How to Hire a Home Contractor: The Complete New England Homeowner’s Checklist

You’ve finally decided to tackle that kitchen renovation you’ve been dreaming about. Or maybe your aging roof needs replacement before another New England winter hits. Perhaps it’s time to finish the basement to create that home office you’ve needed since, well, you know when.

Whatever your project, you’re facing one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make: choosing the right contractor. Hire well, and you’ll end up with beautiful work completed on time and on budget. Hire poorly, and you could find yourself dealing with shoddy craftsmanship, blown budgets, missed deadlines, or worse — an unfinished project and a contractor who’s vanished with your deposit.

The good news? Finding a reliable, skilled contractor isn’t a matter of luck. It’s a matter of doing your homework. This checklist will walk you through every step of the process, from finding candidates to signing the contract and everything in between.

Before You Start Looking: Know Your Project

Before you pick up the phone or start searching online, take time to clearly define your project. The better you can communicate what you want, the more accurate your quotes will be and the smoother your project will run.

Define the scope: What exactly do you want done? Be as specific as possible. “Renovate the kitchen” is too vague. “Remove wall between kitchen and dining room, install new cabinets, replace countertops with quartz, add a kitchen island with seating” is much better.

Set a realistic budget: Research typical costs for your type of project in your area. Remember to include a contingency of 10-20% for unexpected issues.

Establish your timeline: When do you need the project completed? Are there any dates that matter (holidays, family events, seasonal considerations)?

Gather inspiration: Collect photos, magazine clippings, or Pinterest boards showing what you like. Visual references help contractors understand your vision.

Finding Contractor Candidates

Now it’s time to build your list of potential contractors. Don’t settle on the first name you find — aim to collect at least three to five candidates to compare.

Ask for recommendations: Personal referrals from friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers are often the best starting point. Ask specifically about the quality of work, communication, timeliness, and whether they’d hire that contractor again.

Check with local trade associations: Professional organizations often maintain directories of vetted members.

Use trusted online resources: Websites that verify licenses and collect reviews can be helpful, but use them as one tool among many, not your sole resource.

Look for specialists: For major projects, seek contractors who specialize in your type of work. A general handyman might be fine for small repairs, but a kitchen renovation deserves a contractor with specific expertise.

The Essential Verification Checklist

Before you invite any contractor to give you an estimate, verify these fundamental credentials:

• Valid contractor’s license: Each New England state has its own licensing requirements for home improvement contractors. In Massachusetts, contractors must register with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Other states have similar registration or licensing requirements. Verify registration online or by phone. Don’t skip this step — unlicensed work can leave you without recourse if problems arise.

• Proper insurance: Request certificates of insurance directly from the contractor’s insurance company, not just copies from the contractor. You need:

  • General liability insurance (protects you if the contractor damages your property)
  • Workers’ compensation insurance (protects you if a worker is injured on your property)

• Business establishment: How long has the company been operating? Longevity isn’t a guarantee of quality, but it does suggest stability. Be cautious with brand-new operations.

• Physical business address: Legitimate contractors typically have established business locations. Be wary of contractors who only provide a P.O. box or cell phone number.

• Online presence and reviews: Check multiple sources for reviews. A handful of negative reviews among many positive ones isn’t necessarily a red flag, but patterns of complaints are concerning.

The Interview: Questions to Ask Every Contractor

Once you’ve verified credentials, it’s time for in-person estimates. Treat these meetings as interviews — because that’s exactly what they are. Here are essential questions to ask:

What to ask about their business:

• How long have you been in business?
• Do you have experience with projects like mine?
• Who will be the primary point of contact throughout the project?
• Will you use subcontractors? If so, how do you vet them?

About the project:

• What’s your approach to a project like this?
• What potential challenges do you foresee?
• How do you handle unexpected issues or changes?
• What permits will be needed, and who will obtain them?

Get clear estimate information:

• Is this estimate detailed and itemized?
• What’s included and what’s not included?
• How long is this estimate valid?
• What could cause the price to change?

Communication and timeline expectations:

• How often will you provide updates?
• What’s your preferred method of communication?
• When can you start, and how long will the project take?
• What’s your work schedule?

References:

• Can you provide references from recent projects similar to mine?
• Can I see photos or visit a completed project?

Checking References: What to Ask Previous Clients

Don’t skip this step. When you contact references, ask specific questions:

• Was the project completed on time and on budget?
• Was the work area kept reasonably clean and safe?
• How did the contractor handle problems or unexpected issues?
• Was communication clear and timely?
• Did workers show up when expected?
• Was the final quality what you expected?
• Were there any issues after completion, and if so, how were they handled?
• Would you hire this contractor again?

Listen not just to what people say, but how they say it. Enthusiasm is a good sign. Hesitation or qualified answers warrant further investigation.

