The contractor you choose matters more than almost any other decision in a renovation. A little diligence upfront prevents the horror stories of unfinished work, blown budgets, and shoddy results.
Get multiple quotes
Get at least three written quotes for the same scope so you can compare fairly. Be wary of a bid far below the others — it often means missing scope, cheap materials, or a plan to pad costs later with change orders.
Check references and licensing
Ask for recent references and actually call them, and ask to see past work. Confirm the contractor carries liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, and that they pull the required permits — unpermitted work becomes your problem.
Get it in writing
A solid contract spells out the scope, materials, price, payment schedule, timeline, and how changes are handled. Avoid large upfront payments; tie payments to milestones and hold a final amount until the work is complete and inspected.
Watch for red flags
Pressure to decide immediately, cash-only deals, no written contract, no permits, and reluctance to provide references or proof of insurance are all reasons to walk away.