Hiring a contractor is one of the biggest financial decisions a homeowner makes outside of buying the house itself. The right contractor turns your vision into reality. The wrong one turns it into a nightmare. Here is what to look for and what to avoid.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
Licensing. Ohio does not require a statewide general contractor license, but many municipalities require local registration or permits. Ask your contractor about their specific credentials and verify them. A legitimate contractor will have no issue providing this information.
Insurance is non-negotiable. Your contractor must carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify they are current. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers' comp, you could be liable.
Bonding provides additional protection. A surety bond guarantees that the contractor will complete the work according to the contract terms. Not all projects require bonding, but it is an additional layer of security.
Evaluate Their Track Record
Ask for references and actually call them. Any contractor can provide their best three references. Ask specific questions: Was the project completed on time? Were there unexpected costs? How did they handle problems? Would you hire them again?
Look at recent work. References from five years ago are less relevant than projects completed in the last year. Ask to see current or recently completed projects similar to yours.
Check online reviews but read them critically. A handful of negative reviews among hundreds of positive ones is normal. Look for patterns — repeated complaints about communication, cleanliness, or timeline overruns are red flags.
Verify their history. Check the Better Business Bureau and your local consumer protection agency for complaints. In Ohio, the Attorney General's office maintains records of consumer complaints.
Get Detailed Written Proposals
A professional proposal should include: detailed scope of work, material specifications (brand, model, color — not just "tile" or "cabinets"), a realistic timeline with milestones, payment schedule tied to completion milestones (not calendar dates), warranty information, and procedures for change orders.
Compare proposals on scope, not just price. The cheapest bid often omits items that become expensive change orders later. Line up the proposals side by side and make sure each one covers the same scope of work.
Be wary of vague language. "Install kitchen cabinets" is not detailed enough. "Install 24 linear feet of Kraftmaid Avalon maple cabinets in Dove White finish with soft-close hinges and full-extension drawer slides" tells you exactly what you are getting.
Red Flags to Watch For
Demanding large upfront payments. A reasonable deposit is 10–20% of the project cost. Any contractor asking for 50% or more before work begins is a risk.
No written contract. Every project, no matter how small, should have a written agreement. Handshake deals leave you unprotected.
Pressure to decide immediately. "This price is only good today" is a sales tactic, not a business practice. A reputable contractor gives you time to make informed decisions.
Cannot provide proof of insurance. This is an absolute deal-breaker. Walk away.
No physical business address. A PO Box is not enough. You should be able to visit their place of business.
Asks you to pull the permit. The contractor should pull all necessary permits. When you pull the permit, you become the responsible party — and you lose the protection that comes with permitted, inspected work.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
Who will be the on-site project manager? How often will they be on site? What is your communication process — will I get regular updates? How do you handle unexpected issues or changes? What is your warranty on labor? On materials? Can you provide a list of subcontractors you plan to use? What happens if the project runs over the estimated timeline?
Why Homeowners Trust W&S Construction
We are a family-owned company serving Central Ohio. Willie and Susan Walker built this business on honest communication, quality workmanship, and treating every home like our own. We provide detailed written proposals, maintain full insurance coverage, and welcome you to speak with any of our past clients.
Get a free estimate and see the difference a quality contractor makes.
