’t show up when he states and doesn’t call…….IT IS TIME TO FIRE HIM!!!! I got taken by a guy that stands over 6′ and when I told him I didn’t like something…..he stated rather FIRMLY that it would be just fine when it was calked!!! Obviously, I am now in small claims court over this…..alot of heartache and self guilt for not firing him the first time he didn’t show up, no call, no excuse!!! Even if you have signed a contract, you should have the right to say what you think and it should be addressed. I thought the contract had me in his hand……SO DID HE!!!
I have a 25 year old deck that is structurally good, but needs a new look to replace the SHABBY CHIC appearance. I am a Senior Citizen and would like to do something that will not require frequent painting/staining. Have looked at available new products, but would like to avoid ongoing workmen. Worth paying more upfront and not be constantly looking for repairs. Any advice? Need an honest, dependable referral.
Knowing what you done and having a good idea as to how much it will/should cost by doing research and talking to friends is the best way to go. My parents recently had their kitchen remodeled by Rebath and Kitchens, only because of reviews and word of mouth. Still carries a lot of weight. this was a good read…Thanks!
This is a great article. I am a general contractor and I make a point to educate all my customers on the standard practices that protect both the customer and the contractor. It’s not uncommon for me to have tens of thousands of labor and materials into a project before I get paid so it’s also important on my end to have clear communication.
I hired a guy who has a little girl to raise…he said what he would do then did not. When I complained he wanted more money…are there vets or anyone out there that can really do a corner cabinet?
My wife and I are looking for a remodeling contractor to help us with our kitchen, so thanks for the tips. I like your point about ensuring if the contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded or not. I don’t want to be liable for any injuries or accidents, so we’ll be sure to check for proof of this.
I really like that you mentioned that you should contact your contractor and ask them about how long the job will take. I need to get my kitchen remodeled and I am hoping it will be done before thanksgiving dinner when all of my family will come over. I will be sure to ask my contractor about how long it will take.
Imagine hiring an inexperienced contractor and none of your desired styles came to reality, that’s what happened to us last time when we hired one that we just saw online. It’s really important that you go with an interview with the contractor before hiring them just like what you mentioned in your article. Ask them questions about their years in the service, their license and all the important ones that you also pointed out.
I’m glad I read this article on how to hire a contractor, it was helpful to see how good contractors differentiate from bad ones. I’ve been looking for the best and most responsible contractor I could to help me build my home. Thank you for the tips, I will be sure to ask these questions when I look for one.
Very impressive, I have been working with my friend, who wants to hire a contractor. I guess this post will going to help us.
My better half and I are planning a remodeling project for our guest house, and we are looking for advice to choose the right contractor. AWESOME recommendations to choose the right contractor. The hubs and I will be sure to use them!
The article has very good information. Home remodeling contractors can range from well-trained professionals who do quality work and complete projects on time to unscrupulous. Been there, and done that! Now time to check for references!