The complete guide to hiring a contractor

1. Get clear on the job first

Before you call anyone, write a one-page description of what you want: the rooms involved, the result you're picturing, must-haves versus nice-to-haves, and a realistic budget range. Contractors bid more accurately, and more comparably, when everyone is quoting the same scope.

2. Build a shortlist

• Ask people you trust. Neighbors who've finished a similar project are the best source of referrals.
• Ask other trades. Lumberyards, tile shops, and building inspectors see who does careful work.
• Read reviews for patterns, not single stars. Look at how the contractor responds to complaints.

Aim for three to five candidates who regularly do the type of work you need.

3. Verify before you meet

• License: Look up the license number on your state's contractor licensing board site. Confirm it's active and covers your type of work.
• Insurance: Ask for certificates of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, sent directly from the insurer.
• Complaints: Check your state attorney general or consumer protection office.

4. Compare bids apples to apples

Ask each contractor for a written, itemized bid. A useful bid breaks out labor, materials, permits, demolition and disposal, and allowances for items you haven't chosen yet (like tile or fixtures).

The lowest bid isn't a bargain if it leaves out what the others included.

If one bid is far below the rest, ask what's missing. Unrealistic allowances are a common way to look cheap up front.

5. Read the contract

Your contract should include:

• A detailed scope of work and the specific materials or brands
• Start date, estimated completion date, and how delays are handled
• Total price and a payment schedule tied to completed milestones
• Who pulls permits (usually the contractor) and who pays for them
• A change-order process: every change in writing, with price, before work starts
• Warranty terms for labor and materials
• Lien waivers from the contractor and major subcontractors as you pay

6. Pay smart

Keep the deposit modest. Many states cap it by law, often around 10% or a fixed dollar amount. Pay by check or card so there's a record, never in cash. Hold back the final payment until the punch list is done and the final inspection has passed.

7. Red flags

• Door-to-door offers, especially after a storm
• Pressure to sign today, or a "special price" that expires
• Requests for a large upfront payment or cash only
• Suggesting you pull the permit yourself
• No physical address, or a phone number that only takes voicemail

8. During and after the job

Agree on a weekly check-in. Keep a simple project log with dates, photos, and decisions. At the end, walk through with the contractor, make a written punch list, and collect warranties, manuals, and final lien waivers before the last check.