Welcome to Step Six: Find and Vet Contractors.

Once you know what you want, it’s time to find the right people to make it happen. And here’s the truth: the contractor you choose will make or break your project. The best plan in the world will fail if the wrong person is in charge.

In this step, we’re going to walk through how to find and vet contractors the smart way. That means no more chasing dead ends, no falling for glossy marketing, and no relying only on who pops up first in a search result. Instead, you’ll learn how to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters: qualifications, credibility, and early red flags.

You’ll discover how to check licenses, confirm insurance, read reviews, study portfolios, and contact references. You’ll also learn how to quickly spot warning signs—before you ever schedule a consultation.

Our worksheet is designed to make this process clear and repeatable. It takes you step by step through verifying licenses and insurance, reviewing portfolios, contacting references, and even checking for complaints or lawsuits. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a vetted shortlist of reliable professionals—contractors who are qualified, responsive, and worth your time.

Let’s break down the worksheet questions together.

Start by asking yourself where you’re searching for contractors—and whether those sources are reliable. A personal referral or a trade association is very different from a random online ad. Start with sources you can trust.

Next, verify each contractor’s license through your state board. Their license should be valid, active, and the right type for your project. Never skip this step—it’s your first line of protection.

Confirm that they carry both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Ask for actual certificates, not just verbal assurances. If something goes wrong, this protects you from major liability.

Now take a close look at their reviews. Read across multiple platforms and look for consistent patterns—how they communicate, their quality of work, and whether they complete projects on time.

Review their portfolio of similar completed projects. This helps you see if their experience, style, and attention to detail align with what you expect.

Request and contact client references. Ask about communication, reliability, cost changes, and satisfaction. You’ll often learn more from a quick phone call than from any online review.

Evaluate how responsive and professional they are during early communication. If they’re slow or disorganized now, it likely won’t improve later. First impressions matter.

Check if they have a real business address, website, or established local presence. A legitimate, stable business is much easier to hold accountable.

Search for complaints, lawsuits, or disciplinary actions. Check with your state licensing board, the Better Business Bureau, and reputable forums to identify any red flags.

Finally, ask yourself if this contractor feels like the right fit for your project scope, budget, and timeline. Not every contractor is right for every project. Be selective—your goal isn’t just to find a contractor; it’s to find the right contractor.

By the end of this step, you’ll have more than just names and numbers. You’ll have a vetted, trustworthy shortlist of professionals who can confidently deliver your project. This is how you avoid playing contractor roulette—and start building with confidence.