Video: How to hire a contractor—17 tips no one ever talks about

We’ve all seen blogs, articles, and people like Theresa and me on the news saying the same three things about how to hire a contractor: Make sure they’re licensed, insured, and come well referred.

These are important indicators, yes, but when it comes to hire a contractor to tear your kitchen or deck or bathroom apart—then put it back together without making you crazy or broke—there are a few more questions we ask on our entrance exam.

We also play a little trick: We ask questions we already know the answer to. Or we know the contractor should know the answer to. If there’s trouble in these spots on our home improvement Rorschach Test, it’s a good indicator trouble could be brewing.

This video makes selection easier. We show 17 tips we use to hire a contractor that no one ever talks about. From how to pay to where to park to referrals you can trust we think it’s about building a relationship, not buying a product. In the end, you want someone who is honest and who both cares about your project and their business.