Choose the Right Contractor and Protect Your Home Investment
Choosing the right contractor is the best step you can make to protect your home improvement projects. Whether you’re investing in new construction or updating your kitchen, this is a significant commitment of your time, money, and peace of mind.
A poorly chosen contractor can derail your timeline, inflate your costs, and create legal and safety headaches. The good news? There are smart steps you can take to choose the right professional and protect your investment.
1. Start With Word-of-Mouth: Real People, Real Experiences
The most reliable recommendations often come from the people closest to you. Ask friends, family, neighbors, or even your real estate agent about their contractor experiences. Key questions to ask:
- Was the work completed on time and on budget?
- Did the contractor communicate well and solve issues quickly?
- Would you work with them again?
2. Consult Your Local Building Inspector
Your city or county building inspector sees contractor work every day. While they may not make formal referrals, inspectors often know which contractors consistently pass inspections and which ones struggle. A quick visit to your local permit office or a phone call can give you valuable insight.
3. Verify Contractor Licensing and Credentials
Many states require contractors to be licensed and insured. This protects you from liability and ensures a minimum standard of quality. Use our City Links page to find licensing requirements in your area.
Also check your contractor’s status with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) and your state’s licensing board. Be wary of any professional who avoids this topic or is hesitant to show documentation.
4. Ask the Subcontractors and Suppliers
Talk to the people your contractor works with—plumbers, electricians, and suppliers. These professionals often know which contractors pay on time, manage projects well, and respect their crews. Their feedback can help you avoid contractors in financial trouble or those with poor reputations behind the scenes.
5. Look Beyond Online Reviews—But Don’t Ignore Them
Online reviews shouldn’t be your only resource, but they’re useful in identifying red flags. Check platforms like Angi, Houzz, Yelp, and Google. Look for patterns in reviews—consistent complaints about communication, project delays, or cost overruns are warning signs.
6. Always Get a Written Contract
A solid written contract is essential. It should clearly define:
- Scope of work
- Materials and brands used
- Payment terms
- Start and completion dates
- Warranty information
- The process for change orders
Never rely on verbal promises—protect yourself with detailed documentation.
7. Bonus Tip: Consider a Permit Consultant
Many homeowners don’t realize that one of the first steps in protecting their investment is permitting. A poorly managed permit process can delay or even void your project.
Working with a permit expert can streamline your approvals and ensure your contractor is following local codes. Learn more about Permit Expediting Services with Permit Place.
🚧 Don’t Skip the Permit Process
Local permitting requirements vary by city, but in almost every case, proper permits are legally required and crucial for resale value. If you’re unsure whether your project needs a permit, check out our City Permit Guides to get started.
Next Week: What Makes a Contractor “Great” (Not Just Good)
In our next post, we’ll cover the key traits that separate good contractors from great ones, including communication styles, problem-solving skills, and long-term project value. Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss an update.
Ready to make your project hassle-free from day one? Contact Permit Place today to see how we can help.