A Guide to Hiring the BEST Contractor | What to Know

Are you looking to hire a contractor? Want to make sure you hire an experienced person, who will get the job done right? As a general contractor for 30 years, I'm going to share with you all of my tips and tricks to help you navigate the marketplace, find a good contractor, and be comfortable signing that contract. Let's go!
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Videos produced by Home Renovision are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this website is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. The DIY instructions used here are used to simply breakdown projects to their simplest steps. Please use a clear mind and use all safety precautions while following the tutorials provided by this site. Home Renovision does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Home Renovision cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. With different codes around the world and constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Home Renovision cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. Be safe, have fun renovating and ALWAYS stay informed with your local building code.

[@Navyguybri88]

Going through my Reno now. It’s huge, and doing 80% DIY. It the last 20% using contractors for things that are too specialized or complicated for me. It’s been very stressful trying to get quotes, or figure out which companies are reputable. Really am starting to learn that the companies with flashy brochures are usually either too specialized or about to scam you. Best thing I ever did, and got from this channel, was hire an engineering firm. It costs a lot, but has already saved me $30k. I had three foundation companies convince me I needed all sorts of foundation work and underpinning. My engineer came out did some soil checks and was like absolutely not. Thankfully I found a pretty good company that the owner was very upfront, and worked with the engineer to figure what needed to be done, and even made recommendations to save me money on things in his experience were not needed that the other companies were trying to get me to do. I think hiring an advisor while it’s an extra cost, if you are doing a major major Reno (like full gut job level) then it is money in the bank!

[@Navyguybri88]

I wish there was more help on building permits though. I desperately want to do this all above board, to code, and follow the rules but the city seems to make everything so complicated and they are so so so slow.

[@ginacirelli1581]

@@Navyguybri88 Move to Vermont where we don't need no code. :p (This is absolutely a double edged sword.)

[@JimMooreVirginia]

@@Navyguybri88 The problem with permits is that, at least in the U.S., every locality can have very different procedures and requirements. My locality (in Virginia) requires you tell them the permit numbers for every sub-permit (plumbing, Elec. etc.) before they will schedule a final inspection eventhough have already have all of that information on their computer right in front of them--CRAZY!

[@KayJay940]

I have the best luck hiring people off craigslist etc for odd jobs. Pick the one who has been running an ad for awhile and shows commitment. Like pops told me. Tech companies hire people with literary or history degrees as it not about the degree is about showing you can commit for 4 years+.

[@ManchesterTechGuy]

I'm in the same position. I just don't have the trust anymore. I always find issues with the work, so I'd rather do it myself, albeit a lot slower

[@teddybeardesigns]

I would gladly hire a contractor recommended by you.

[@awildelife]

Same. Finding a good contractor in Atlanta in the next year is almost impossible!

[@amnkaur4161]

@@awildelife are you looking for home renovation services????

[@chrisfern4699]

@@awildelife omg, same here! I’m in atlanta looking for a good contractor. Any luck?

[@4rm36uy]

So basically a dating app for homeowners and contractors!

[@gigz54]

Seems like you can't always trust reviews on Yelp or Angie's list. How can you eliminate fraud and corruption from the process?

[@dosadoodle]

@@gigz54 +1 to that question. I think this video and the other discussions that happen on this channel are the right level of contribution from Jeff's team in this space, possibly supplemented by a few check lists of do's / don't's or other very basic resources. This isn't a dig at their skills -- this is rather a testament to the utility of the clarity of the information they're providing. Building an intermediary platform is also really complex and often is an all-consuming effort.

[@oxfletch]

I would think the main gap that needs bridging is a payment escrow - when the work passes inspection, the contractor is sure he'll get paid.

[@ozziestrom9793]

Hey Jeff, one of a million, you betcha. As a now-retired contractor, I find that you, the Essential Craftsman, Roofing Insights, and of course The Handyman-bus are well oriented to the details and making an effort to understand. It's like going to a University on a free ride. Great job.....

[@MrTravel4nutin]

Jeff, I think you have a good idea with the referral service but at the same time I think you could really end up stepping in a big pile of it. You even said it yourself a person you refer for one job could mess up the next one and your reputation pays the price for it.

[@cmw1riternboro]

Yes, Jeff there's a need for a guide to get help with anything you know about home improvement. I have watched you for several years and love all your videos. They have educated me. Need more guys like you.

