Red Flags and Green Lights: Your Complete Guide to Vetting Contractors Before They Touch Your Home
Download MP3Episode Description
Learn how to determine if a contractor is truly qualified and trustworthy before they start work on your home. This episode covers essential steps for vetting contractors beyond just finding one who's available - focusing on how to judge their quality, professionalism, and reliability.
Key Topics Covered:
- Verify Licensing Requirements
- Ensure contractors have proper state licensing for their trade (general contractor, subcontractor, electrician)
- Check that licenses are current and valid, not expired
- Research complaint history through state licensing divisions
- Look for any license suspensions or revocations
- Confirm Insurance Coverage
- Verify liability insurance, bonding, and workers' compensation coverage
- Understand that licensing divisions typically maintain insurance records
- Know that cancelled insurance often results in automatic license suspension
- Protect yourself from liability if workers are injured on your property
- Research Past Work History
- Pull permit records from county offices to review previous projects
- Analyze project timelines and compare to current estimates
- Check inspection records for first-time approvals vs. multiple attempts
- Review proper paperwork filing and permit compliance
- Evaluate Completed Projects
- Drive by previous job sites to assess work quality
- Look for level siding, well-built decks, and professional craftsmanship
- Consider respectfully contacting past clients via mail for feedback
- Ask contractors about current active job sites you can visit
- Assess Job Site Organization
- Observe material organization and waste management practices
- Check for safety protocols including proper ladder and scaffolding use
- Evaluate trip hazard management and site cleanliness
- Notice vehicle parking and overall site staging
- Inspect Equipment and Vehicles
- Look beyond the salesperson's vehicle to actual work trucks
- Check equipment condition, cleanliness, and maintenance
- Visit staging yards during off-hours to see equipment storage
- Watch for hydraulic leaks and general equipment care
- Consider Long-term Relationship
- Remember you'll deal with workers' behavior during construction
- Factor in noise, language, and professionalism on your property
- Think about workmanship quality lasting years or decades
- Evaluate if you can live with their work standards long-term
- Digital Portfolio Review
- Look for contractor YouTube channels documenting their work
- Study how quality builders run their operations
- Compare online examples to what you observe in person
- Use educational content to better evaluate your potential contractor
Listener Engagement
Share your experiences with good or bad contractors in the comments - help fellow homeowners learn from your experiences!
Share your experiences with good or bad contractors in the comments - help fellow homeowners learn from your experiences!
