How to Find the Best Contractor for You

No matter the project — replacing a roof, relocating light switches, repairing broken pipes, building an addition — you want to hire the best of the best. Avoid the hassle and stress of handling a project on your own by hiring a contractor, but make sure you plan properly and do your due diligence to find someone who suits your needs.

Stick with local businesses. These companies typically already have a good reputation in your area. Hiring a local contractor also means there’s less of a chance they will disappear, and you’ll have someone nearby in case you have questions or concerns about your project.

Ask friends and family for recommendations. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find reputable companies. Leverage people you know and ask questions about their experience. Did the contractor address concerns in a timely manner? Were their employees generous and hard working? Was the work completed on time and on budget?

Conduct interviews and meet face-to-face. If you want to be thorough, there’s nothing wrong with setting up a phone or in-person meeting. Making sure they can answer all your questions is important.

Have a clear vision for your project. If you’re short on details, you’ll likely get a large variety of answers from the contractors you’re considering. If you know exactly what you want, you can line up each company’s answers and estimates to make a more informed assessment.

Get everything in writing. Estimated schedule, projected cost, labor rates, materials used — everything should be outlined in writing. That way you have proof of everything the contractor has promised to you.

Confirm your point of contact and who is doing the work. There should be one person who can answer all your questions thoroughly. You also want to confirm that the contractor will indeed be doing the work themselves and that they disclose all subcontractors to you.

Price should only be one factor of many. Choosing the lowest bidder may mean the company doesn’t use quality materials or employ qualified workers. You may be better off going middle of the road, as they are more likely to be superior to their competition.

Ask the contractor for references. Just like a human resources director investigates a potential employee’s experience, see if the contractor can provide you with positive stories from past customers.

Check for reviews online. It doesn’t hurt to do a little bit of research before reaching out to a contractor, though keep in mind that anyone can leave a review online.

Don’t be turned off by busy companies. The fact that a contractor has a busy schedule is probably a good sign. They’re in high demand so customers must be fans of their work.

Do not pay up front. A good contractor likely won’t ask for payment before work begins. A deposit may be required for good faith, but you should receive a bill at the end of the project for the remaining balance.

Ask for the company’s credentials. You can always ask the contractor for credentials, such as their business license, insurance policy, warranty information, and permits. A good company shouldn’t hesitate to provide proof that they’re an established, legitimate business.

Check their safety record. One of the most important factors in hiring a contractor is making sure the contractor is safe. Every contractor should be able to send their employees home in the same condition they came to work.