Where to Start When Hiring Contractors

How to Find the Right Pro Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Weekends)

Welcome to the Wings NW Real Estate blog series—where we mix a little Northwest lifestyle, a dash of humor, and just enough home wisdom to make you the star of your next neighborhood BBQ. From backyard projects to big adventures, we’ve got tips, tricks, and maybe a troll sighting or two along the way.

Hiring a contractor shouldn’t feel like a reality-TV survival challenge—but let’s be honest, it often does. Between the horror stories, the bids that vary by thousands, and the mysterious “guy with a truck” your neighbor swears by, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Here’s how to hire a contractor with confidence (and keep your sanity intact).

Step 1: Define Your Project Clearly

Before you start calling anyone, decide what you actually need done. Are you remodeling a bathroom, building a deck, or taking on a full renovation? Be specific. The clearer your vision, the more accurate the estimates will be.

(And if you’re dreaming of a fixer-upper project, Wings NW Real Estate can help you find the perfect house to transform—preferably one with good bones and minimal mystery wiring.)

Step 2: Ask Around for Recommendations

Word-of-mouth is gold. Ask friends, family, or trusted neighbors who they’ve used and what their experience was like. Real reviews beat online star ratings any day.

If you’re new to the area, ask your Wings NW Real Estate agent—we network with reputable contractors across the Pacific Northwest. We’ve seen who shows up, who follows through, and who mysteriously disappears halfway through the tile job.

Step 3: Do Your Homework

Once you’ve got a shortlist, check:

• Licenses and Insurance: Always verify—no exceptions.

• Reviews: Google and Yelp are fine, but look for consistent praise about communication and reliability.

• Portfolio: A contractor proud of their work will happily show it off.

If their “before and after” photos look suspiciously like stock images, consider that a bright red flag.

Step 4: Get Multiple Bids

Don’t stop at one estimate. Collect at least three. You’ll learn a lot about pricing, timelines, and personality. Remember: the cheapest bid isn’t always the best—sometimes it’s just the one that forgot to include materials.

Step 5: Ask Smart Questions

When interviewing contractors, skip the small talk and get to the good stuff:

• How long have you been in business?

• Who will be on-site—your crew or subs?

• What’s your payment schedule?

• How do you handle changes or surprises mid-project?

A professional will answer directly and confidently. Anyone who dodges or gets defensive? Next.

Step 6: Get Everything in Writing

Handshake deals are for lemonade stands, not home renovations. Insist on a written contract outlining scope of work, materials, payment schedule, and warranties. Read every line before signing—future-you will thank current-you.

Step 7: Trust Your Gut

Credentials matter, but so does instinct. You’ll be communicating with this person for weeks (maybe months). If something feels off, move on. The right contractor should make you feel informed and comfortable, not pressured.

Final Nail in the Board

Hiring a contractor takes effort, but when you find the right pro, it’s worth every minute. You’ll save time, money, and the headache of redoing a bad job.

And if you’d rather skip the reno stress altogether? At Wings NW Real Estate, we’re happy to help you find a home that’s already move-in ready—no power tools required.

Because sometimes, the best project is the one that’s already finished.

At Wings NW Real Estate, we believe home is more than four walls—it’s your launchpad for adventures, DIY dreams, and the occasional canine co-pilot. Whether you’re planting privacy hedges, hunting Pacific Northwest trolls, or just trying to pick the right shade of white paint, we’re here to help you find the perfect Northwest nest.