Most remodeling horror stories trace back to one decision: who you hired. The good news is that vetting a contractor well takes about two hours of effort and follows a repeatable process. Here is the exact 7-step checklist we recommend to every homeowner.
Identical projects routinely get bids 30–50% apart. Three itemized bids show you the real market price and expose outliers. A suspiciously low bid usually means skipped prep, thinner materials, or change orders later. On ConstructHelp you post once and pros bid competitively, which compresses this step from weeks to days.
Ask for the license number and check it on your state contractor board website — do not accept a photo of a card. Then ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming you as certificate holder for both general liability and workers’ comp. An uninsured worker injured on your property can become your liability.
Ask past clients three questions: Did the project finish on budget? How did the contractor handle the inevitable surprise? Would you hire them again? Also ask to see a project photo or drive by. Recent references matter more than a long portfolio — crews and subcontractors change.
One angry review means little; three reviews mentioning "stopped showing up" is a pattern. Look for how the contractor responds to criticism — professional replies to bad reviews are a green flag. ConstructHelp profiles show verified reviews tied to real completed jobs.
A one-line quote ("Remodel bathroom: $18,000") is unenforceable. You want line items: demolition, materials with brand/model, labor, permits, cleanup, and allowances with realistic numbers. Vague allowances are where budgets die.
Reasonable deposits are 10–15% (or the cost of special-order materials). A contractor demanding 50% before starting is financing their last job with your money. The safest structure is milestone payments tied to completed work — exactly what ConstructHelp escrow automates: funds are held securely and released only when you approve each stage.
Start and substantial-completion dates, payment schedule, change-order process (written, priced, signed), who pulls permits, daily work hours, cleanup, and lien waivers on final payment. If a contractor resists putting any of this in writing, that is your answer.
Post your project once — verified, insured local pros send you free competing quotes, and escrow protects every payment.
Get 3 Free QuotesThree itemized quotes is the sweet spot — enough to see the market price and spot outliers without dragging the decision out for weeks.