How to Choose a Contractor

Choosing the right contractor is the single most important decision in any home improvement project. These seven steps will help you prepare, evaluate, and select someone you trust to deliver what you’ve envisioned.

1. Define Your Project Before Getting Quotes

When selecting a contractor, contemplate your home improvement vision in detail before you begin searching. Understanding your preferred style, materials, and specific features enables accurate budgeting. If you’re uncertain, consulting an architect or designer can clarify your goals. While you should avoid unnecessary upgrades, strategic suggestions from a professional may enhance your desired outcome. Having a solid plan in place makes it easier to get comparable quotes from multiple contractors.

2. Think About the Type of Contractor You Want to Hire

After defining your project, identify the contractor category you need. General contractors oversee large construction or remodeling initiatives, typically subcontracting specialized services like plumbing or electrical work. Design-build contractors operate dedicated teams specializing in a particular aesthetic, often maintaining showrooms that display finishes, wood types, and design options so you can visualize your completed project before it begins.

3. Ask Friends and Family for Reputable References

Personal referrals are an excellent discovery method. The best way to find a contractor is to ask your friends, family, and neighbors — people who have been through a similar project. It also lets you have a real conversation with previous clients about the experience, the outcome, and whether they’d rehire. You may also be able to see the finished work firsthand.

4. Do Your Own Research and Explore Their Portfolio

Independently investigate potential contractors by examining their websites, social media, and customer reviews. This gives you realistic examples of their work and should provide a strong idea of what you can expect if you hire them.

5. Interview and Trust Your Gut

Conduct interviews to clarify expectations and assess compatibility. Contractors spend considerable time in your home, so developing a comfortable working relationship is essential. Trust your gut during this process — don’t hire anyone you wouldn’t want in your home all day.

6. Check Credentials and Licensing

Verify that your selected contractor holds proper licensing and any required credentials for the scope of work. Ask for documentation regarding qualifications, certifications, and insurance before the project commences.

7. Get Everything in Writing

Document all project details, requirements, timelines, and costs in a comprehensive contract. As you finalize the project’s specifications, agreed-upon requirements, timeline, and cost, make sure it’s all in writing before you begin. This protects against unexpected expenses and unauthorized modifications, and gives both sides a clear reference point throughout the build.