Hiring the wrong contractor can turn your dream remodel into a nightmare. From unfinished work and poor craftsmanship to scams and ghosting, the horror stories are all too common. The good news? Most of these problems are avoidable. By taking a few simple steps to vet your contractor before signing on the dotted line, you can save yourself from stress, headaches, and costly mistakes. Whether you’re renovating a century home in Gates Mills, updating a colonial in Shaker Heights, or remodeling a ranch in Westlake, here’s what to look for.
1. Do your research
Before hiring any contractor, take the time to do your homework—it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself. Start by researching how long the company has been in business. Statistics show that over 95% of contractors close their doors within the first five years. This means if you hire a contractor who’s only been around for a year or two, there’s a significant chance they won’t be there when you need warranty work or have questions about your project down the road.
A company with a long track record has proven they can deliver quality work, maintain satisfied customers, and weather the ups and downs of the industry. Don’t skip this step—a little research upfront can save you from major stress, unexpected costs, and the frustration of being left on your own to fix problems a fly-by-night contractor left behind.
A little research upfront can save you from major stress, unexpected costs, and the frustration of being left on your own to fix problems…
2. Understand the contract and warranties they offer
A clear, detailed contract is essential for any remodeling project. Remember, a contract isn’t just paperwork—it’s there to protect both you and the contractor. It establishes that the contractor has an obligation to install materials in a workmanlike manner for the agreed-upon price, and that you have an obligation to pay for the completed work. A good contract eliminates misunderstandings by clearly outlining exactly what’s included in the project scope, the timeline, payment schedule, and how changes will be handled. Just as important is a clearly written warranty. Make sure you understand what’s covered, for how long, and what the process is if something goes wrong after the project is finished. If a contractor is vague about contract terms or hesitant to put warranty details in writing, that’s a warning sign. A reputable contractor will be transparent and happy to walk you through every detail before work begins.
3. Check their online presence
Take time to read a contractor’s Google reviews—but read them with a critical eye. Unfortunately, fake reviews are common, and some companies pay for hundreds of glowing ratings to boost their reputation. You can often spot fake reviews because they’re vague, lack specific details about the project, or appear in large clusters within a short time frame. Authentic reviews typically describe the type of work done, the customer’s experience, and specific things the contractor did well or could improve. Beyond reviews, evaluate the company’s overall online presence. Do they have professional photos and videos showcasing their completed projects? Can you see their team members? A contractor who invests in presenting their work and their people online is signaling that they’re committed to their reputation and plan to be around for the long haul.
A contractor who invests in presenting their work and their people online is signaling that they’re committed to their reputation and plan to be around for the long haul.
One of the most valuable steps when vetting a contractor is simply asking, “Can I see your past projects?” A reputable contractor will welcome this request and gladly connect you with previous customers so you can visit completed work—even projects finished years ago. Seeing the craftsmanship firsthand gives you a real sense of the quality you can expect.
If a contractor hesitates or refuses, consider it a red flag. Walking through a finished space lets you inspect details like tile work, cabinetry, and finishes in ways photos can’t capture. It also gives you a chance to ask the previous homeowner about their experience—how communication went, whether the project stayed on budget, and if any issues arose after completion.
Seeing the craftsmanship firsthand gives you a real sense of the quality you can expect.
5. Verify that they always pull permits
If a contractor suggests that permits are optional or tries to talk you out of getting them, consider it a major red flag. Permits exist to ensure that all work is done up to code and inspected by a qualified third party. Is it actually important to pull a permit for a home remodel?Yes, this protects you, your family, and your investment. Without proper permits, you could face serious consequences down the road—whether it’s failing an inspection when you try to sell your home, voiding your insurance coverage, or worse, being held liable if something like an electrical fire occurs due to faulty work. A trustworthy contractor understands that permits aren’t just bureaucratic hurdles; they’re a safeguard for everyone involved. Always ask upfront whether permits will be pulled, and don’t settle for vague answers.
In Cleveland and surrounding cities like Parma, Lakewood, and Rocky River, permits are required for most remodeling work involving structural, electrical, or plumbing changes. Your contractor should be familiar with local building department requirements and handle the permit process for you. For more information, watch “Do I Need a Permit for my Kitchen Remodel?“
Always ask upfront whether permits will be pulled, and don’t settle for vague answers
Choosing the right remodeling contractor doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it just requires doing your homework upfront. By researching how long a company has been in business, reading reviews carefully, checking their online presence, asking to see past projects, and ensuring they pull proper permits, you can protect yourself from the stress, headaches, and costly mistakes that come with hiring the wrong contractor.
At Keselman Construction Group, we’ve been serving North East Ohio homeowners for over 21 years, and we invite you to put us to the test. Research our team, read our reviews, and ask to see our work. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, whole-house transformation, or home addition, we want you to feel confident and comfortable every step of the way. Reach out to us—we’d love to bring your vision to life.