[@kentoakley9409]

How about a video on how not to be a bad homeowner, do's and don'ts? thanks love the videos

[@JimMooreVirginia]

As a former contractor, this is the most concise and valuable contracting advice I've ever seen--especially "check their current job progress."

[@nakiastreet6632]

Yes, it would be great to have an intervention...

[@kingofkings852]

Love the honest straight forward attitude Jeff. Every home owner and DIYer needs to watch your vids

[@alexanderpietralla6619]

I have a suggestion. Copy the German apprentice model where you can’t open your own business unless you worked with a master of trade for 10 years. That way you eliminate shitty contractors which deliver poor quality and undercut the good ones to even win the job.

[@niamhhoran]

Plenty of shitty contractors here in Germany.

[@alexanderpietralla6619]

@@niamhhoran yes because we had to lower our standards to create jobs for immigrants. Not racist - no feelings - facts.

Terrible idea

[@raymondhogue1]

This should be a credit in high school, mandatory

[@sparkfire1223]

Other issues, if the contractor gives you a price then when you say no drops it in half bail on that deal. If the sales process is high pressure decline that companies services. So many bad companies out there.

[@alymamdani]

Yes that would be an excellent idea Jeff! Thanks for a great channel!

[@ZMAC441]

Wow! As a GC I was nervous about this video, I love your stuff and have learned quite a bit from this channel. But this video is great! What a great way to portray realistic expectations. You nailed it!

[@ChrisGuthrie]

Absolutely love the intervention idea. There's huge potential with that idea Jeff, seriously!

[@jms1086]

I know this is an older video, but I just saw it for the first time. There is definitely a need out there for an intervention rep, or a go between. It is a great idea to keep potentially bad situations from escalating, and a way to keep things from possibly becoming litigious. Your videos are always helpful - thank you!

[@1bigsack83]

Yes please!!! Especially down here in Los Angeles.

[@maryjonorum107]

As a homeowner, it would be great to have 3 recommendations that came from you. I agree 100% with all of your tips. Recently I discovered wood rot on a large bow window...stucco home. It is getting close to winter. I guess that is better than being in the dead of winter.

[@DextarRogue]

YES! I'd love to get the intervention as you called it to connect us with local contractors.

[@juansoler4596]

Yes! It’s been extremely hard to find contractors especially during this pandemic. I wish that service existed two months ago.

[@zschudrowitz155]

Just listened to your interview on Bigger Pockets podcast. Great stuff! Thanks for your perspective and experience.

[@nitinmistry6280]

Hi Jeff. Great video. Wish I had taken the time to watch some of your videos so that I could learn how to manage my expectations. My reno is almost done. Maybe 2 more weeks left. Had the complete main floor done. Kitchen, family room, living and dinning rooms, powder room. Tiles from hallway to kitchen. Wood floors in family and living room. Stairs re-finished to match the floors. Paint, trimmings, baseboard Replace gas fireplace with electric. We did our research and picked I think a good contractor. All was good, until he signed 2 more contracts after mine. Then things started to go wrong. Disaster #1: The kitchen design experience was very poor. He used a kitchen company. They hurried us and we never got to see a proper design of the kitchen. They did not even want to give me a copy of the design. I had to take a photo of the printout in their office. Two critical things we should have been advised for the kitchen - Pick your appliances Pick your FAN Pick your Kitchen Sink Of course we all know about picking appliances. That we did. But a good contractor should be there to ADVISE you of these things before he goes and signs off on the kitchen. Disaster #2: We wanted to support local Canadian companies, so we decided to purchase wood floor from a Canadian company. It was expensive, but this is going to be our forever home, so we want to have a good floor. The contractor uses another company to install the floor. He promised these guys were the best and he had used them for 12 years. after installation, we inspected the floor. It was not perfect, but they used wood filler in some joins and some joins were not level. Had a dip. Some joins were not parallel. The same team refinished the stairs. The color match was good, however the finish was very rough. We pointed this out to my contractor and he asked me to come to house and point that out to installer company - which I did. They didn't like and they took the stair iron spindles and posts, and just LEFT because they go upset with me for asking them to fix what we saw. I think my contractor should never had me talk to the installers. He should have handled the situation. Disaster #3: I think this is probably the worst incident in the whole experience. Just last week, we decided to pop into our house to pickup some stuff. It was 9:15PM. We arrived at the house to find the Garage door fully open with all equipment and products (Toilet, sink etc), so we thought someone must be still working inside the house. So we went to front door. It was FULLY opened. All the lights were off and NOBODY WAS THERE. I texted my contractor and he gave me so much abuse it was emotionally upsetting. He had let his workers into the house. Then he went to St. Catharine's for another job and TOTALLY forgot bout my house. Then he had the audacity to say, stop complaining you are insured for $5M, so even if you got burgled, it's no big deal. I live in a 1800 sq. ft. home. And my house insurance policy is your average house ins. policy. There are many other things like, breaking my bug screens, leaving all the windows and lights on. Even leaving my back door open. And now my step ladder has gone from the garage. Let's put it this way, it started off very well, but now it's a nightmare we just want to be over. Summary... We were lucky, we moved into my wife's parents house, so that the reno could be done quicker. We were promised 5 weeks - major reno done. Then we could move back. Plus 3 weeks to finish off. It's been over 2 months already and we are still at the inlaws. Hope this helps your subscribers.

