Design is only one part of the renovation or remodeling process. Execution can make or break your project—literally. Working with a dream contractor will often involve great craftsmanship, clear communication, and general peace of mind. The first step is figuring out which contractors you even want to consider interviewing for your project.

Find a Contractor That’s Licensed

You’d be surprised how many times I’ve had to tell clients that the person that was referred to them for their renovation isn’t a licensed contractor. Unfortunately, there are people out there that lie about their credentials and homeowners or business owners assume that since they’re doing the work they’re licensed. 

You want to work with a licensed contractor because often:

• They’re properly trained to carry out the work

• They understand general building codes in that state

• If they’re licensed, they’re more likely to also be insured (more on that later)

• They know how to apply for the permits required for a project

In New Jersey, it’s actually pretty easy to look up a contractor’s license on the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs website. You can also call the division to get information as well. Be aware that sometimes a contractor will be registered under a business name slightly different from what’s listed on their business card or website. 

That being said, just because a contractor is licensed, that doesn’t guarantee they know what they’re doing. It’s really easy to get a contractor’s license in some states. I’ve seen situations where homeowners are working with a licensed contractor and I know more about construction than they do. Yikes.

Confirm that the Contractor is Insured

Even my interior design firm is insured and I’m not picking up a hammer or power tool on any job sites! You want a contractor that’s insured because that helps protect you if someone happens to your property (liability insurance) or if someone gets injured onsite (workers compensation insurance). 

If a prospective contractor gets defensive when you ask for these things, that’s a red flag. It’s not uncommon for a large commercial client to request my firm to show proof of insurance before diving into design, so asking a contractor for proof of insurance isn’t a big ask. 

When I call the state to inquire about a contractor’s license, I can also ask about insurance. They can even tell you the insurance agency they use and even how much they’re covered for.

Look at Their Past Work

If a contractor only shows photos of outdoor decks, you might not want to hire them to build your kitchen. If a contractor only works on farmhouses in the country, they might not want the hassle of working on your city townhome. A portfolio is often a collection of a company’s greatest hits, pay attention to the quality of work, type of work and be wary of too many stock images.

If you have a neighbor or family member that has recommended a contractor, they might let you see their work in person. Most people love to show off their renovations or remodels once they’re complete! This is a great opportunity to see the quality of the work and evaluate if it’s the level of work you’d like to see in your own home. 

Walking through a space a contractor has worked on also gives you a chance to ask the homeowner or business owner what their experience was like working with them. Some people value quality, others cost and most value some level of efficiency—you can only have two. 

Your Resource for Finding, Vetting and Interviewing Contractors

I hate working with terrible contractors. It’s a waste of my time, energy and my clients’ money. And that’s coming from someone who generally knows how to deal with a terrible situation to get the job done. Just because I know how to do it, doesn’t mean I like it. In fact, I actively avoid bad construction professionals. I want you to avoid that too. 

Our goal is to make our client’s projects run as smoothly as possible. That means thoughtful, well-documented designs, but that also means finding a contractor that’s going to knock the build out of the park. 

That’s why our Full-Service Design package includes interviewing up to 3 prospective contractors for your project. We want to work with a fantastic contractor just as much as you do. The first step is booking an info call.