Hiring a contractor for your remodeling project is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. From ensuring the work is done correctly to protecting your investment, the right contractor can make all the difference. Here are six critical factors to consider before signing on the dotted line.

1. Find Someone with Relevant Experience

Experience is key when hiring a contractor. You wouldn’t go to a knee doctor for brain surgery, and the same logic applies to contractors. Look for someone who has a proven track record of successfully completing projects similar to yours.

Whether it’s a bathroom remodel or a kitchen upgrade, finding a contractor who specializes in your type of project ensures they know the nuances and best practices. After all, practice makes perfect!

2. Hire a Licensed Contractor

While an unlicensed contractor might come recommended by a friend, hiring someone without a license can be a risky move. A licensed contractor has something to lose—a license they worked hard to obtain. Licenses also ensure they’ve met certain standards and passed exams required by the governing body in your state.

Without a license, there’s no accountability for illegal or poor business practices. Think about it: would you hire an unlicensed doctor, realtor, or insurance agent? The same applies to contractors. A licensed contractor brings credibility, commitment, and peace of mind to your project.

3. Ensure Proper Insurance Coverage

Insurance is a critical factor that many homeowners overlook. There are two types of insurance your contractor must have:

a) Worker’s Compensation Insurance

This protects workers on your property. If a worker gets injured while working on your project and the contractor doesn’t have worker’s comp insurance, you, the homeowner, could be held liable. Be cautious of contractors who claim they are “exempt” from worker’s comp insurance, as this often indicates they either outsource all labor or are paying workers under the table.

b) Liability Insurance

Liability insurance covers property damage. For example, if a plumber accidentally starts a fire while working in your home and doesn’t have liability insurance, your homeowner’s insurance might not cover the damages. Standard liability coverage is typically $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate—don’t settle for less.

4. Look for a Company with Adequate Resources and Crews

Relying on a single contractor or a small team can lead to delays if someone gets injured, takes a vacation, or becomes unavailable. A well-established company with multiple crews and infrastructure ensures your project stays on track, even if unexpected issues arise.

When you hire a contractor with the necessary resources, you avoid costly delays and keep your remodel running smoothly.

5. Material Purchasing and Liability

Many contractors require homeowners to purchase their own materials, such as vanities, tiles, or fixtures. While this might seem convenient, it can create a division of responsibility and liability.

If a contractor installs materials you purchased and something goes wrong—say, a defective fixture causes water damage—you could be left footing the bill. On the other hand, if the contractor provides both labor and materials, they take full responsibility for the quality and performance of the products, saving you from potential headaches.

6. The Importance of Accountability

In one instance, a customer purchased their own plumbing fixtures, which turned out to be defective. While the manufacturer replaced the fixtures, they didn’t cover the cost of tearing out tile or reinstalling the new parts. This avoidable scenario underscores why hiring a contractor who provides materials can save you time, money, and frustration.

Final Thoughts

When it’s time to hire a contractor, take the time to evaluate their experience, verify their license, confirm they have proper insurance, and ensure they have the resources to complete the job efficiently. Opt for a contractor who provides both labor and materials to streamline the process and eliminate unnecessary liability.

By choosing wisely, you can set your remodeling project up for success and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is in good hands.