Your home isn’t only your castle — it’s probably your biggest investment. The work you have done significantly impacts its resale value, and you don’t want to entrust the job to just anyone who hangs out a construction shingle. Here are five tips for deciding which contractor is right for you.

1. Read the Contract Terms

It should go without saying that you should get all contracts in writing. However, that alone isn’t enough. You need to read the fine print. At a minimum, your contract should clearly state all terms, including the project’s scope, estimated time for completion, and a thorough breakdown of who is responsible for which contingency costs.

Sit down with your contractor and iron out the terms together to avoid any confusion later. You’ll both feel more comfortable proceeding with the project when you’re clear about who is responsible for what.

2. Shop Around

When you want a project completed quickly, it’s tempting to press forward with the first quote you receive. However, remember that your home is a significant investment — it pays to protect the value by doing your due diligence. You might also save some money.

Should you consider unlicensed contractors? It’s probably not worth the risk. You will have a hard time establishing standing to sue for damages. Many such individuals carry insufficient liability insurance to cover damages if they shoot a nail through a pipe or electrical line.

3. Ask for Recommendations

You could do a Google search for contractors in your area, but this approach is hit or miss. You can hire someone with more confidence when you know they’ve completed quality work for other people in your network.

Therefore, put your social media feeds and in-person connections to work. Ask your friends and family who they used in the past and would recommend. Many contractors rely primarily on word-of-mouth advertising, and some quality smaller operations might not have much of a web presence yet. That doesn’t mean they won’t do impressive work.

4. Read Online Reviews

However, the internet is another source of information you can turn to if you still feel unsure who to hire. Sites such as Houzz and Homestars offer insights from many other users who are willing to share their experiences.

Exercise judgment — some people do use the anonymity of the internet to vent their frustrations. Look for patterns. One negative review among a sea of five-star ratings isn’t a cause for concern, but multiple similar complaints should give you pause.

5. Trust Your Instincts

Personal safety expert Gavin de Becker writes this of intuition: “It is always in response to something. It always has your best interest at heart.” Sometimes, you perceive things that signal your “something’s wrong” trigger, even if you can’t articulate what it is at the moment.

Maybe your contractor candidate didn’t slur their words, but your nose detected a slight hint of whiskey. Perhaps something in how they eyed your fine china collection when providing a free estimate raised a red flag. Please keep in mind that the crew you hire will have substantial access to your home and family. If something seems off, keep searching, if only for peace of mind.

Choose the Right Contractor for You With These 5 Tips

Choosing the right contractor is a challenging decision. Follow this guide to find the help you need to get your project done right the first time.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison