For most people, their homes are their biggest investments, and it can be hard to find a contractor you can trust to work on it. Host Kevin O’Connor met with some of the team to talk about how to vet a contractor before hiring them for a project.
Check for Licenses and Insurance
Master electrician Heath Eastman says that when you’re dealing with a trade that requires a license, check for that license first. Ask to see the license, then check the licensing board online to verify it’s valid. And, of course, make sure they have insurance as well.
Third-Party Certifications
Building engineer Ross Trethewey says third-party certifications are a big factor for him. He looks for companies that pursue further education and training and that invest in their employees to make them better tradespeople. Third-party certifications can prove their commitment and that technicians are prepared and trained on specific brands and systems.
Watch Out for Low Bids
Heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey says to watch out for the lowest bid. In most cases, higher bids will come from companies with licenses and certifications, that attend training, and that file the right permits, while low bids may not. It’s great to save money, but not at the expense of the project’s quality.
General contractor Tom Silva added to this. He says you’ll forget about the extra money you paid to have the job done right, but you’ll regret taking the low bid and having to spend even more money down the line to repair or replace the low-quality project they leave behind.
Community Investment
Richard adds that you should look around town and see who’s invested in the local community. This can look like sponsorships of local sports teams or simply logoed vehicles regularly seen in town. Seeing the same names around town usually means the companies have been around and feel more accountable to their neighbors, delivering reputable projects.
Follow Up on References
General contractor Tom Silva says most people know to ask for references, but they don’t follow up. Tom says to contact the reference, ask questions, and, when possible, visit job sites to see how the contractor runs a project. Is it neat and clean, or does it seem like a poorly-run disaster? It’s important to know.
Treat Hiring Like Dating
General contractor Zack Dettmore treats long-term relationships with contractors like dating. He looks for trust, honesty, and a sense of being heard. When considering a contractor, dig through their social media to learn as much as possible and look for red flags, such as AI-generated images and negative reviews.
Know Who You Need
Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada says it’s important to know who you actually need. Do you need landscape maintenance or landscape construction? One involves the process of designing, building, and coordinating with subcontractors, while the other is the aftercare required. Knowing what you need and the type of contractor to provide is key to vetting the right pro for a solid relationship.
Master carpenter Nathan Gilbert echoes the same idea. He says it’s important to understand the project you’re hiring for and who you actually need. Simpler projects may need a handyman, while middle-of-the-road carpentry projects may need a carpenter, and large-scale renovations require a general contractor. It’s important to find a contractor who specializes in those types of projects rather than vetting pros who won’t even be interested in your job.
