How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Home Improvement Project

Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters

Hiring the wrong contractor is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. Poor workmanship, missed deadlines, surprise costs, and abandoned projects are unfortunately common in the home improvement industry. Taking time to properly vet contractors before signing a contract protects your investment, your home, and your peace of mind.

Essential Steps for Vetting a Contractor

1. Verify insurance and credentials: In Illinois, general contractors are not required to hold a state license, but many municipalities require local registration. Always verify that your contractor carries general liability insurance (at least $1 million) and workers' compensation coverage, and that they are properly bonded. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify them with the insurer directly.
2. Check references and reviews: Ask for at least three references from recent projects similar to yours, and actually call them. Ask about communication, timeline accuracy, quality, and how problems were handled. Supplement references with online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and Angi, but remember that reviews can be manipulated in both directions.
3. Get detailed written estimates: A professional estimate should itemize labor, materials, permits, and a clear scope of work. Vague or verbal estimates are a red flag. Get estimates from at least three contractors to understand the fair market price for your project. Be wary of bids that are dramatically lower than others — they often indicate corners will be cut.
4. Review the contract carefully: A solid contract includes the scope of work, materials to be used, start and completion dates, payment schedule, change order procedures, warranty terms, and a cancellation clause. Never sign a contract with blanks or vague language.
5. Confirm permit responsibility: Your contractor should pull all necessary permits and schedule inspections. A contractor who suggests skipping permits to save money is putting you at legal and financial risk.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Demanding full payment upfront or cash-only payments
• No physical business address or professional website
• Pressure to sign immediately or accept a "today only" discount
• Unable or unwilling to provide proof of insurance
• No written contract or a contract with vague terms
• Suggesting you pull the permits yourself
• Negative Better Business Bureau record or unresolved complaints

What to Expect From a Professional Contractor

A reputable contractor communicates clearly, arrives on time for appointments, provides a detailed written estimate, carries proper insurance, handles permits, and stands behind their work with a warranty. They are transparent about timelines, costs, and potential challenges — and they tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.

At R-Deco Painting and Home Improvements, we have been serving the Jefferson Park area of Chicago and the surrounding communities since 1993. We are fully insured and bonded, our subcontractors who require licenses are fully licensed, and we provide itemized estimates, manage all permits, and guarantee our workmanship. We are happy to provide references from satisfied clients in your neighborhood.