🏠 Buying & Renovating
How to Hire a Contractor Without Getting Burned
Most renovation horror stories start with skipping one of a handful of checks. Here they are.
Dana Whitlock · Oct 18, 2026 · 4 min read · 5 steps
Choosing the cheapest quote is the most common mistake homeowners make with building work. A low price can mean missing items, cheaper materials, or a builder who will make up the difference with extras later.
A little due diligence before signing anything protects your budget and your home.
Get comparable quotes
Ask at least three contractors to price the same written specification. If each one quotes for different work, you cannot compare them. A detailed quote lists materials, labour, what is excluded, and how long it will take.
Check credentials
- Confirm any licence or registration required for the trade in your area
- Ask for proof of liability insurance
- For gas and electrical work, check the relevant safety registration
- Look up reviews, but also ask for two or three recent references you can call
Visit a past job
If possible, see finished work similar to yours, and ask the homeowner whether the job ran to time and budget and how problems were handled.
Get it in writing
A written contract should cover:
- The full scope of work and the specification
- Total price and a payment schedule tied to completed stages
- Start and finish dates
- How changes and extras will be priced and agreed
- Who obtains permits and arranges inspections
- Warranty on workmanship
Payments
Be wary of anyone asking for most of the money up front. A modest deposit, sometimes higher if materials must be ordered specially, is normal; large upfront payments for labour are not. Keep a retention for snagging until the job is signed off.
This is general home-maintenance information, not professional advice. Building codes, permits, and safe practices vary by location — consult a licensed contractor, electrician, or plumber for work beyond your experience.