Hiring a Contractor? Read This Before You Sign Anything
Dated: August 30 2025
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Protecting Yourself When Hiring a Contractor
If you’re a homeowner, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll need help with your home, whether that’s a repair, a remodel, or even a brand-new build. And here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: who you hire matters so much more than you think.
I’ve worked with contractors who cared about their craft and stood by their work. But I’ve also had the opposite experience, contractors and builders who cut corners, ignored industry standards, or simply didn’t care. In those situations, I paid the price, and sometimes others did too. Those lessons taught me one thing: you have to take steps to protect yourself from the very beginning.
Why It’s So Easy to Get Burned
The truth is, it doesn’t take much these days to get a general contractor’s license, or get licensed for anything else in the construction industry that is not a skilled trade like plumber or electrician. The license piece of paper doesn’t guarantee skill, care, or integrity. And that’s where homeowners get caught off guard.
If someone has no reviews, isn’t searchable online in multiple places, or doesn’t come highly recommended by people you trust, be cautious. A contractor with a proven track record and history of good recommendations from people YOU know, not references they gave you, is always a safer choice.
How to Protect Yourself Before the Project Starts
- Check Their License
Always verify through DOPL (Utah’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing) that they are licensed to do the work you need. Don’t just take their word for it. - Verify Insurance
Make sure they carry both liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Without it, you could be on the hook if something goes wrong on your property. - Do Your Homework
Look for reviews across multiple platforms (Google, BBB, state registries). If you can’t find much about them, that’s a red flag. - Get a Detailed Scope of Work
Never rely on a handshake deal. A written contract should outline the exact work to be done, materials, payment schedule, and timelines. Both parties need to sign it. - Understand the Risk with Small Businesses
If you end up in a dispute with a smaller contractor and they get sued, they could just close their business and walk away. That’s why contracts and vetting are so critical.
How to Protect Yourself During and After the Project
- Document Everything – Keep emails, texts, and photos of progress. If something goes wrong, documentation is your best defense.
- Pay in Stages – Don’t pay the entire amount upfront. Pay as milestones are completed.
- Know Where to Report Problems – If things go badly, you can file complaints with:
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Utah’s Consumer Protection Division
- DOPL (especially if they worked outside their license classification)
- Leave Reviews – Whether positive or negative, reviews help protect the next homeowner from falling into the same trap.
The Bottom Line
Home projects can be exciting, but they can also be stressful and expensive if you hire the wrong person. Protecting yourself isn’t about being suspicious, it’s about being smart. Do your research, get everything in writing, and remember that the cheapest bid is rarely the best bid.
The right contractor will make the process smoother, safer, and ultimately save you money in the long run. The wrong one? They can leave you with problems that last for years.
Briana Allred
Briana is a seasoned real estate professional who has been investing in Real Estate since 2010. Briana is more than a realtor – she's your guide to navigating the home buying process, selling yo....
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