[@statelineequity713]

You know, you really grow on the better side of me! That's a good thing! I have watched you for a few years now. You are entertaining and have some good insight! Thanks!

[@SajMcKenley]

Yup the referral idea between a contractor and client is a good one.

[@JustOneRedSoloCup]

Jeff, I've lived at the same residence for over thirty years and have contracted for four renovations/additions on my property. This is one of the most valuable 11-minutes a consumer can watch; sure wish you had this channel during my first three renovations! Thank you for sharing your professional insight. I especially liked the _"manage your expectations", "referrals (are) a waste of time"_ and your discussion on the cost-benefit ratio of negotiating the price (so very true!). And YES, Jeff, if you had the time and resource to manage a liaison/referral service between consumers and contractors, I'd throw money at it - the value alone of finding an agreeable foundation for reasonable expectations between the two parties would be... well, invaluable.

[@myxochi]

Thanks for this. We won’t be building until 2022, but already we have to get our ducks in a row. Anything you offer has been very helpful. Keep the great content coming.

[@dougandcandacebishop7259]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I would LOVE to have someone I trust to help connect me with reliable contractors. Thanks for asking!

[@mikecowley7515]

I think that having an intermediary is a great idea. There are many options on how deeply involved you could get in the relationship. Right from the customer pays you and you pay the contractor to just providing the introductions like Homestars. Something in the middle is likely the best idea, but exactly where in the middle is the trick. Great video by the way!

[@ellgeee1871]

yes put it together.thanks

[@WilliesDET]

You're the man, Jeff!

[@jacobh5150]

It's near impossible where I live(Pittsburgh, PA), every person I've ever talked to had horror stories. Anytime I ever tried to find a contractor, you try to throw your money at them and they don't even get back to you to quote, let alone come to the job. Why doesn't anyone want the work? I've found and been told, most contractors don't want to do the "small" jobs anymore, and only go after huge $ jobs. It's a shame

[@djprojugs6606]

I work as the maintenance guy for a shopping mall and my issue is the opposite. policy is gotta get three quotes and being a business its obviously go for cheapest. except I get 3 sometimes more and corporate will still be like $5,000? that seems high so keep looking around. All while I'm holding the other quotes that are both in the $13,000 range haha.

[@nickoshana2246]

Also car mechanics as well !!

[@amya.gentry1238]

Yes! Please connect us to good contractors! Intervention is needed!💯

[@wendystillman1486]

I love this guy! He tells it like it is, straight forward. Very helpful. I would love a service to help set me up with people who can help me. I think there is a huge need. The construction business in my area is going crazy, non-stop building. We have no idea where to start! Wish he would come to my house and walk through my basement and give tips...maybe even a virtual visit!!! Thanks for your cool videos. Can't wait to see the rest of them.

[@kulrythm]

Great video as always! Also, your recent bigger pockets interview was great! I found myself wishing it was a lot longer!

[@ManchesterTechGuy]

I've had so many issues with contractors that I end up re-doing things after the fact. My current Living Room renovation is primarily being undertaken by me (minus the plastering and the main electrics). I'm comfortable replacing lights, switches and sockets so that part is covered. I was going to hire someone to sort the flooring out, but I'm gonna attempt to do it myself. I've done a little bit of flooring work in the past, so it shouldn't be too difficult. I've watched your flooring videos a couple of time already and will be watching them again before I do the deed. I would hire you in a heartbeat, but alas we're continents apart.

