How to Find the Right Contractor for Your Home Renovation

You may be able to repaint your own walls or even do a DIY bathroom remodel. But some renovation work, like fixing roofing tiles or overhauling your kitchen, requires the help of a professional. And not just any professional—a trustworthy contractor who performs work well and on budget. 

Searching for a contractor can be a stressful task. You want quality, reliable services, and you might not have a strong lead. 

The good news is that there are a lot of qualified contractors out there, and if you search wisely, you’ll find the right fit. Here are 10 tips on landing the perfect contractor match for your home renovations.

1. Ask your realtor for recommendations

Typing “contractors near me” into a search engine and hoping for great results is a daunting proposal. Start your search, instead, by asking your real estate agent for a reliable contractor recommendation. These professionals have helped many homeowners prepare their properties for sale and they can point you in the direction of the right contractor.

And if you decide to perform a search on your own, be sure to ask the contractors you find for referrals. Reading reviews of their services, when available, can also provide helpful metrics and background information. Check the Better Business Bureau for ratings, as well. This outlet helps consumers like you gauge a business’s trustworthiness. 

2. Interview potential contractors

Even if the first contractor you speak with seems ideal, shop around. Interview several before making a choice. Ask about years of experience and for samples of past work, and be sure to hit key questions (like the ones described below on bids, licensing, and insurance). Make sure the communication seems clear and comfortable from the start. You’re about to undertake a major task with this professional, and you want the relationship to feel right. 

Interviews also provide you an opportunity to describe the scope of work to the contractor and get a firm sense of whether they have the bandwidth and experience to take it on. 

3. Practice patience 

Reputable contractors likely have a waiting list, so prepare for some downtime before starting your renovation project. Build this time into your projections, especially if you’re planning to put your home on the market soon and doing so depends on finishing upgrades and repairs first. 

Although it may be tempting to go with a more readily available contractor, trusting your gut and research and waiting for the best fit is ultimately a sound choice. After all, a professional who performs tasks correctly and on schedule can save you time (and money) in the end. 

4. Compare estimates

After you’ve interviewed contractors and narrowed down your list, ask for bids—and prepare to pay for them. While contractors might provide a general estimate for free, they’ll likely charge for a careful, itemized price quote that accurately considers the scope of work and materials. If your budget’s tight, only pay for estimates from the contractors you’re serious about, or compare general numbers across various and do a formal, paid bid with the professional you intend to work with.

5. Check the contractor’s licenses 

Contact your state’s labor office and check whether the potential contractor has the correct licenses to perform the work. This way, you can feel more confident hiring a person with the right know-how to complete tasks safely and correctly. 

6. Check insurance 

Another important box to tick off is whether the contractor has insurance. Insured contractors are protected from on-the-job errors and accidents. You wouldn’t want to be liable for paying costs associated with, say, a fall or damage to your home done by this professional. So, ask to see the contractor’s certificate of insurance (COI) before moving forward.

7. Sign a contract

Sign a contract and protect your interests, time, and funds. This legal document gives you the chance to clearly outline timelines, expectations, costs, and payment terms with the contractor, avoiding future confusion or disappointments. Be sure the contract includes: 

• The contractor’s details (name, address, insurance policy, and license)

• The scope of work and the timeline on which it should be performed 

• The payment schedule and terms 

• Any permit requirements the contractor needs to obtain 

• Guarantees (promises that each party must uphold)

• A termination clause that explains the proceedings should either party decide to end the agreement 

• Both parties’ signatures

8. Give a deposit (and only a deposit)

It’s a wise idea to only pay the contractor a part of their earnings upfront and wait to make the final payment until the work has been correctly finished. Depending on the contractor, you may be asked to pay anywhere from 10 to 30 percent before starting the project. Be sure to establish this stipulation in the contract, so that each party knows what to expect. 

When you make the deposit payment, avoid using cash, as it is hard to trace. You might need proof of having deposited the funds or of their having been cashed (in the case of a check) as a receipt or to settle a dispute. 

9. Expect extra fees and time

Many people hold to an adage about contractor’s work: that it takes longer and is more expensive than expected. The adage rings true. One international study showed that 85 percent of construction projects go over budget, and a survey by Angi (formerly Angie’s List) cites that over 50 percent of home renovation projects take longer than slated. So, expect the expected as you start your home improvement project. Build in an extra budget of at least 10 percent and prepare for delays, especially if you're on a tight timeline to get your home on the market. 

You might consider building delays and extra expenses into your contract, outlining exactly how much more time and money could be made available in an emergency. That way, the contractor knows from the start that significant changes to the budget or timeline won’t work. 

10. Maintain strong communication 

Communication is key in any relationship, and the one you have with your contractor is no different. You start building excellent communication by interviewing the contractor and clearly outlining terms in a contract, and you can continue having a strong conversation by maintaining transparency throughout the renovation project. Highlight how important it is to know about unseen costs and delays. And check in on the timeline and budget frequently to limit unpleasant surprises—like finding out your renovation will cost another several thousand dollars you don’t have on hand. 

Work with a realtor and get reliable referrals

Professional home renovation contractors get your property in the best possible shape before it enters the market. A turnkey, repair-free home can attract buyers and score a higher selling price. So, properly-made renovations often pay off, and getting a good contractor can ensure quality work. And your realtor can guide you toward the right professionals for the job.

When you partner with a Titus-affiliated agent, you can rest assured that you’re working with one of the industry’s top realtors. They’ll guide you through the entire process—from home repairs to paperwork—of making a successful sale. Plus, Titus partner agents also have exclusive access to closing lines of credit (CLoCs)—zero-interest funds you can use to upgrade your property or cover a rental to live in while your home turns into a job site Learn how it works here.