Homeowner's Guide
How to Choose the Right Residential Contractor
Hiring a contractor is one of the largest financial decisions a homeowner will make. This guide walks you through exactly what to look for — and the red flags to avoid — so your project stays on budget, on schedule, and built to last.
Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, finishing a basement, or building a brick patio, the contractor you choose will determine whether the experience is smooth and rewarding — or stressful and costly. Construction is an industry where reputation, communication, and craftsmanship matter more than the lowest price. A contractor who underbids a project has to make up that difference somewhere, and that somewhere is usually in materials, labor quality, or both.
At LatterWork, we've spent over 15 years in business — backed by a founder with more than 40 years of hands-on construction experience — helping homeowners across the Greater Metro Area bring their projects to life. Along the way, we've seen what separates great contractors from risky ones. Below is the checklist we'd use if we were hiring someone to work on our own homes.
Use it as a framework when interviewing contractors. Ask direct questions. A professional who takes pride in their work will welcome the scrutiny — because they know their answers will set them apart.
The Checklist
Six Things to Verify Before You Sign
Each item below protects you financially and ensures your project is built to professional standards.
Verify Insurance Coverage
Any contractor you hire should carry general liability insurance. Ask for proof — not just a verbal confirmation. A reputable contractor will provide a certificate of insurance directly from their carrier, naming you as a certificate holder for the duration of the project.
Demand a Detailed Written Estimate
A vague ballpark number is a red flag. You should receive a line-item proposal that breaks down materials, labor, permits, and a payment schedule. This document protects both parties and prevents scope creep. If a contractor hesitates to put pricing in writing, that hesitation tells you everything you need to know about how they'll handle your money once the project starts.
Check References & Reviews
Ask for at least three references from recently completed projects — ideally within the last 12 months. Call them. Ask whether the project stayed on schedule, how the contractor handled unexpected issues, and whether the final result matched the original proposal. Cross-reference online reviews on Google and Houzz to get a complete picture.
Evaluate Crew & Trade Expertise
Find out who will actually be on your job site. Does the contractor employ skilled tradespeople, or do they rely on day labor picked up at random? The quality of your finished project is directly tied to the skill of the people swinging the hammers. A contractor with an established, trained crew will deliver more consistent results than one who staffs up project-by-project.
Assess Communication Practices
Construction projects involve dozens of decisions and inevitable surprises. You need a contractor who answers their phone, returns messages within one business day, and proactively communicates about schedule changes. During the bidding process, pay attention to response times — if a contractor is slow to respond before you've signed a contract, they will be slower once they have your deposit.
Understand the Contract & Warranty
A professional contract should specify the scope of work, materials to be used, start and completion dates, payment milestones tied to progress (not calendar dates), and a written warranty on workmanship. Never work with a contractor who insists on full payment upfront. Standard practice is a deposit of 10–30% with remaining payments tied to completed milestones.
Warning Signs
Red Flags That Should End the Conversation
Pressure to sign a contract or pay a deposit on the first meeting
Refusal to provide references or proof of insurance
Requests for more than 30% upfront or cash-only payments
No physical address or a P.O. box as the only business address
Vague estimates with no breakdown of materials and labor
Reluctance to put change orders or agreements in writing