[@TheDkbohde]

As a contractor myself I’m tempted to send this video to potential customers. This speaks true for foundation of a working relationship. I always do my best to make sure my client has an idea of what the process will be like and what to expect and this could help shed some light into it for them. Thanks Jeff!

[@mingchi1855]

There are many ridiculous ppl out there, who wants best price best time window and best quality. And what's worse: they just can't do it themselves, and, even hiring a contractor, they're not gonna walk through and discuss during the work. Then once they get the final result, they either persuade themselves to settle for it, or blame the contractor. Absolutely dysfunctional, irresponsive and delusional.

[@woodlandburl6648]

Wow, I just gave me some great information. Really opened my eyes 👀.

[@AngryLibrarian]

Finding a contractor is 90% why I've been delaying my home projects ☹ Long Island, NY - have had a few projects done on my house. I feel like I have to quickly become an expert on the project to be able to catch all the mistakes while work is being done.

[@jenniferwiilis5267]

Any places you can recommend I’m looking to buy a home that need a complete Reno but kind of second guessing because I don’t know who I can trust to do it I’m from ny

[@Darkely4u]

Great video and on point. I'm a contractor here in Ontario and intervention/referral sounds like an interesting idea.

[@eduardfatu7696]

You're a good person !! Thanks !!

[@preddy6997]

Good information, that idea was great ,to find he gap between the Home owner and contractor

[@johnsonfrancois8263]

Good Job, I’m a contractor so I do residential renovations. You actually being fair on both sides. I know contractor who’s out there ripping people of, on the other hand I know homeowner who’s very hard to work with. You kind of nail it there on “The last bit of advice” especially on the BTQ, budge, time, and quality.

[@lightburner8567]

WOW!!!... That intervention idea is a really good one!!!... I believe it would really help!... It's really daunting to choose a contractor coz you don't know... Connecting people through a service will definitely help a lot of people!... Thanks for being so straight forward, Jeff!...

[@HiThere-sx7je]

Yes this is very very needed

[@Papachief23]

Thanks Jeff for the countless advise

[@webbharding53]

Thanks for the tips!

[@robbie6625]

I'm 100% on-board with the idea of a service which could act as a middleman for both homeowners and contractors.

[@sirshawnpaul6272]

An intervention service would be awesome for both a contractor and home owner. This would allow better understanding of both parties without 2nd guesses of taking on a job or hiring the contractor.

[@diannejansen1802]

Yes it would be a very helpful service ....

[@jaymathew]

I think the saying goes "fast, cheap, good; pick 2"

[@TJAnderson]

Yes, it's called the quality or scope triangle. It's in effect for all manufacturing. We talk about it a lot in spaceflight work because nothing can break so you basically only have cost and schedule to adjust

[@ecospider5]

Unless you are SpaceX who now builds fast till it breaks. Tries again and again. Then when they get it right replicate.

[@Bug47]

Yes PLEEAASSEE it is sooooooo needed!!

[@kirkhilles523]

I admit that when it comes to consumer products, I'm a review fanatic. I like doing my research and finding the best products. To be honest, one reason why I've been doing a lot of DYI is just to avoid the whole finding-a-contractor process. I still feel guilty about getting a general contractor out and not going with him because it was too much $. Reviews online can be tricky and you have to be careful of the whole Angie's List thing. Maybe, at one point, it was a trustworthy concept but now it's akin to car sales. You pay $ for the site, but then contractors have to PAY to get on there, get their businesses promoted, etc. I think you have to be tough, but fair. Lots of contractors are "worth their weight in gold" while at the same time, some of the more expensive ones will screw you over. Sometimes the "guy in a van who needs to borrow wood to keep his car from rolling backwards in the driveway because his rear brakes are shot" (yeah, I'm not creative enough to come up with that on my own) does an absolutely fantastic job at a fantastic price. Sometimes, though, they'll take your deposit and you'll never see them again. To complicate matters, it's going to vary across states, countries and even cities. In some places, there are lots of honest guys just trying to make a living doing quality work while others have nothing but scammers. The only approach that seems promising is to join a local Neighborhood/area group (like a FB group or NextDoor) and ask for suggestions. People LOVE giving suggestions and promoting their "guy" and when you hear the love for the same company and that company gets likes from others and such, you know you'll be on the right path. Good luck and be careful!

