While small home improvements don’t necessarily require a contractor, you should leave substantial renovations, like home makeovers, to the professionals. Planning such a lengthy project can take longer than expected and may feel exhaustive, especially if you have to live outside your home during construction. But never rush to hire someone. When sourcing a contractor, it’s crucial to research, communicate, and assess before handing over the job. Here are 13 red flags you should be cautious about.

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1. No Address or Business Information

A contractor without an office isn’t that alarming, but be wary of anyone without at least a business card and phone number. Although taking calls from your personal phone is okay in some circumstances, professionals generally have separate contact information to avoid work calls during off hours.

2. Lack of References

If the contractor is hesitant or unwilling to give references from past clients or doesn’t have an existing portfolio of work, it could indicate less experience, unsatisfactory results, or a bad reputation.

3. Unlicensed and Uninsured

Contractors should provide proof of licensing and insurance. Those without the proper credentials might not follow the standard protocols, or in other words, could destroy your home.

4. Refusal of a Written Contract

Avoid contractors who won’t put the project details in a formal contract. Contracts protect all parties and are a legal record of set expectations if a rework is needed or some form of negligence occurs.

5. Poor Communication

You should easily be able to follow up on progress, payment details, and other concerns. Gaps in responsiveness, challenges in establishing contact, or vagueness might lead to issues during the project.

6. Reluctance to Provide a Clear Project Plan

A reputable contractor will give you a detailed plan outlining timelines, materials, and tasks. Reluctance to sketch out the project could lead to design flaws or unmet expectations.

7. Significant Price Changes

An initial estimate isn’t final. However, future quotes should remain within a reasonable range. If the price skyrockets without an explanation, you’re probably getting scammed or overcharged.

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8. Requests for Full Payment Upfront

When asked for the entire payment before starting work, your red flag radar should go off immediately. Typically, contractors accept payments on a schedule tied to project milestones.

9. Cutting Costs on Materials

Contractors insisting on using cheap materials, especially without discussing alternatives or explaining why, could compromise the quality and durability of the renovation. You’ll want to be particularly skeptical about this when the materials don’t match the budget, which may point to a contractor who plans to pocket the remaining cash.

10. Absence of a Warranty or Guarantee

Most contracting services come with warranties or guarantees. If they fail to mention these policies or inform you that they don’t provide them, it signals a lack of confidence or a tendency to produce unsatisfactory work.

11. Insufficient Knowledge

When your contractor seems unsure about how to approach a project or is uninformed about specific building codes, there’s a chance that they may not have enough training to do the job.

12. Pressuring

Contractors pushing for an immediate decision or offering unbelievable discounts only if you decide right away might be trying to rush you into something too good to be true, which is never a good sign.

13. Negative Reviews

Check Yelp, Google, the Better Business Bureau, and other platforms for reviews. Consistent negative feedback from previous clients is always concerning.

Remember, it’s essential to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right or you begin to question moving forward with the contractor, it’s best to hire someone else for your project. Watching out for these red flags can help you make a more informed decision and choose a reliable and adept contractor for your project.