What You Need to Remember When Hiring a Contractor

By JP Fluellen

JP became a licensed real estate agent in 2010 after being a real estate investor for 2 years. He’s been a top real estate agent at Coldwell Banker The Property Exchange and has recently started the Titan Real Estate Team at eXp Realty.

Hiring a contractor should be simple, but one wrong move can cost you thousands. Many homeowners make the same mistakes of paying upfront, trusting the wrong person, and ending up with an unfinished project. Don’t let that happen to you. Before you hire a contractor, ask these key questions.

1. Are you licensed and insured? Not all contractors are qualified. Some are professionals. Others are just handymen with tools. A handyman doesn’t need a contractor’s license, which means they legally can’t do certain jobs. A professional contractor should have:

• A valid license
• General liability insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Ask for proof. A professional will show it without hesitation. If they get defensive, walk away.

2. How long have you been in business? Experience matters. You don’t want someone learning in your home. Ask how long they’ve been in business and if they’ve done projects like yours. If they claim to “do everything,” that’s a red flag. Real experts specialize in certain areas of their workmanship and they are honest about it.

3. What’s the timeline? Contractors often say a job will take three months, but it drags on for a year. Get a realistic timeline and hold them accountable. Delays happen, but excuses shouldn’t.

4. Do you need money upfront? Never pay upfront. If a contractor needs a deposit to “buy materials,” they don’t have cash flow. A real professional can start the job without your money. If they ask for 50% upfront, run. They can take your money, disappear, or leave the job unfinished while chasing another deposit.

5. Get everything in writing. A contract protects you when something goes wrong with the process. This ensures you have a detailed outline of your agreement in writing so you can have proof that you can use in case something unexpected happens. Make sure it includes:

• Payment terms
• Project scope
• Timeline
• Warranty

Choosing the right contractor can save you thousands and months of frustration and the wrong one can leave you with an unfinished project and wasted money. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you can call or text me at 307-772-1184 or email me at jp@titanreteam.com for help. I’ll ensure you make the best decisions for your home and investment.