What Should I Look For When Searching For a Contractor?
Hiring the right contractor is the single most important decision you’ll make in a renovation. The difference between a project that runs smoothly — on budget, on schedule, and to the level of quality you expect — and one that turns into a stressful, expensive nightmare usually comes down to who you hire.
But what exactly should you be looking for when choosing a contractor? Credentials? Reviews? Price? Or something deeper?
In this blog post, we’ll break it down into clear, actionable steps so you know what to look for and why it matters.
1. Verify Credentials and Insurance
First, make sure the contractor is a legitimate business. This sounds obvious, but too many homeowners get burned by “contractors” who are unlicensed or uninsured. If someone gets hurt on your site or something goes wrong, you could be left liable.
Ask for proof of:
Business license
Liability insurance
Workers’ compensation coverage
A professional contractor will provide these without hesitation.
Why it matters: Contractors without insurance are often cheaper — but you’re the one taking on the risk. It’s not worth it.
2. Look for Renovation Experience
Building a new home and renovating an existing one are completely different skill sets. With renovations, you’re dealing with existing conditions, hidden surprises, and integration of new with old. That takes a special kind of expertise.
Ask about their specific experience with renovations and additions, not just general construction.
For example:
Have they worked on homes of your size and age?
Do they understand the unique challenges of older homes (asbestos, wiring, settling)?
Can they handle structural modifications safely?
At Roka Projects, our team specializes in renovations and additions — it’s all we do. That focus means fewer surprises for you.
3. Evaluate Their Pricing Model
This is one of the biggest red flags to watch for. Contractors usually offer two pricing models:
Fixed-Price Contracts – They give you one number upfront. Sounds safe, right? Except that number includes large contingencies (padding for “what ifs”). If those issues never occur, the contractor pockets the difference. They’re also incentivized to cut corners on quality to protect their margin.
Cost-Plus Contracts – You pay for the actual cost of labor and materials plus a transparent management fee. No inflated contingencies, no vague allowances. You see where every dollar goes, and you get control over your choices.
For example: A “kitchen cabinet allowance” in a fixed-price contract might be $15,000. But what if you want $40,000 worth of custom millwork? You’re suddenly stuck with a huge change order. With cost-plus, you decide from day one whether to go with $10k prefab cabinets or $40k custom — with no surprises.
4. Assess Their Communication Systems
Even the best contractor will hit challenges on a renovation. The difference is how they communicate.
Ask:
Do they hold regular site meetings?
Do they provide daily updates?
Do they use a client portal where you can see budgets, schedules, and progress in real time?
Great contractors make communication easy, not stressful. At Roka, we keep all communication centralized in a digital client portal, so you never wonder what’s happening on your project.
5. Check Their Team and Network
A contractor is only as good as the people they work with. Ask about their:
Subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, finish carpenters)
Suppliers (cabinet shops, flooring companies, stone fabricators)
Designers and engineers
Do they have long-term relationships with trusted partners? Or are they hiring the cheapest trades available on each job?
A strong contractor has a team that works like a well-oiled machine.
6. Reputation and References
Never hire a contractor without checking references. But don’t just ask, “Were you happy with the project?” Ask deeper questions:
How was communication throughout?
Did they stick to budget expectations?
Were there hidden surprises?
Would you hire them again?
Also check online reviews, portfolios, and project galleries. Look for consistency, not just a single glowing review.
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7. Problem-Solving Ability
Renovations reveal surprises — it’s not “if,” it’s “when.” What matters is how your contractor handles them. Do they panic and pass the problem (and cost) directly to you, or do they collaborate on solutions?
Ask them about a time they encountered a major issue and how they solved it. The best contractors thrive on problem-solving.
8. Warranty and Aftercare
A good contractor stands behind their work long after the final invoice. Ask about:
Warranty length (minimum one year, ideally more)
Aftercare process (are they available for touch-ups, questions, or support?)
Documentation (do they provide manuals, warranties, and guides for installed systems?)
At Roka Projects, our clients retain access to their project portal even after completion, and we’re available for aftercare long-term.
Final Thoughts
The right contractor is more than just someone who swings a hammer. They’re a partner, a communicator, and a steward of your investment. Choose one who offers transparency, proven experience, and genuine collaboration.
Ready to find your contractor? Contact Roka Projects to start planning your renovation with confidence.
Additional FAQs
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Not necessarily. Low bids often mean corners cut, unqualified trades, or missing details that later appear as change orders.
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No insurance, vague contracts, no references.
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Because it’s transparent, fair, and flexible. You see where every dollar goes and control the quality of your home.