Do you need to have some work done on your home? Have you heard all the horror stories of home improvement projects gone wrong? Are you worried that this might happen to you?

Have you been asking:

• How will I know if the contractor I hire is trustworthy?

• How can I know if my contractor is ripping me off?

• How can I tell if my contractor’s work is good?

• How will I know if my contractor will complete my project on time and on budget?

A personal anecdote: When my sister needed a contractor

Recently, my sister bought a home that needed some updating. Since she lives 1200 miles away, our company was unable to complete the projects for her. So, she asked me for advice on hiring the right contractor. 

Home improvement projects can be daunting, especially with all of the things that can go wrong. As a big brother, I wanted to ensure that my sister felt safe and secure in her home improvement indevours. I felt like it was important for her to learn how to find a trustworthy contractor and ensure the job was done right.

What follows is the advice I gave her (in a more structured format). You might be surprised by what I told her!

Hopefully, you will also find it valuable as you navigate your remodeling projects.

What should I consider when choosing a contractor?

Let’s start with the basics: 

Clearly define the project

The first step in hiring a contractor is figuring out what you need them to do. Start by determining the tasks required for your project. For example, if you need new flooring, decide which type of flooring you desire, which rooms will get new flooring, and whether the baseboards or stair treads also need replacing. While you are at it, it is helpful if you consider the design details you desire, like what color you would like the flooring to be and which direction the floor planks will go.

Identify the right type of contractor

You might only need a painter if the project is painting your bedroom walls, but larger projects, like a bathroom remodel, will require multiple trades like carpentry, plumbing, tiling, and painting. For complex projects, like a bathroom or kitchen remodel, consider hiring a general contractor (GC) who will manage all of the trades involved.

What is a general contractor?

A general contractor (GC) manages large projects, ensuring that everything gets done properly, efficiently, and to the homeowner’s satisfaction. A good GC focuses on planning, communication, and managing relationships more so than performing the tasks themselves. A GC should understand your vision, schedule the project tasks, and use their network of tradesmen to get the project done. This coordination ensures efficiency and quality, and a good GC can often leverage their relationships with their trade partners to get better pricing and priority than a homeowner could get on their own.

What is a trade contractor?

Trade contractors specialize in executing specific tasks within a construction project, focusing on completing tasks and installations in their specialized area rather than overseeing the entire project. Plumbing contractors, electrical contractors, and painting contractors are some examples of trade contractors.

On projects that include tasks that are outside of their expertise, trade contractors work closely with the general contractor to interpret project plans, coordinate schedules, and ensure high-quality workmanship in their respective trades. 

To learn more about the different types of contractors and what each of them does, check out our article here: What kind of contractor do I need for my project?

Assess the contractor’s capabilities

When you start interviewing contractors, consider the following:

Scope and Design Details 

Can they complete the scope and understand your design requirements?

Technical Expertise: 

Have they done this type of project before? Have they proven themselves capable?

Planning and Communication Skills: 

Did they arrive on time? Did they communicate effectively?

Good planning and communication are vital for project success!

Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured. 

Insurance is crucial for protecting both you and the contractor.

While not all states have contractor licensing, it's important to verify if it's required in your area. 

The states of New Hampshire and Maine, where our company operates, do not have licensing requirements for general contractors. However, other states (such as the state where my sister lives) differ. It’s important to find out what is required in your locale and to verify that your contractor adheres to these regulations.

Be specific about your needs. 

Clearly outlining your expectations for communication, timeliness, and the scope of work will go a long way in ensuring that you have a good experience with a contractor.

Mentally walk through the project from start to finish and consider what the ideal construction experience would be like. Equally, consider what would make the project a nightmare/failure.  The clarity this exercise brings will help you set the right expectations and choose the right contractor.

Without clear expectations, comparing contractors becomes challenging. Knowing what you need and expect will help you make an informed decision.

How do I find a trustworthy contractor?

