I’ve spoken before about some of the red flags that means you should avoid a construction company, but now, it’s time to discuss how to find the right contractors for your home renovation. It can be easier said than done, and choosing the right company could be the difference between getting your home completed on time and to budget, and overspending or experiencing delays.
Finding the right construction contractor isn’t just about selecting a name from a list. It’s about choosing someone that will bring your vision to life, protect your investment, and keep your construction project on track.
Whether you’re building from scratch (a self-build) or renovating an existing space, the success of your project can depend on more than just tools and timelines. It depends on trust, transparency, and technical ability. Yet with so many contractors available, knowing who to hire and who to avoid can quickly become overwhelming!
In this guide, I’d like to try and make things simple for you. Using some industry knowledge and effective methods, I’ll aim to show you a clear step-by-step way to find and hire the right contractor. You’ll learn how to check their qualifications and what to look for in a tender.
First, understand the types of contractors
There isn’t just one type of contractor out there (that might make things a bit easier, and of course, life likes to mix things up a bit!). Each type has a specific role, so you want to choose the right contractor that will help bring your project to life.
First, we have a general contractor (GC). This is someone who manages the entire project, scheduling, permits, subcontractors, and materials. This person is best for full builds or major renovations.
Then, we have a specialist contractor. This person generally focuses on one trade, like plumbing or electrics, and is ideal for small, specific tasks.
Finally, there is a design-build firm. These offer both design and construction services under one roof and are perfect for projects that need streamlined coordination and fixed budgets.
My 9 tips for hiring a construction contractor or building firm
I know, 9 sounds like a daunting number. But I’m trying to break it down as much as I can for you, so here are 9 things to consider when hiring a builder.
Define your construction needs clearly
Every successful construction project begins with clarity. Before hiring a contractor, you should tell them exactly what you expect them to do and what your goals are, whether it’s a home renovation, a commercial fit-out, or a self-build. Projects that aren’t well planned can go over budget by an average of 14%, so when you can stay organised and communicate well with your contractor, you’re more likely to stay in budget.
I suggest that you start by writing down exactly what you want. Is it a kitchen renovation with sustainable finishes? A retail space with industrial accents? A multi-storey residential structure requiring phased execution? Categorise your needs by size, type, and special requirements.
Then, decide who fits the job best: a general contractor who manages everything, or a team of niche specialists like tilers, electricians, or green-building experts.
You’ll need to budget realistically—consider market rates, inflation in material costs (which rose about 8–10% in 2024), and timeframes.
Also factor in special needs such as BREEAM certification (or LEED in the US), solar installations, or heritage compliance, if applicable. A defined scope isn’t just a starting point—it becomes your foundation for hiring, managing, and completing your build without regrets.
Be aware of modern tools
There are tons of tools out there today that are necessary to improve efficiency, accountability and overall project quality.
One particular key innovation is Automated WIP (Work-In-Progress) tracking, which allows contractors to monitor progress, budgets, and resource allocation in real time, ensuring smoother operations.
Automated WIP tools help minimise errors from manual reporting and provide accurate, up-to-date insights for all stakeholders. They also make it easier to spot potential delays or budget overruns early, allowing for better control and proactive management.
These tools streamline project coordination and enhance decision-making when integrated with other technologies, such as Procore, Buildertrend, Anterra, or 3D modelling software.
Contractors who adopt such technologies demonstrate a high level of professionalism, financial transparency, and a strong commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget.
When choosing a contractor to complete your renovation, it may be worth questioning how they plan to manage the build, and see if they use any of the tools mentioned above. If they don’t, how can they guarantee that your build will stay on track?
Research potential contractors
Deep research is important when choosing the right construction contractor for your renovation project. The goal is to vet professionals who can meet your needs while delivering quality, efficiency, and professionalism. Here are just a few ways you can start to research local contractors to you:
Online directories
You can use online platforms like Checkatrade, Trust a Trader and MyBuilder. These directories provide access to contractors who are thoroughly vetted for credibility, insurance, licensing, and relevant experience. By filtering through these platforms, you ensure that the professionals you consider are compliant with industry standards.
Local recommendations
Personal referrals are often the most reliable source of information. Friends or neighbours might be able to recommend someone great, or you could even ask in a local Facebook group for recommendations. You’ll be able to find out exactly what they thought of the contractor, and get details that a general online review won’t provide you with. Depending on how well you know the person, you may even be able to see the builder’s workmanship!
Professional associations
Membership in professional organisations, such as the National Federation of Builders (NFB), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Contractors affiliated with such groups are generally more dependable, ethical, and up to date with the latest regulations.
Review their previous projects and work history
Looking at a contractor’s past work is the best way to see if they are skilled and trustworthy. Here’s how to check their portfolio and projects:
Check portfolios for similar projects: A reputable contractor will have a portfolio showcasing projects similar to yours, whether it’s a new build, renovation, or remodel. Pay particular attention to their past work that closely aligns with your project’s scope, style, and materials. This will give you a better understanding of their skill set and attention to detail.
