Hiring a contractor can be stressful, especially for a major renovation. These steps will help you find the right person for the job and protect yourself along the way. They also apply when you’re hiring a tradesperson or service professional for any project around the house.
1. Get referrals.
Ask family, friends and neighbors which contractors they’ve used and would hire again, and make a list of companies that serve your area. We work with reputable local contractors and other professionals, so give us a call for a referral.
2. Make some calls.
Ask each company whether they specialize in your type of project. For a kitchen remodel, you want a contractor who has done many kitchens and knows the codes and regulations that apply. Ask how many other jobs they’re managing right now, since that affects when they can start yours.
3. Do your research.
Read online reviews, check with the Better Business Bureau, and call past clients if you can. Ask to see completed projects so you know the quality to expect. Most importantly, check that the contractor is registered and licensed. In Massachusetts:
- Contractors and subcontractors doing home improvement work on existing one- to four-family homes must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the state. You can look up registrations on mass.gov.
- Structural work generally requires a Construction Supervisor License.
If you hire an unregistered or unlicensed contractor, you could be responsible for work that isn’t up to code or for injuries on the job, and you lose important protections (see below).
4. Ask the right questions.
- How long have you been in business?
- Have you done projects like mine? Can I see a list of references?
- Do you carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance? Are you bonded?
- Who will supervise the job on-site, and who is my main point of contact?
- What will your own crew do, and what will you subcontract?
- How will you keep the site clean and safe, and keep dust out of the rest of the house?
5. Meet in person.
A face-to-face meeting lets you ask more questions and get a feel for how the contractor communicates. You’ll be working closely with this person and their team, so trust matters.
6. Get detailed estimates.
Ask for a written estimate that breaks down materials, labor and other costs. If you’ve worked with an architect, share the plans. Be cautious of a bid that seems much lower than the others, since corners may get cut. A high price doesn’t guarantee high quality either. Choose the contractor with the best reputation who communicates well and who you’re most comfortable with.
7. Get everything in writing.
Your contract should include:
- A detailed description of the work and materials, and what will be subcontracted
- Start and completion dates
- The price and a payment schedule
- Proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance
- Who will pull the building permits (it should be the contractor) and a commitment that the work will meet code
- Warranties: what’s covered and for how long
- Lien releases from subcontractors and suppliers
Keep in mind that the contract can’t cover surprises uncovered once work begins, so talk about how changes will be handled.
8. Agree on payments, timing and expectations.
For larger projects, payments are usually tied to milestones, with a final payment due when the work is complete. Use each milestone as a chance to check progress against the contract. In Massachusetts, a deposit can’t be more than one-third of the total contract price, unless special-order materials cost more than that. Also discuss scheduling, and anything the contractor expects from you, like clearing out the room or boarding a pet.
The Most Important Tip: Know Your Protection Under Massachusetts Law
If a registered contractor takes your money and doesn’t finish the job, or does poor work, Massachusetts homeowners may be able to recover their losses through the state’s Home Improvement Contractor Guaranty Fund, up to $25,000. To qualify, you generally need:
- A written contract with a contractor who was registered as an HIC when you signed
- A building permit pulled by the contractor, not by you
- Work on your primary residence, an existing one- to four-family home
- A court judgment or arbitration award in your favor that you weren’t able to collect
That’s why hiring a registered contractor and letting them pull the permit matters so much. If you pull the permit yourself or hire an unregistered contractor, you generally can’t use the fund.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of contractors who:
- Give you a firm quote before seeing the job
- Ask for a large deposit up front “to buy materials”
- Pressure you to sign a contract on the first visit
Planning a project before you sell, or after you buy? Give us a call. We’re happy to share contractor referrals and talk through which projects make sense.
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