How to Compare Multiple Contractor Bids (Free Template)
To compare contractor bids correctly, first ensure every contractor bid on the exact same written scope. Then compare them line by line across six categories: scope of work, material specifications, labor breakdown, permit and cleanup costs, payment…
Should You Hire a Licensed vs Unlicensed Contractor?
For any project over $1,000, involving permits, structural changes, or multiple trades, always hire a licensed contractor. The cost savings from hiring an unlicensed contractor are almost always outweighed by the legal liability, insurance risks, code…
How to Check Contractor References the Right Way
To check contractor references, request at least three contacts from projects completed in the last 18 months, call each one by phone rather than emailing, and ask open-ended questions about problems rather than satisfaction. The most revealing questions…
Red Flags When Hiring a Contractor: 15 Warning Signs
The biggest red flags when hiring a contractor are: inability to provide a license number on the spot, requesting 30% or more upfront, insisting on cash-only payment, pressuring you to sign the same day, suggesting you skip permits, and showing up…
General Contractor vs Handyman: Which Do You Need?
Hire a handyman for small, non-structural repairs under roughly $500 that do not require permits, such as fixing a faucet, patching drywall, or hanging shelves. Hire a general contractor when the project involves structural changes, multiple trades, or…
General Contractor vs Subcontractor: Roles Explained
A general contractor manages an entire construction project: hiring subcontractors, pulling permits, setting the schedule, and serving as the homeowner’s single point of contact. A subcontractor is a specialist, such as an electrician, plumber, or…
How to Verify a Contractor’s License and Insurance (State-by-State)
To verify a contractor’s license, search your state licensing board’s online lookup tool using the contractor’s license number or business name. Most states show license status, classification, bond amount, and complaint history. To…
25+ Questions to Ask a General Contractor Before Hiring
Before hiring a general contractor, ask about their license number, insurance certificates, project timeline, who will be on-site daily, how change orders are handled, what the payment schedule is tied to, and what their workmanship warranty covers. The…
How to Hire a General Contractor: The Complete Homeowner’s Guide (2026)
To hire a general contractor, follow five steps: (1) define your project scope, (2) find licensed candidates through referrals or platforms like Angi or Thumbtack, (3) verify their license and insurance through your state licensing board, (4) collect at…
