Why Online Searches Make or Break Your Renovation
Most people start their contractor search online. It’s fast. It’s convenient. But it’s also risky. One wrong hire can ruin your timeline, budget, and trust.
According to a 2022 survey by the Better Business Bureau, home improvement scams were the number one complaint in the U.S. that year. That includes shady contractors, fake reviews, and poor workmanship.
Whether you’re redoing a kitchen or building an extension, knowing what to look for online can save you time and money.
Green Flags to Look For
Clear, Detailed Website
A good contractor has a clean, professional website. It should show services, past projects, license numbers, and contact details. If a site feels rushed or sketchy, treat that as a warning.
Look for specific project photos. Bonus if they include before-and-after shots or client stories.
Verified Reviews Across Platforms
Check reviews on Google, Yelp, Houzz, and even Facebook. One platform alone isn’t enough. A trustworthy contractor will have consistent ratings and detailed customer comments.
Look for patterns. Are people praising the same things? That’s a good sign. Pay attention to how the business responds to feedback too.
Proof of Insurance and Licenses
A serious contractor will list their license and proof of insurance. If they don’t show it, ask. No paperwork? No job.
You can also check state registries or use verification services. A quick search may show if their credentials are up to date.
Detailed Estimates and Contracts
They should offer a free estimate. And it shouldn’t be a one-liner. It should include line items for labour, materials, timeline, and payment schedule.
A solid contractor will also insist on a written contract. That’s a green flag, not a hassle.
Local Work and Word of Mouth
Ask for references or addresses of recent jobs nearby. Call past clients. If they’re happy to talk about their experience, that’s a good sign.
If your neighbour recommends someone who did their remodel on time and under budget, that’s better than any ad.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
No Online Presence or Generic Listings
If you search a contractor’s name and find nothing but a basic listing or a few stock photos, be cautious. Real businesses show real work.
No website, no reviews, no business address? Walk away.
Pushy Sales Tactics or Price Changes
Be wary of contractors who pressure you to “book now” or say prices are going up tomorrow. Good work speaks for itself. Real professionals don’t rush or haggle like it’s a car lot.
Also, watch for bait-and-switch pricing. If the estimate balloons halfway through the job with no clear reason, something’s off.
Vague or Missing Contracts
If someone avoids putting things in writing or says, “We’ll work it out as we go,” stop. That’s not flexibility. That’s chaos waiting to happen.
Without a contract, you have no legal ground if things go wrong. It’s also how many people get scammed.
Asking for Too Much Money Upfront
A small deposit is normal. Paying 50% or more before work starts is not. Especially if you found the contractor online.
Use milestone payments. Pay after specific parts are complete. And always get receipts.
Fake Reviews or Reputation Issues
If all the reviews sound the same or are posted within a short time, they may be fake. Cross-reference names and dates across platforms.
You can also use services like erase.com to check if a contractor has a history of complaints or negative press. A few bad reviews aren’t the end of the world. But a pattern of dishonesty is.
Tips to Choose the Right Contractor
“Whether you’re upgrading your thermostat or remodeling your entire home, the people you hire make or break the experience,” says Geoffrey Allen Wall. “A true professional doesn’t just install what you ask for. They guide you through the process, explain the options, and leave you with something better than you expected.”
Interview Multiple People
Talk to at least three contractors. Ask about their process, communication style, and timeline. Compare answers.
If someone is hard to reach now, they won’t be better once you’ve paid them.
Ask to See Their Work
Any contractor worth hiring should be proud to show off their past jobs. Ask for photos or to visit a recent site.
One homeowner in Perth said the reason they hired their contractor was because “he handed me an iPad and walked me through five different jobs he’d just wrapped. Every one of them looked clean, on time, and on budget.”
Check Their Communication Style
The best builders explain things clearly. They answer questions without jargon. They tell you what’s happening before you ask.
Poor communication during planning usually means worse communication later.
Test Small Before Going Big
If you’re nervous, try hiring them for a small job first. See how they handle it. Were they on time? Did they clean up? Did they stick to the plan?
It’s easier to walk away after a small project than halfway through a full home renovation.
Final Word
Hiring a contractor online is easier than ever. But that means the bad ones are easier to find too. You don’t need to be paranoid. Just smart.
Look for signs of pride, professionalism, and past success. Avoid vague promises and rushed pitches.
Protect your budget, your home, and your time. A few hours of research now can save you months of stress later.