How to choose a contractor: 7 red flags

Hiring the wrong contractor is expensive, stressful, and sometimes unfixable. After 11 years in this trade, here are the warning signs I'd tell my own family to watch for — especially if you're new to the area and don't have local references yet.

1. They want a big deposit up front

A reasonable deposit is fine — I cap mine at one-third. If someone wants half or more before any work starts, walk away. That's how people get burned.

2. No written estimate

"I'll do the whole thing for $X" with nothing on paper is a setup for surprises. You want a line-item estimate that shows scope, materials, and price. If they won't put it in writing, that tells you something.

3. No proof of insurance

Ask for a certificate of insurance. If a worker gets hurt on your property and the contractor isn't insured, that can become your problem. A legitimate contractor shares it without hesitation.

4. Cash only, no paper trail

If someone only takes cash and won't give receipts or a contract, be careful. You want a record of what you paid and what was promised.

5. They can't show you real work

Photos, references, reviews — a real contractor has a track record. Vague answers or "trust me" is a red flag.

6. The price is way below everyone else

If three quotes come in around the same number and one is dramatically lower, that low bid usually means cut corners, a change-order ambush later, or an unlicensed crew. Cheap almost always gets more expensive.

7. Bad communication before you've even hired them

If they're slow to respond, miss the estimate appointment, or are hard to reach now — while they're trying to win your business — imagine what it's like once they have your deposit.

What good looks like

Fast replies, written estimates, proof of insurance, real references, and a straight answer about scope and price. That's the standard we hold ourselves to on every job. If you're comparing contractors, hold all of us to it.