Remodeling Contractor Red Flags

When looking to remodel your West Michigan home, there are plenty of great contractors to choose from! Many are highly qualified, skilled, and honest home remodelers, but it's always good to be thorough and cautious before hiring someone. Fortunately, our team has been around for a while and we know some red flags to look out for when hiring for your next big home project.

Red Flag #1: They don’t have a builder's license or proof of insurance.

Michigan general contractors need a Residential Builders license or a Maintenance & Alterations Contractors license to “construct, repair, alter, add to, subtract from, or improve a residential structure or a combined residential and commercial structure.” Likewise, above-board builders should be able to produce a copy of their general liability insurance, a policy that protects them (and by extension anyone harmed) in the event of an accident without question. This protects you and them in the event something goes wrong on the project.

Red Flag #2: They can’t provide references.

Good builders don’t just build houses, they build relationships and clientele. That means that qualified builders can usually put you in touch with other customers who have had a good, drama-free experience. Always do a little Google search to find reviews and ask for references before pulling the hiring trigger.

Red Flag #3: Their quote isn’t in-depth.

The quote the contractor provides should detail the full scope of the job and outline the work they and any subcontractors will do as well as what materials they will provide and the homeowner will provide. There should be no gray area or confusion. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and get crystal clear on the details.

Red Flag #4: They request total payment up front.

Typically, contractor work is paid out in increments to ensure that both parties remain committed to the project until it’s completed. Asking for full payment up front or payment in cash (without a paper trail) is a worrisome sign.

Red Flag #5: There is not a clear timeline.

It takes time to plan out and properly permit a remodeling project. If a contractor proposes getting to work right away or can’t layout estimated start and end dates, it may mean they aren’t operating entirely on the level. The project should include reasonable start and ending dates, so you have a date in writing to stick to.