[@akinigiri]

Connecting Contractors to Customers sounds like a great idea! I wish I had that in Japan where I live now.

[@deftloli]

Thanks man, this really helps!

[@artleecreative]

Great content! This was very helpful.

[@naterogers9427]

Most definitely that would be a great idea. Match making for for homeowners

[@teddepalma8057]

Good, fast, cheap: you only get two! Jeff, I for one would be interested in the "intervention" service you asked avbout. Not sure how you would pull it off, especially with different legal systems in the US and Canada. But you're a smart guy so would love to see what you come up with.

[@cynthiamahlin4815]

Yes. Your prevention of problems service would save a lot of time and money for both contractors and potential clients. You have the ability to communicate well with each party.

[@totalaccesscentreinc4685]

I think a referral service would be fantastic Jeff. Perhaps an online training course to get certified. You could even stop in on job sites of referral customers of the channel to deal with new challenging issues and how to overcome them as usual.

[@kevinl20082008]

YES..

[@yoshimusmaximus3473]

Dude, you're great at delivering information! I'm impatient and kind of a know-it-all, but i know when I'm hearing something valuable

[@behape_4evr]

You are just simply Awesome Jeff! Your information helps us women who are sole home owners.

[@crystalrandall7304]

Yes that would help! Good info!

[@garykintzler4273]

That would be a great idea to have. I would love to see that.

[@mendozaco001]

Yes yes very interested !

[@josefloriano4016]

This video was super helpful Jeff 👍

[@richardstratman2107]

as always great video - yes referral service would be great - as its been 50/50 with current free services

[@stevenrodrodriguez7272]

You did a great job in explaining, thank you for creating your video.

[@nytrusbk]

Yes it would be a great service and again top notch info buddy

[@kirkhilles523]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@anaiddj224]

Indeed!! "Intervention" would be great! I am in Connecticut, USA. Thanks for all the AMAZING info and help you bring!!

[@yetsatch]

Very informative video Jeff!

[@SajMcKenley]

The referral idea is a good one.

[@Sue8768]

Yes! Intervention would be great!

[@SandiRose2008]

I'm thinking about moving to Ottawa. The Canadians I know are really nice people. I personally know a contractor I can trust and I don't have to worry about him showing up on the job site on a bender!!!! Problem solved!!! I think you probably know these people, Jeff!! LOL!! And thanks for the tips!!

[@charliej.bendana6809]

Hey Jeff. Yes. I would be very interested receiving that type of information you mention. I want to learn how to handle contractors for fix and flip project and buy and holds rentals. 1.How to pay them. 2.Time frame 3. Order of doing project 4. Protect oneself from liabilities Or being taken advantage of. Please make more videos for investors how to deal with contractors.

[@sandralima3235]

Yes, In. the US as well.

[@antoniogonzalez3317]

Yes

[@akdrywallguy60]

As a contractor in AK, I could see how a contractor / client dating service could be very useful, HOWEVER, it would have to be free from the Angie's List / Home Advisor sales stink. You are a very trustworthy contractor who could mediate these relationships and you know what red flags to look out for (on both sides of the contract), so if you could figure out a way to vet the contractors and set the client expectations without bilking the client out of 20% of the project cost (I'm looking at you Angie's list and Home Advisor!), then I think it's a great service in the making (basically becoming almost a general contractor who can provide the interpersonal relationship portion of the business - I'd pay 10% for that as a client). Keep up the great work - cheers!

[@yatcojos]

That’s a good idea Jeff. I myself have a huge renovation on the way and would like contractors for specialized projects such as extending footprint and foundation of our bungalow home in Hamilton area. Also remodeling the whole house and finish the basement. I will need contractors for sure and your idea will indeed help.

[@NickatYouTubeSucksJK]

Would love what you proposed putting together about connecting contractors through referrals!

[@kclhky]

Yes, please I would love the service that you mention. INTERVENTION to recommend a good contractor for me. That is a great idea. Thank you

[@pdv3526]

Good points you brought up in this video. I prefer the client coming to the job as much as possible so that issues and concerns can be addressed ASAP rather than a week or two later. Also, clients should put up their dogs or cats when people are working at their home. You would be surprised how quickly an animal may change and cause concern after the homeowner leaves. Finally, discuss changes the homeowner may make and include that in the contract PRIOR to the work being done.

