Tips to find a reliable and trustworthy general contractor

Once you’ve properly planned your project and know what kind of professional you need, you can get cracking on finding the right fit.

BBB’s Business Directory was built for this part of the process. When it comes to trust, this resource was designed to give consumers everything they need to make a confident decision. 

The benefits of using the BBB Directory:

• The resource is free. Part of the Better Business Bureau's mission is to create an honest, fair, and equitable marketplace. Consumers should never be asked to pay for this.

• A focus on local. This isn’t a random list of search results for a business. Your city or area code is used to recommend brands in your radius.

• Filtered results by “BBB Accredited Businesses” or “All Businesses.” Remember: BBB Accredited Businesses are vetted and held to ethical business standards.

• Verified customer reviews and complaints. BBB reviews and complaints are verified for accuracy after they are submitted. Businesses are always given an opportunity to respond. This makes BBB different from other online options and gives consumers a more balanced, complete picture to consider.

You can also search for a company's online reputation beyond using the BBB Directory. Search the brand name with terms such as "complaint," "review," or "scam" to see what results appear.  

Ask about training, certifications, and background checks for the company employees or subcontractors. Additionally, inquire about what kind of identification they’ll show when they arrive at your home.

As you continue zeroing in on the right contractor for your project, look into their previous work. This gives you insight into their experience and professionalism, and it might even provide fresh inspiration for your project.

Some ideas on reviewing a company’s previous work:

• View photos or videos of a company’s completed project on their BBB Profile, website, or social media channels. Social media is usually the best option to find recently completed work.

• Ask prospective contractors to email or text you recent project photos that share similarities with your needs. These could come in handy, especially for custom requests like a paint color or tile pattern.

• Get references. If you know someone who has had similar work done, ask them about their experience and see if they have any tips for you.

• Check it out in person. On occasion, you might learn of a company by seeing their vehicles or signage in your neighborhood. Consider the job site and the work being done. Ask current clients about their experience (do this carefully to avoid intruding on their privacy).

Finding a good contractor can be tricky if you only talk to the contractors. Ask candidates for a list of recent local references you may contact. As you check their references, consider the following questions:

• How was the overall experience with the contractor? 

• How was the contractor’s communication?

• How is the quality of their work?

• Did the contractor stick to the project's estimated budget and completion date? 

• Is there anything they would have done differently?

• Would it be possible to inspect the contractor's work yourself?

Because general contractor bids can vary from company to company, it’s good practice to gather at least three quotes. And remember, the quality of these quotes is vastly improved when you limit your requests to trustworthy businesses, such as BBB Accredited Businesses. Once you’ve narrowed the field, make sure your bids consider the same set of criteria to get a fair side-by-side snapshot of the variances. 

Remember, the lowest bid for your remodeling project may not necessarily be the best bid; if one offer is significantly lower than the others, the contractor may be cutting corners or may not understand your work requirements. Alternately, higher bids might include an emergency budget or even different tiers of service. Carefully consider the “why” behind these bids before making a final decision. Take a look at the following bids:

Not an easy call, is it? Ultimately, these numbers should not be the only factor when hiring for home renovation projects, but they should be considered.

Your contract will be a big deal, so be sure to make this a priority on your general contractor checklist by giving it the detailed attention it deserves. But even before the contracts are drawn up, get estimates in writing as well so there are no questions hanging when you decide to move forward. 

Before any work begins, ensure a written and signed contract is in hand.

Ensure that the company you work with has the necessary licenses and insurance to operate in your region. In the United States, you can get this information from your state’s licensing agency.

In Canada, requirements differ from province to province. Search for information specific to the province where you are having the work done. Your local BBB can help. 

As for your contractor’s insurance information, call the carrier to confirm appropriate coverage for worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability. The last thing you want is to be on the hook for costs related to unforeseen circumstances or accidents.