Drew and Jonathan’s Tips on How to Hire the Right Contractor

So, you’re ready to start a home reno project? That’s wonderful! It’s exciting to see your vision come to life, especially inside your own home. But before you begin, you want to make sure you’re set up for success. And with any large home improvement project, of course, that means knowing how to hire a contractor to get big jobs done right. If you have no idea where to start, don’t worry: Drew and Jonathan are here with their tips to find and hire the right person for your remodeling project. With nearly 30 years of experience (they bought and renovated their first home in 1996!) under their tool belts, the Bros know better than anyone that hiring the right contractor can make or break your renovation.

Hiring a general contractor might seem like an easy enough task—ask around, make sure they’re accredited, get some examples of their work… But it’s so much more than that. You don’t want to hire just anyone. Plus, with such an important project, it’s critical that you take your time to understand what to look for, what to ask about, and how to spot any potential red flags before diving in. So, before you start tearing down any walls yourself, take note of Drew and Jonathan’s tips here to get you started off on the right foot! To help you feel even more confident, our editors are also tackling some common questions below, too.

Drew and Jonathan’s Expert Tips to Hire the Best Contractor and Have the Project Run Smoothly

1. Make Sure Your Pros Are Legit…

Ask any potential contractor for their license number, bond number and certification, and insurance certificates. And look for companies that have set themselves up as businesses—in many states, that means they should be registered with a state business office. You can usually check online or with a phone call.

2. …And Reputable, Too

Use resources like the Better Business Bureau and Angi to check reviews, and call references. When reading customer reviews, don’t think one bad comment is representative. But if you notice a trend with negative feedback, you may want to search for an alternative.

3. Remember, You’re the Boss

Your general contractor and everyone else on site works for you, so don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions and review portfolios. Ensure they want the job done right, not just quickly, so you can rely on them to come back to fix any issues down the road.

4. And Always Enable Clear Communication

Everyone working in your home needs to keep you informed of the timeline and any issues that could impact it; you need to keep them in the loop if any plans change. Be very clear on expectations and standards before you commit to hiring. And don’t wait until the project is done to bring up issues.

5. Thinking About DIY-ing it?

We’re always fans of making a space your own, and there are lots of DIY opportunities in any renovation: painting, shelving, decorating, and more. But some projects require special training and skills (not to mention tools) and are better left to a professional for the sake of budget, safety, and sanity. A simple rule of thumb: If you need a permit for it—and if it’s electrical, structural, or plumbing, you almost certainly will—hire a professional. (And make sure they pull the right permits!) This protects you from potential costly violations and protects your home’s value if you sell later.

More Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to Drew and Jonathan’s best tips for working with a contractor, our editors have also compiled answers to more questions and concerns you may have below.

Help! Where do I even start?

To start hiring a contractor, first do your research. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or search around for reliable contractors in your area (more on this below). Then, when reaching out to potential contractors, define your project clearly—note the specifics of what you want done, any details on materials, and your ideal timeline. Then, set a budget and define that for them. You should reach out to several contractors to start so you can weigh your options and take a look at their past work. Ask for references, examples of prior jobs, and make sure they’re licensed for the job you need.

How much does it cost to hire a contractor?

Depending on how big or small your renovation project is, your general contractor will usually cost anywhere from 10% to 20% of the total construction cost. In tandem, contractors’ hourly rates can range from $50 to $150 on average. But general contractor pricing will largely depend on labor, materials, project size, and location, too.

Where do I look for companies and contractors near me?

As the Bros mentioned, in order to find the best contractor for the job, it’s best to look on reputable websites like the Better Business Bureau (which you can sort by specific category and BBB-accredited companies), Angi (great for comparing real-life ratings from people in your area), or even Yelp. But remember to take advantage of word-of-mouth, too! If you have a close friend or relative who’s renovated their home recently and they love how it turned out, reach out and ask them who they used.

What documents should I ask for when hiring a contractor?

Before getting started, make sure you and your contractor are set up for success. This is a professional job, which calls for a professional handling of the paperwork. Your contractor should provide:

• Contract agreement
• Construction schedule
• Scope of work
• Detailed cost estimates
• Proof of bonds, insurance, and workers’ comp
• Construction drawings
• Contractor’s license
• MasterFormat outline (though not necessary)

Do different jobs need different contractors?

Yes, different home improvement jobs require different contractors. Each contractor has a unique set of skills that they’ve studied—be it roofing, foundation, electricity, plumbing, etc. However, if you need multiple contractors for your specific home project, your general contractor will most take the reins on hiring subcontractors for each job needed.