HOW TO HIRE A CONTRACTOR
By Justin Caballero
Hiring a contractor can be a stressful process if you do not know what to look for. Everyone has heard horror stories of contractors doing terrible work, walking off the job before finishing, taking forever to finish, and even stealing money and walking away without doing any work. All of these things actually are VERY common and they happen on a daily basis.
This is why it is so important to thoroughly vet a contractor before you hire them. Before entering into a contract and trusting a contractor to remodel your home, you should do your proper due diligence. Most people do not take the time to do this, and that is why they get burned.
An even worse scenario is that far too often homeowners know they are hiring unprofessional individuals to try to “get the job done cheaper” and it ends up coming back to bite them in the butt. It will actually cost someone WAY MORE money going this “cheaper” route…not to mention the severe headaches and time wasted that come with it. This article could also be properly titled, “Why to Usually NOT Go With the Lowest Bid.”
I’ve seen it dozens of times, and I’ve lived it myself one too many times. After personally remodeling hundreds of homes for clients and some of the largest private equity firms in the country, I have built a clear-cut guide that works on how to vet a professional and trustworthy contractor. I’ve vetted literally thousands of contractors over the past five years. Save yourself the hassle — really digest this article, and hire right the first time.
HOW TO VET A HOME REMODELING CONTRACTOR:
1. Better Business Bureau:
Look beyond the rating. Review complaint history and how the company resolved issues to gauge professionalism and accountability.
2. Awards & Accolades:
Prioritize companies recognized by reputable national industry organizations and not just local “popularity” awards.
3. Warranty:
Choose a contractor offering a minimum five-year warranty, backed by the financial strength and stability to stand behind their work.
4. Design Capabilities:
Ensure the company has experienced in-house designers who can thoughtfully plan, visualize, and execute your project from concept to completion.
5. Reviews:
Read reviews across multiple platforms (not just Google) to get a balanced, unbiased view of customer experiences.
6. Permits:
Verify permit activity on BuildZoom.com. Consistent permit history is a strong indicator the company follows proper codes and legal requirements.
7. Expertise & Experience:
Confirm that project managers, designers, and support staff have proven industry experience and a track record with projects similar to yours.
8. Licensed, Bonded & Insured:
Always verify credentials with your state licensing authority (MyFloridaLicense.com) to ensure the contractor is fully compliant and protected.
