Not all contractors are created equal—and the wrong one can derail your timeline, budget, and sanity. Before you sign any dotted line, run each candidate through these three non-negotiables. They separate reliable pros from renovation roulette.

1. Google Ratings That Go Beyond Five Stars

• Don’t skim—analyze. Click “Most Recent” to see how a vendor performs today, not five years ago.
• Look for patterns. Repeated mentions of delays or budget overruns are a red flag.
• Watch the replies. Vendors who respond professionally to negative reviews usually handle issues fast in real life.

2. Portfolio Proof from Real Customers

• Ask for customer photos, not just the website gallery. You want messy progress shots and final walk-throughs.
• Request a quick reference call. A five-minute chat reveals more than a testimonial paragraph ever will.
• Compare apples to apples. Make sure the featured projects match your size and style—don’t judge a bathroom remodeler by their luxury home addition.

3. Transparent Licensing & Communication

• Verify every credential. Cross-check license numbers and insurance policies with state databases.
• Test their response time. If they take three days to answer a simple email, imagine waiting for a change-order update.
• Clarify scope in writing. A detailed contract protects both sides and eliminates “I thought that was included.”

Choosing the right vendor saves far more than it costs in research time. Want a shortcut? Myzer pre-screens contractors, compares quotes side-by-side, and negotiates on your behalf—so you can focus on design, not due diligence.