Hiring a Contractor: What to Know Before You Remodel

Apr 1

Looking for a Good Contractor When the Economy Is Shifting

Times are changing — and so is the economy. With high mortgage rates and rising home prices, many homeowners are choosing to stay put and invest in upgrades rather than sell and buy something new. But whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, finishing a basement, or tackling long-overdue repairs, hiring the right contractor can make all the difference. Here are some practical tips — and red flags — to help you make a smart choice.

5 Red Flags to Watch For

1. No License or Insurance

This one’s simple: walk away. Sure, an unlicensed contractor might offer a cheaper bid, but cheaper doesn’t mean better. A professional license and insurance aren’t hard to get — and typically cost less than 1% of your total project. These are the basics of doing legitimate business, and skipping them puts you and your home at risk.

2. “I Can Start Right Away!”

That might sound great, but in most markets, good contractors are busy — sometimes booked out six to twelve months. If someone with experience suddenly has wide-open availability, it’s worth asking why. There are exceptions, but in general, a solid reputation means a steady backlog. A good contractor is worth the wait.

3. Bad-Mouthing Other Contractors

This is a big red flag. Professionals let their work speak for itself. When someone feels the need to tear down the competition, it’s often a sign of insecurity — or past complaints. Good contractors don’t brag or bash others. They just build well and stand behind their work.

4. Home Builders Jumping into Remodeling

When new construction slows, builders often move into the remodeling market. While these crews can be skilled and fast, remodeling is a different ballgame. Old homes have quirks — they settle, sag, and surprise you with hidden issues. A remodeler needs to diagnose problems, adapt to uneven conditions, and bring things up to modern code — not just follow a blueprint. Remodeling takes time, experience, and a different mindset.

5. Asking for Most (or All) of the Money Up Front

This is a deal-breaker. If a contractor wants full or majority payment before work begins — and without a contract — run. Best case, they can’t manage their money or schedule. Worst case, they disappear after a few days. A reasonable deposit is normal; full prepayment is not.

Finding the Right Match

Ask Around

Your best leads often come by word of mouth — neighbors, friends, real estate agents, insurance reps, or even your local plumber or HVAC tech. Good contractors are easy to refer, and asking around can also reveal who to avoid.

Look at Recent Work

Satisfied clients are the best advertisement. Online reviews can help, but take them with a grain of salt. One bad review can unfairly damage a good contractor’s reputation — and not every client is easy to please.

A Note on Sites Like Angi or Yelp

Established contractors rarely rely on lead services. Those sites can be helpful for newcomers trying to build a portfolio, but once you’re established, most referrals come directly from past clients. Many pros find that leads from these sites attract “something-for-nothing” shoppers — not long-term clients.

What Contractors Look for in a Good Client

We spend plenty of time talking about how to find a good contractor, but the relationship goes both ways. Here’s what makes you the kind of client great contractors love working with.

1. Clear Communication

This is number one, hands down. Great projects run on good communication. When you hire a contractor, you’re essentially inviting them into your family for a time — your home, your pets, your routines. We take that trust seriously.

2. A Vision

Clients who know what they want (and stay flexible) make for the most rewarding projects. Every home is unique, and the best work happens when we collaborate to reimagine a space together.

3. Fully Funded Projects

You might think this should top the list — and while it’s critical, it’s not just about having endless funds. “Fully funded” means you’ve budgeted realistically, including a contingency for surprises. Things happen. Walls get opened. Issues appear. The best contractors help you anticipate and navigate those bumps so you can cross the finish line without stress.

Final Thoughts

In times of economic uncertainty, quality and integrity matter more than ever. Don’t rush. Do your homework. Ask questions. The right contractor won’t just finish your project — they’ll earn your trust for the next one.