Visit completed sites, if possible: If you can, visit some of the contractor’s finished or ongoing projects. This lets you see the quality of their work up close. If you can’t visit, ask for photos or videos of their recent work.
Analyse attention to detail and quality: Check the quality of the contractor’s past work by looking closely at the details. This includes the finishes, material choices, and how well the structure is built. Good quality in these areas usually shows that the contractor cares about doing excellent and consistent work.
Verify their credentials and experience
Before hiring construction contractors, ensure your contractor meets all legal and professional standards.
Do they have the right licensing? Do they have both liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you from legal or financial risk? Do they have any client references, or previous clients that you can speak to? You might want to ask about project satisfaction, reliability, communication, and how issues were handled.
Get multiple quotes
Securing at least three detailed, written quotes is essential for informed decision-making. Each quote should itemise costs for labour, materials, permits, and contingencies, providing a transparent view of the project’s financial scope.
Consistency: Ensure all contractors are bidding on the same project specifications to facilitate accurate comparisons.
Clarity: Detailed breakdowns help identify discrepancies and prevent unexpected expenses.
Caution: Be wary of unusually low or vague estimates; they may indicate potential compromises in quality or hidden costs.
By comparing comprehensive quotes, you can assess value beyond price, considering factors like material quality, timeline, and contractor reliability.
Interview your contractors
Conducting thorough interviews with potential contractors provides insight into their professionalism and compatibility with your project.
It gives you an opportunity to ask them about their experience, including any past challenges and how they were overcome, but also to clarify certain details, like who will oversee the project on a daily basis and what their level of involvement will be. If you’re project managing yourself, it’s a chance to lay down what you want.
Additionally, discuss project timelines, payment schedules, and how they handle changes or unforeseen issues. A contractor’s transparency and responsiveness during the interview process often mirror their performance during the project.
Plan a payment schedule and project timeline
This is a necessary step and is super important. If you don’t identify exactly when you will pay the builders and what timescales you expect from them, the project can go way off plan and you’ll probably end up spending more money.
First, you might want to look at dividing your payments into sections. Never pay all at once upfront. Instead, pay after a certain amount of work is complete. E.g. the first payment might be made after the foundations are in, the second payment when the walls and structure is up, etc. This makes it clear to your contractors when to expect payment, but also shows when each bit should be completed by.
You’ll need to come up with some realistic deadlines. Your builders should be able to help you here, if you’re unsure of how long things should take. Your project timeline should include extra time to account for unexpected delays, like bad weather, supply issues, etc.
Track the project’s progress regularly to make sure things are happening on time and that the work is moving as per your original plan.
Maintain strong communication
Clear and consistent communication is key to a successful construction project. Without it, even small misunderstandings can lead to costly delays and avoidable frustration. The best way to stay on track is to choose one main contact. This will be the person you go to on a regular basis to check in with. You may want to schedule in regular check ins (either in person or over the phone) so that progress can be reviewed, problems can be discussed. I’d probably suggest a weekly meeting as things can change frequently on a building site.
What are the common challenges people face when hiring construction contractors?
Hiring the right construction contractor can be a challenging task, and the wrong choice can lead to delays, increased costs, and poor workmanship. Many factors need to be considered to ensure the contractor is a good fit for your project. Below are some common challenges that businesses face when hiring construction contractors:
Lack of clear communication
Difficulty in verifying credentials
Inconsistent bids
Hidden costs and unclear contracts
Unreliable references.
Conclusion
Selecting the right construction contractor requires careful research, clear communication, and attention to detail. By following my (expert) tips outlined above, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your project runs smoothly from start to finish (hopefully!).
Remember, a good contractor is not just about cost; they should offer quality, reliability, and a commitment to meeting deadlines. Take the time to evaluate your options and choose a contractor who aligns with your vision and project goals for the best results. A trustworthy contractor will ensure that your project is completed on time, within budget, and to your satisfaction.
FAQs
How many quotes should I get before hiring a contractor?
It’s advisable to obtain at least three detailed quotes to compare pricing, scope, and timelines effectively. This ensures you make an informed decision based on multiple perspectives.
What should be included in a contractor’s quote?
A comprehensive quote should detail labour costs, materials, permits, timelines, and any contingency plans. This transparency helps prevent unexpected expenses later on.
How can I verify a contractor’s credentials?
Request to see their valid licences, insurance certificates, and references from previous clients. Additionally, check online reviews and professional affiliations for credibility.
Why is a written contract important?
A written contract clearly outlines the project’s scope, payment schedule, and responsibilities. It serves as a legal safeguard for both parties in case of disputes.
How do I handle changes during the project?
Discuss any changes promptly with your contractor and document them in writing. This ensures clarity and helps maintain the project’s timeline and budget.
What are red flags when hiring a contractor?
Be cautious of contractors who demand large upfront payments, lack proper licensing, or provide vague estimates. These can be indicators of potential issues down the line.
