Buying Guides
How to Find a Good Contractor in 2026 (Without Getting Burned)
Licensing, insurance, references and the questions that separate pros from scammers.
Start with license lookup, not Google reviews
Every state has a public contractor license search. Check that the license is active, unrestricted, and matches the name on the contract. Google reviews are gamed; state license boards are not.
Non-negotiables before signing
- General liability insurance ($1M minimum) with your name on the certificate
- Workers' comp — if they don't carry it, you're liable for injuries
- Written scope of work with brand/model numbers, not 'homeowner's choice'
- Payment schedule tied to milestones, not the calendar
- Lien waivers signed by subs at each draw
The three-question phone screen
Ask: (1) Can I visit a jobsite you're on this week? (2) Who is your dedicated project manager? (3) What's your written change-order process? Vague answers on any of these = pass.
Legitimate contractors welcome jobsite visits, have a named PM, and hand you a change-order form. Scammers dodge all three.
Payment structure that protects you
Cap the deposit at 10% or $1,000 (many states require this by law). Structure remaining payments 30/30/30 tied to demo complete / rough-in complete / substantial completion, with 10% withheld until punch-list sign-off.