When working on a home improvement project, choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions that you will make. Let us take the guess work out of finding a reliable professional to take care of your project.
Whether you need just a handyman for a simple fix or several contractors for a full remodel, we search our database to put you in touch with the right qualified people in your area who will do the job right the first time. It is fast.
It is easy. All you need to do is mark the box that best describes your project, and let us connect you with a nationwide network of home improvement experts to find the products, services, and value you want.
Looking for a contractor? ask our experts for Local Quality Contractors in your area.
| A/C installation | Glass roof installation | Septic System |
| Addition & Remodel Contractors | Garage Door Installation | Siding Installation |
| Architect Design | General Contractor | Sheet Metal |
| Asphalt roof installation | Handyman Services | Slate floor installation |
| Bamboo floor installation | Hardwood floor installation | Slate roof installation |
| Barb wire fence installation | Hardwood floor refinish | Slate roof repairs |
| Bathroom remodel | Home theater setup | Solar |
| Brick/stone siding install | Home theater | Stair carpet install/repair |
| Building Moving/Demolition | HVAC repair | Steel fence installation |
| Cabinet and Countertop | Interior Design | Structural Steel |
| Carpentry | Interior painting | Sunrooms |
| Carpet Installation | Insulation | Swimming Pools |
| Carpet repairs | Kitchen Remodeling | Terrazzo floor installation |
| Ceramic and Mosaic Tile | Landscape Design | Tile floor installation |
| Chain link fence installation | Locksmith | Tile floor repairs |
| Cleaning Services | Masonry | Tile roof installation |
| Commercial carpeting | Metal roof installation | Vinyl floor installation |
| Concrete | Metal roof repairs | Vinyl siding installation |
| Decks & Fences | Metal siding installation | Water Damage |
| Drywall | Mold removal | Water Conditioning |
| Earthquake retrofit | Painting | Welding |
| Electrical | Plaster | Well |
| Electric fence installation | Plumbing | Window Installation |
| Excavation | Pool fence installation | Wood fence installation |
| Exterior painting | Professional Plumbers | Wood laminate floor install |
| Fence installation | Refrigeration | Wood roof installation |
| Fire Protection | Reinforcing Steel | Wood siding installation |
| Flooring Projects | Roofing Installation | Wrought iron fence install |
| Furnaces and Heating | Room Addition Contractor |
Tips for a Hiring a Contractor
1. Ask lots of Questions
Ask for a list of projects that they have done in the last year that is similar to yours. This allows you to know how familiar they are with the type of project. Ask for verifiable references for these projects. Does the contractor have a local office? A permanent place of business gives you the confidence that they will complete the work and will be in business tomorrow should a problem arise. Ask for details for how they will be completing the project.
2. Check References
Call the references, and if you can ask to come over to see the work. They may be a happy customer. However, their standards may not be yours. Sample questions include:
- Did the contractor maintain open communication throughout the project?
- Did they keep you informed as to the status of the project, problems encountered, or changes necessary before making them?
- Did he or she provide answers to questions to your satisfaction?
- Did they seem receptive to your input?
- Did workers show up on time?
- Did they clean up the job site at the end of each day?
- Were there any unexpected costs? If so, what?
- Was the project completed on time?
- Were there any unnecessary stalls or delays?
- Were you satisfied with the overall results of the completed project?
- Would you recommend the contractor?
- Would you hire the contractor again?
3. Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
4. Do your homework.
Know what the average costs of supplies. That way you know if the contractor has an extremely large mark-up or if their prices are too good to be true.
5. Check to make sure they have the proper permits and licenses.
Call state and local government agencies and ask for what permits and licenses are needed for your type of job. Make sure the contractor has them. A red flag is if the contractor says that you are the one the needs to get the necessary permits.
6. Check to make sure they have the proper insurance and have Worker's Compensation.
7. Make sure the bids are in writing with itemized list of labor costs and material costs.
Warning Signs
Do not hire a contractor if they do any of the following:
- Pressures you into a quick decision
- Will not give you a bid in writing
- Accepts only cash payments
- Requires full payment upfront
- Wants to use materials left over from another job
- Solicits door-to-door
- Makes you get the necessary permits or wants to skip them
- Does not give you verifiable references, or will not give references at all
- Offers to good to be true prices - Chances are they use subpar materials and cut corners