[@wmrhere]

Jeff you relate to me with your clarity of purpose and logic. I wish ALL “contractors” had your ethics and savvy. Better still I wish I could afford to send a private jet and limo with five star accommodations to bring you to oversee my renovations! You are a good man-

[@andrewschafer8986]

Good job explaining the truth about the business.

[@stanleyknight8173]

Jeff I do believe that here in the state of Georgia we have a law that gives you 3 days no matter where the contract is signed you have that period of time to get out of the contract. You are spot on that half of the price is going towards taxes another half is going to materials. Don't forget to get their copy of their workman's comp numbers, then call to make sure it is current and paid up enough to cover the $ amount your job. Also contact your own insurance company and have an addition to your insurance supply additional coverage just in case they have a major catastrophe and want to sue you you'll have the insurance if needed to cover that. Grateful that you can share this information with us. Loved the LED expo.

[@alexshelton8695]

Yes. Interested in the contractor owner connection

[@michaelkiefrieder9354]

Yes intervention is a great idea

[@tonfisk9807]

Yes yes yes to the referral services!!!

[@matt8372]

Thanks for the video

[@liyu4897]

Great video and thank you very much!

[@jojopellagrino7060]

Great idea

[@richmargadonna2155]

Yes Jeff, A middleman would be a worth while investment. Not only to make sure the contract is fair and balanced but to also look in on the work in progress and point out to the contractor where the work performed is substandard. Complaints on both sides should be mediated by the middleman. Contractors rely on the homeowner to be the quality control inspector and that shouldn't be. If a contractor messes something up and "I" can see it, he sure as hell ought to be able to see it as well, and correct his mistake before anyone sees it. But I understand their thinking....if something comes out wrong, they let it go and see if the homeowner complains. If they complain, he'll fix it, if not it stays the way it is. My thinking is that every dollar that I give a contractor is perfect in every way. If I agree to his price, then I want the work perfect in every way. There's no language in a contract that allows for lousy work. Rich

[@juligrlee556]

I think it's a great idea to connect contractors with people who desire renovations and remodeling. Tons of people where I live sell door to door siding, windows etc. or advertise that they are the best with doors, windows and siding. I need a contractor who knows how to measure, design, knows a bit about structural engineering, foundations, avoidance of mold problems etc. We have mold contractors but they come out to spray only. I think the design of a home must come together with prevention of problems and if remodeling only without going down to bare ground or near bare ground, how best to upgrade without merely covering up problems and creating problems for the next home owner. Generally I terminate all similar requests on the internet for information about contractors when the site wants to know my name, address, phone number, time line and more invasive issues prior to even talking with me. I hired a architect several years back and all he could talk with me was how he wanted to build passive houses with a rock passive heating system under the house with only 2 bedrooms using foam sandwiched between plywood as a building material. I personally could care less about materials unless my vision about what I want the thing to look like is first discussed, clarified, and realistically (financially and structurally) organized on a drawing. He couldn't address potential mold issues where I live where probably 10 houses nearby me all have "black" mold issues some more severe than others.

[@86boanerges]

Thanks Jeff for the great video as always. You mentioned about potentially combining DYI and contract work, how does one go about negotiating such arrangements without upsetting or driving the contractor away? Is it something that contractors will agree to easily?

[@MrJerry160]

Can you go more into depth when vetting a contractor? Like what are red flags to look for? It seems everyone out there is trying to massively finesse me

[@DaruDhillon]

Red flag Number one, is walk away from anyone trying to finesse you. Good contractors rely on word of mouth, bad ones rely on sales tactics. That's a really bad sign.

[@beinghuman3225]

@@DaruDhillon let's not forget about the new guys trying to get a start.

[@beinghuman3225]

Ask for license and proof of insurance. You can even check the better buisness borough.

[@rebeccajohnson1368]

Know what they are going to do but do not stop there: ask them why

[@anthonyesparsen7776]

yes intervention and all other things concerning job occupational hazards lets say would be great information to have, thank you !

[@rosiefeord6600]

Great points. I'd like to see a sample contract, say for the level of a bathroom reno that shows the level of detail that should be included.