How to Find a Contractor for Home Renovations

 

You’ve decided to renovate your home — whether it’s a much overdue kitchen update, a bathroom refresh, or a complete redo. Exciting, right? Then you realize… now you need a contractor. Not just any contractor—you need the one who’s reliable, skilled, and won’t ghost you halfway through the project. No pressure.

 

 

Don’t worry! Finding the right contractor may take a little effort, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. I’ll break it down into three main steps. Grab your coffee, and settle in for a few minutes, so we can chat about the steps you’ll need to consider.

Research (and a little detective work) is the place to start.

Look Online (But Read Between the Lines): Finding contractors in your area is possible on platforms like Houzz, Thumbtack, or Angi. Look at reviews, but don’t stop after you look at their star rating. Read the reviews to see how contractors handle problems because every project has hiccups. 

Check Their Credentials: Are they licensed, insured and bonded? Ask for the proof. It’s not the time to take shortcuts – your home deserves someone who plays by the rules, and can troubleshoot problems legally if necessary.

Stalk Their Portfolio: Are the photos real? Are their previous job in line with what you are looking for? Some contractors do modern designs, some traditional finishes. Make sure they speak the same design language as you.

Meet the Contenders (and Trust Your Gut)

After you have a shortlist, it’s time to meet your potential candidates. This is important because you’re not just hiring skills, you’re hiring someone you’re going to be working closely with for weeks, maybe months.

Schedule Interviews: Yes, interviews. Prepare a list of questions to ask, like:

• For how long have you been in business?
• Have you done this kind of project before?
• When do you need this and what are your availability?
• Can you provide references?

Ask About Their Team: Do they do everything in-house or do they outsource some of the jobs? It doesn’t matter which one, but you’ll want to know who’s coming into your home.

Get Multiple Quotes (But Don’t Just Go for the Lowest): It’s not the cheapest option that’s always the best. Instead, look for value over price—what does your quote include? Are they using quality materials? If they’ve put thought into your project, a detailed estimate is proof of that.

Pay Attention to Communication: Did they show up on time? Do they listen to your ideas? Are they easy to talk to? A contractor who doesn’t take your concerns seriously during the interview could be a pain to communicate with later.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably isn’t you.

 

Seal the Deal (and Set Clear Expectations)

After you’ve found the right contractor, it’s time to get things official. Before you start dreaming about paint swatches and flooring samples though, there are a few more steps you need to take to ensure a smooth renovation.

Get Everything in Writing: Your best friend is a detailed contract. It should include:

• What they’ll do (scope of work)
• The timeline (Never pay 100% upfront!)
• Types of materials and brands to be used
• Unexpected issues and contingency plans

Set Up Regular Check-Ins: Decide on how often you’ll check in to see how things are going. Weekly updates? Bi-weekly walkthroughs? Learn how to oversee a home renovation with the best home renovation project management software available. It will make any renovation plans you put into place much easier. Communication needs to be clear so everyone is on the same page.

Prepare for the Unexpected: Renovations rarely go exactly the way you plan. Whether it’s a surprise hidden plumbing issue or a delay of materials, build in a little flexibility to your budget and timeline for the unexpected.

 

Bonus: Red Flags to Watch Out For When Hiring a Contractor

Choosing the right contractor is not only about identifying the good, it’s also about avoiding the not-so-good. Here are some red flags that should make you think twice before signing a contract:

1. Vague or Incomplete Estimates

If a contractor gives you a quote that’s just one number with no breakdown of costs, that’s a problem. A good contractor should give a detailed estimate of labor, materials, and possible extra costs. The vagueness of that estimate could lead to surprises, which will likely be of the expensive variety.

2. No References or Portfolio

A good contractor will provide references and show you their past work. If they can’t provide examples or they altogether dodge these requests, they may not be experienced—or be hiding something.

3. Pressure to Pay Upfront

You should always pay a deposit before work starts, but if a contractor demands more than 30 to 50 percent upfront, or even the full amount, that’s a big red flag. You should be getting paid as you go, not before a single nail has been hammered.

4. Inadequate Licensing and Insurance.

This one’s non-negotiable. You should only hire a contractor who is fully licensed and insured to work in your area. No insurance? If something goes wrong on the job site, that means you could be on the hook financially.

5. Poor Communication

Often, how a contractor communicates in the beginning stages is a good indicator of what they’ll be like in the future. Are they slow to respond? Dismissive of your ideas? Not easy to put a number on? If it’s already this hard before the project even starts, imagine how it will be mid-renovation.

6. Deals That Sound Too Good To Be True

If one contractor’s bid is so much lower than everyone else’s, go slow. Or, perhaps they’re cutting corners with materials or not accounting for labor costs. Remember: Good, proper work is done at a fair price.

7. No Written or Contract Agreement

Always start a project with a signed contract. Verbal agreements often cause problems later on. If a contractor is reluctant to document anything, it’s time to leave.

8. Overly Aggressive Sales Tactics 

If someone is forcing you to make a decision on the spot or is locking you into a deal with a “limited-time offer” step back. A good contractor will let you take your time and think about it before making your decision.

Why Are Red Flags So Important?

Hiring a contractor isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about protecting your home, your budget, and your sanity. By paying attention to these warning signs, you can avoid expensive mistakes and stressful situations in the future.

We Can Make This Easy for You

Here’s the deal: We can help if the idea of hunting for contractors, comparing quotes, and managing the project is too much. We do all the renovation work from start to finish at RemoteBuilder. Whether you’re across town or across the globe, we make your life easier by finding top-notch contractors, and managing timelines and budgets.

Think of us as your renovation dream team. You focus on enjoying the finished product, and we’ll take care of the rest. Ready to get started? Let’s chat.