Avoid stress, save money, and protect your home with these smart hiring tips.
Finding a trustworthy home contractor can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—especially when your leaky roof, outdated kitchen, or unfinished basement is begging for attention. With so many contractors out there, how do you know who’s legit, who’s overpriced, and who might leave you hanging halfway through the job?
Here’s a simple, practical guide to help you find reliable home contractors in your area—without the headache.
1. Start with Word of Mouth
Ask friends, neighbors, or coworkers who they’ve hired in the past. Personal recommendations are gold. Most people are eager to share both their horror stories and their success stories, so you’ll know who to avoid and who to call.
Pro Tip: Local Facebook groups and neighborhood apps like Nextdoor are great places to ask for recommendations.
2. Verify Licenses and Insurance
Never skip this step. A contractor should be licensed to work in your state and carry liability insurance and workers’ comp. It protects you in case of accidents or damage.
You can usually check a contractor’s license through your state’s official licensing board website.
3. Check Online Reviews (But Read Between the Lines)
Google, Yelp, and Angi (formerly Angie’s List) can give you a sense of a contractor’s reputation—but look for patterns. One or two bad reviews aren’t a dealbreaker, but repeated complaints about poor communication or unfinished work are red flags.
4. Ask for References
Any reliable contractor should be happy to give you names and numbers of recent clients. Call a few and ask:
Were they on time?
Did they stick to the budget?
Was the quality of work up to par?
Would you hire them again?
5. Get Multiple Bids—But Don’t Automatically Go with the Cheapest
Getting 2–3 estimates will help you understand the average price for your project. But beware of a bid that’s significantly lower than the others—that could mean they’re cutting corners or planning to hit you with surprise charges later.
6. Put Everything in Writing
Before any work begins, make sure you have a detailed written contract that includes:
Payment schedule
Project timeline
Specific materials being used
Who’s responsible for cleanup
Warranty terms
If a contractor won’t give you a contract, walk away.
7. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off—rushed conversations, pushy sales tactics, vague answers—it’s okay to move on. You’re trusting this person with your home and your money. Go with someone who gives you confidence, not anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Finding a reliable home contractor in your area takes a little legwork, but it’s well worth it. The right contractor will save you time, stress, and money—and maybe even increase the value of your home.