10 tips for hiring home improvement contractors, from the BBB Serving CT

CROMWELL, Conn. — A large home improvement project demands a significant amount of time, money and care, so homeowners should be aware that there are scammers looking to ruin the process by ripping them off.

A recent report from the Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut notes that nearly 400 complaints were received from across the state in 2024 reporting home improvement scams.

More than a dozen reports of home improvement scams were also submitted to the BBB’s Scam Tracker last year from Connecticut residents. Their losses amounted to approximately $100,000.

The BBB Serving Connecticut encourages homeowners looking to begin major projects to seek an experienced contractor with the best team.

Still, there are common mistakes that can leave people in difficult situations if they aren’t careful.

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The first tip involves doing research.

Before hiring a contractor, one should check their experience, credentials, references, licenses and performance history. To be successful, one should be organized and informed, according to the BBB Serving Connecticut.

The second tip includes checking licenses, insurance and permits.

To prevent being sued down the line for an accident on the job site, homeowners should make sure that anyone they work with is up to date on their insurance and certifications. Also, the BBB Serving Connecticut says one must secure the necessary work permits before beginning a project.

The third tip encourages being vigilant when hiring a designer or architect.

Professional insight is necessary for projects involving entire room remodels, reimagined floor plans, elevations and additions. Hire a professional to provide important insight regarding the project’s aesthetic, functionality and structural integrity. The BBB Serving Connecticut said these individuals will also work with homeowners to add a personal touch fitting their aesthetic, scope and budget.

The fourth tip is to consider hiring a professional instead of a family member of a friend.

While it’s great to have your home improvement tasks tackled by someone you know, the BBB Serving Connecticut said one should think carefully before hiring a friend or family member to take on a project best handled by a professional. If a friend or family member does a poor job, it could impact your relationship with them.

The fifth tip recommends gathering multiple bids.

Evaluate and compare your top candidates’ services, quotes and skillsets. Think about the advantages and disadvantages of each potential selection, which will lead to a knowledgeable decision.

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The sixth tip notes that homeowners should seek a signed contract with the professionals they hire. 

This document will be critical for deadlines, scope of work questions, warranties, materials, payment terms and more. Even beyond a project’s completion, the BBB Serving Connecticut says that this paperwork should be held onto in case any misunderstandings or disputes arise.

The seventh tip tells homeowners to pay professionals responsibly and look for red flags. 

One red flag would emerge if a contractor only accepts cash and doesn’t provide a receipt. Also, one should be hesitant if a contractor wants full payment up front. Homeowners should consider a payment plan that gives them room to review the work while it’s being done and after its completion, according to the BBB Serving Connecticut.

The eighth tip urges homeowners to consider more than just the price tag when choosing the path for a project. 

Price is always important, but strictly going with the lowest bidder could result in poor craftsmanship, cheap materials and a bad result. The BBB Serving Connecticut says to consider all angles, including reputation, experience and communication, when making a major decision.

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The ninth tip stresses the importance of sound communication with all parties involved in the project.

The BBB Serving Connecticut says homeowners should pay careful attention to the communication habits of contracting candidates during the interview process. Also, be upfront with your communication needs from the beginning of the process.

The 10th and final tip from the BBB Serving Connecticut emphasizes the need to create an emergency budget for the project.

A project’s scope is always susceptible to things that are out of control like Mother Nature or an economic recession. Creating an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances can bring homeowners peace of mind.

Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected]. 

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