Now that you’ve found a contractor who seems capable, reliable, and trustworthy, how do you know if they are telling the truth? This is where verifying their track record and credentials comes in.

How to verify contractor credentials

It's essential to verify the credentials of any contractor you're considering:

Check with licensing boards 

Confirm the contractor’s license with the state or local licensing board.

Verify insurance 

Ask for proof of insurance and verify it with the insurance provider.

Questions to ask contractor references

Talking to past clients helps verify a contractor’s reliability. But, a good reference is only as good as the person referring. When considering references, ensure the referrer shares your values. 

For example: If quality is your priority, but the reference values cost over quality, their positive feedback might not align with your expectations.

So, be sure to ask questions based on your values:

• Detail-Oriented: What was the process like? Were they thorough and organized?

• Communication: How communicative were they? Were there any surprises?

• Cost: How did their pricing compare? Were there any unexpected costs?

• Efficiency: How quickly did they complete the project? Were there any delays?

How to avoid contractor scams and overcharging

Feeling "ripped off" often stems from unmet expectations rather than cost. Be sure to set clear expectations and ensure the contractor can meet them to avoid disappointment.

Insist on a detailed estimate

Vague estimates often lead to budget overruns. Avoid them! Ensure the scope of work, design details, and all costs are clearly outlined in the proposal. Insist on a fixed price agreement and make all design decisions upfront to avoid surprises that can alter the project cost.

What are red flags to avoid when hiring a contractor?

Be aware of warning signs that might indicate a problematic contractor:

Lack of written contract

Scammers often avoid documentation, for obvious reasons. A contract protects the homeowner as much as it protects the contractor. Do your due diligence and ensure everything is documented!

No references 

Reputable contractors should be able to provide references. A contractor who can’t provide references is suspect.

Upfront payment demands 

Be cautious if a contractor demands full payment upfront.

It is common for a contractor to require a portion of the contract price to be paid upfront. But, full payment upfront is generally a reason to be suspicious.

How do I compare contractor bids and quotes?

Every contractor does things a little differently. Often, no two quotes will look exactly alike. When comparing contractor bids, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

Review the scope of work 

Ensure the quote includes a detailed scope of work, clearly defined product selections, and a guaranteed cost. Vague scopes of work and/or undefined costs have a way of causing cost and timeline overruns down the line. 

A note on line item estimates: It is fairly common for specialty trade contractors (like flooring contractors) to provide line item estimates, but it is uncommon for general contractors to do the same. In our experience, having hundreds of line items on a large project estimate often creates confusion, not clarity. So, we find that, for most homeowners, it is more important to have a clearly defined scope of work with detailed product specifications, even if that quote just has one number at the bottom.   

Compare apples to apples 

If I may be blunt: when you ask a contractor to provide a quote without giving them a detailed scope of work that outlines every single task, and every associated material selection, they will just guess at what you want! And, no, I’m not making this up! It’s a real problem in our industry. 

So, make sure you compare similar scope, material selections, and quality of work across different bids! 

Ask questions 

If something is unclear in a bid, ask for clarification, and get it in writing.  

What communication should I expect from a contractor? 

As we discussed earlier, it’s important to set expectations with your contractor. Good communication is critical in construction projects. So, consider setting these communication expectations:

Regular updates 

Expect regular updates on the project’s progress.

Point of contact 

Ensure there is a clear point of contact for any questions or issues.

Written change orders

Require any changes to the scope of work or material selections to be confirmed by you, in writing.

What is the role of a homeowner in the remodeling process?

Homeowners play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth project. No one knows your needs better than you do, and no one is more qualified to make decisions for your project. So, please:

Stay involved

Regularly check on the progress.

Be decisive 

Make timely decisions to avoid delays.

Provide feedback 

Offer feedback and address concerns promptly.

Closing thoughts

By following this guide, you can confidently hire a contractor who meets your needs and ensures a smooth, successful project. If you feel our company aligns with your values, we'd love to discuss how we can help transform your home in Seacoast New Hampshire, or Southern Maine! Contact us today!