How to Choose the Right Contractor: 7 Red Flags to Watch For

Choosing the right contractor can make or break your renovation experience. Here are seven warning signs to look out for before signing any agreement.

1. No License or Insurance A reputable contractor should be fully licensed and insured. This protects you, your property, and your project.
   

2. Vague Estimates or No Written Contract If a contractor can’t provide a clear, itemized estimate or avoids putting things in writing, that’s a major red flag.
   

3. High-Pressure Sales Tactics You should never feel rushed or pressured to make a decision. Trustworthy contractors allow space to consider your options.
   

4. Poor Communication If they don’t return your calls, arrive late, or dodge your questions, it might only get worse once the project starts.
   

5. No References or Portfolio A good contractor should have a list of references and examples of past work. If they can’t show proof of quality, keep looking.
   

6. Large Upfront Payment Avoid contractors who ask for most of the payment upfront. A reasonable deposit (typically 10-20%) is standard.
   

7. Too-Good-To-Be-True Pricing Extremely low bids may indicate cutting corners, using poor materials, or a lack of experience.

At R&T Livings, we encourage our clients to ask questions, check credentials, and feel confident every step of the way. Transparency and trust are the foundation of every successful renovation.