Red Flags: Warning Signs to Watch For

Your instincts matter. Watch out for these warning signs:

• Pressure to sign immediately: Legitimate contractors understand you need time to compare estimates and make decisions.

• Unusually low bids: If one estimate is dramatically lower than others, ask why. The contractor might be cutting corners, underestimating the project, or planning to add charges later.

• Large upfront deposits: Requesting more than one-third of the project cost upfront is a red flag. Reputable contractors typically ask for deposits of 10-33%, depending on the project scope.

• Cash-only demands: While some contractors offer cash discounts, insisting on cash-only payments is concerning.

• No written contract: Any contractor who balks at putting agreements in writing is not someone you want working on your home.

• Poor communication: If a contractor is difficult to reach or unclear during the estimate phase, expect worse once they have your money.

• Won’t pull permits: Contractors who suggest skipping permits to save money are putting you at risk.

The Contract: Essential Elements

A solid contract protects both you and the contractor. Ensure yours includes:

• Complete project description: Detailed scope of work, including materials specifications (brands, models, colors)

• Total project cost: Itemized pricing that breaks down labor, materials, and any other charges

• Payment schedule: Clearly defined milestones and corresponding payments

• Project timeline: Start date, completion date, and any important milestones

• Permit information: Who is responsible for obtaining and paying for permits

• Change order process: How changes to the original plan will be handled, priced, and documented

• Cleanup responsibilities: Who is responsible for daily cleanup and final debris removal

• Warranty information: What work is warranted, for how long, and what it covers

• Dispute resolution: How disagreements will be handled

• Cancellation terms: Conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement

• Signatures and dates: From both you and the contractor

During the Project: Best Practices

Your involvement doesn’t end when the contract is signed:

Maintain regular communication: Touch base frequently but respect the contractor’s need to work.

Document everything: Take photos throughout the project. Keep all receipts, invoices, and written communications.

Address concerns promptly: If something doesn’t look right, raise the issue immediately rather than waiting until project completion.

Make payments according to the schedule: Don’t pay ahead of schedule, and don’t withhold payments for completed work.

Keep a project folder: Organize all contracts, permits, invoices, warranties, and communication in one place.

Final Walkthrough and Project Completion

Before making final payment:

• Complete a thorough walkthrough: Inspect all work carefully with the contractor present

• Create a punch list: Document any items that need correction or completion

• Verify permit sign-off: Ensure all required inspections have been completed and passed

• Obtain warranty documentation: Get written warranties for both labor and materials

• Collect all documentation: Permits, inspection certificates, warranties, and care instructions

• Make final payment: Only after all punch list items are addressed and you’re satisfied with the work

New England-Specific Considerations

Hiring a contractor in New England comes with some unique factors worth considering:

Seasonal scheduling: Many contractors in our region are busiest from spring through fall. If you’re planning a major project, booking well in advance — sometimes months ahead — can help you secure your preferred contractor and timeline.

Weather considerations: New England weather can impact project timelines, especially for exterior work. Discuss contingency plans for weather delays and how they’ll affect your schedule.

Winter work limitations: Some projects, like exterior painting or concrete work, can’t be done in cold temperatures. Plan accordingly and be realistic about what can be accomplished during our colder months.

Local building codes: Building codes and permit requirements vary by municipality across New England. Ensure your contractor is familiar with the specific requirements in your town or city.

FAQ

Q: How many estimates should I get?
A: At least three estimates allow you to compare approaches and pricing. More complex projects might warrant additional opinions.

Q: Should the lowest bid win?
A: Not necessarily. The goal is finding the best value, which considers quality, reliability, and communication alongside price. An unusually low bid often signals problems.

Q: How much deposit is reasonable?
A: Typically 10-33% of the project total, depending on scope. Large projects requiring significant material purchases may warrant higher deposits, but never pay more than one-third upfront.

Q: What if problems arise after the project is finished?
A: Contact the contractor promptly and document all issues in writing. Reference your warranty terms. Most reputable contractors address legitimate concerns willingly.

Q: Do I need a contract for small projects?
A: Yes. Any project over a few hundred dollars deserves a written agreement, even if it’s simple. Written contracts protect both parties and prevent misunderstandings.

Q: How do I verify a contractor’s license in my state?
A: Each New England state has an online database or phone line to verify contractor registrations. A quick internet search for “[your state] contractor license verification” will point you to the right resource.

Q: What should I do if a contractor abandons my project?
A: Document everything, including the state of the work and any payments made. Contact your state’s consumer protection office to file a complaint. You may also want to consult with an attorney about your legal options.

Your Home Deserves the Best Care — So Do You!

Hiring the right contractor can make the difference between a dream project and a nightmare. At Safety Northeast Insurance, we’re passionate about helping our neighbors protect their homes and make smart decisions. Have questions about your home project or want to chat about protecting your investment? Give us a call or stop by — we’re always here to help our New England community!