How to Hire a Contractor for Home Renovations

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Hiring a Contractor List Hiring a contractor for a home improvement project can be overwhelming, especially if it's the first big project you've ever done. If you're not sure where to start, we've got a handy checklist full of tips for finding a good contractor, including questions to ask and how to protect yourself during the process.

Hiring a Contractor: Checklist

Start with Referrals

  • The first step to finding a good contractor is to start with referrals from family, friends and neighbors. In addition to word of mouth recommendations, it is important to research directories, references and reviews from professional organizations from previous clients. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is a great resource for finding reputable remodelers near you. Additionally, most reputable businesses have review listings that you can find with a simple online search of the business name on Google, Yelp, or Angie's List.

Ask the right questions

  • Renovating a home is a time-consuming and expensive 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 potential clients, review the points below to make sure you address the most important questions before hiring a contractor.

Questions from the contractor

1. How long have they been in business?

2. Do they have experience with the type of work you have to do?

3. Are they licensed and insured to work in your area? Can they show evidence?

4. Does this project require a permit? If this is the case, make sure the contractor gets all the necessary permits before starting work. 5. Can they share a reference list?

6. When are they ready to start work?

7. How do they plan to ensure adequate security measures during the project?

How do you protect yourself when hiring a contractor? A clear and comprehensive agreement is absolutely necessary. The contract must be in writing, signed and dated, and must include the following:

Everything you expect from the job, including any verbal promises or guarantees.

  • 1. Scope of work, including cost.
  • 2. Detailed schedule of all phases of the project with start and end dates.
  • 3. Established payment schedule. 4. List of suppliers and subcontractors.
  • 5. Confirmed contact details and permanent address of the company.
  • 6. Confirmation of license, insurance and all necessary permits.

Consequences of meeting deadlines, exceeding budget or not following a contract.

If something in the contract seems unclear, speak up and ask questions so that nothing in the contract surprises you.

Tips for Hiring a Contractor


1. Look for Hidden Fees

While having a written contract is important, it is equally important to understand what is not included in the contract. Be wary of contractor bids that include "cost plus" and "time and material" pricing models with no maximum budget limit, as hidden fees can add up quickly. It also helps to be prepared with your home improvement budget to make sure you and the contractor line up financially.

2. Get Multiple Quotes

Another valuable tip for hiring a contractor is that the cheapest remodeler is not always the best, and price often reflects quality. Get quotes from at least three different contractors, as multiple quotes will give you a comparison of how much it is reasonable to charge for their services in your area.

Trust your gut

Red flags to look out for when starting to work with a contractor are:

  • 1. A contractor who refuses to sign a written contract. 
  • 2. Please pay in cash or pay the full price in advance.
  • 3. The entrepreneur does not have a business address.
  • 4. A contractor who does not get a work permit (probably not registered in the city).

If you have any doubts or discomfort reading these tips for hiring contractors, be careful or proceed completely. Your feelings are probably right and you should work with a contractor you can trust.

Tips for working with a contractor

In addition to hiring a contractor, we also have some helpful tips for working with a contractor. First, create a plan for how and how often you will communicate with your contractor. Second, make sure employees are comfortable and establish ground rules for parking, bathroom and other issues that may come up during the project.

Keep a folder where you can keep track of all documents, guarantees and payment receipts. Schedule a final audit to ensure work is completed and ensure all subcontractors and suppliers are paid before final payment is made. We recommend that you ask for a receipt marked "Most Paid" as a reference when you make your final payment.

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