Hiring a contractor is one of the biggest decisions a homeowner can make. Done right, you get quality work at a fair price. Done wrong, you're dealing with delays, cost overruns, and headaches. Here's what every homeowner should know before signing anything.
1. Check Their Reviews First
Before you reach out to a single contractor, look at their track record. On Renova, every contractor has a public reputation score built from real reviews — only customers who have actually hired them can leave feedback. That means every star means something.
Don't just look at the overall score. Read the written reviews. Look for patterns: do multiple customers mention the same issue? Do they respond professionally to negative feedback?
2. Get Multiple Bids
Never hire the first contractor who responds. Post your job and let multiple contractors bid. This gives you price comparison, but more importantly, it tells you how contractors communicate. The one who asks smart clarifying questions upfront is usually the one who shows up prepared.
A good rule of thumb: if you get three bids and one is dramatically lower than the others, ask why before accepting it.
3. Be Specific in Your Job Posting
Vague job postings attract vague bids. Instead of "need my bathroom redone," write: "Remove and replace tile in a 60 sq ft bathroom, including replacing the vanity and adding a new exhaust fan." The more detail you provide, the more accurate and comparable the bids you'll receive.
On Renova you can attach photos, documents, and floor plans directly to your job post — use this. Contractors who can see exactly what they're dealing with will give you better numbers.
4. Understand What You're Paying For
The lowest bid isn't always the best deal. Ask each contractor what's included: labor only, or materials too? What's the payment schedule? Is there a warranty on the work?
Renova lets you message contractors directly on the platform after they've unlocked your job. Use that conversation to get clear answers before you commit.
5. Trust Your Gut on Communication
How a contractor communicates before you hire them is exactly how they'll communicate during the job. If they take three days to respond to a simple question before you've paid them anything, imagine how hard it'll be to reach them once the job has started.
Fast, clear, professional communication is one of the best predictors of a good experience.
Ready to find a contractor? Post your job on Renova and get bids from vetted local contractors today.