Contractors: The Good, The Bad, and the 'Oh No, What Have I Done?'

How many times have you heard the phrase, “I know a guy for that!”? Keeping your home in good shape is no small task, and if you’re not up for DIY, you’ll need to find a “guy” (or a “gal”) to handle the job. Lately, though, I’ve been hearing a lot of horror stories about Contractors Gone Bad—missed deadlines, sloppy work, disappearing deposits—so let’s talk about what to look for before you hand over the keys (and your hard-earned cash) to just anyone.

But first, let’s establish one simple fact: your home is not a public space. It’s where your family lives, relaxes, and occasionally hides from unannounced visitors. So for all that is holy, do not let just anyone waltz through your front door. Be skeptical—it’s okay. I get it. I once worked on a beautiful old farmhouse refinishing cabinets in both bathrooms and the kitchen. The wife was at work all day, but the husband? He was home. And every 15 minutes, like clockwork, he checked on me. At first, I was mildly irritated, but then I checked myself—this was his home, and I hadn’t earned his trust yet. I had to go out of my way to follow his rules and respect his space. The job turned out great, and in the end, I understood where he was coming from. A contractor works in someone’s most personal space—you want to make sure you’re letting in the right one. So, here’s what to look for.

First Impressions Matter—For a Reason

A contractor’s first impression is like a blind date—it’ll tell you a lot. If they pull up in a truck that looks like it moonlights as a scrapyard, that’s a red flag. A clean, professional vehicle shows they take pride in their business. And while my own work vehicle could use a little TLC, I at least try not to bring down the neighborhood’s property value.

Next up: punctuality. Do they show up on time for the estimate, or do they roll in looking like they just crawled out of a tool pile? Life happens—traffic, flat tires, maybe an unexpected Big Gulp incident—but if they’re going to be late, did they at least communicate with you? In the corporate world, if someone shows up late to an interview with no explanation, you’re not hiring them. Same rules apply here.

Also, pay attention to how they talk to you. Are they genuinely interested in your project, or do they just launch into a monologue about how great they are? A good contractor asks questions, listens, and makes sure they understand your expectations before the work even begins. And finally, can they show you past work and provide references? With social media, there’s no excuse for not having a portfolio. If they can’t show you anything, move on. You wouldn’t hire an employee with no resume—why do it for your home?

Respect the Home, Respect the Family

A good contractor treats your home like a guest should—not like a raccoon who found its way inside. They ask about house rules, clarify entry points, and respect boundaries. Personally, even when refinishing cabinets (a job that literally requires me to open them), I always ask permission first. It’s not about access—it’s about respect. Nobody wants an awkward moment where I stumble upon their stash of mystery Tupperware lids or their secret candy drawer.

If you’ve got pets or family members at home, watch how the contractor interacts with them. This person is, for now, a stranger—do they seem respectful? If someone in your household gets a weird vibe, listen to them. Intuition is a real thing.

You Hired Someone—Now What?

Once work starts, take note of their awareness. Are they tracking in mud? Leaving tools everywhere like a toddler with Legos? A good contractor keeps their workspace tidy, and at the end of the day, you shouldn’t feel like a tornado just blew through your home.

Now, this one might ruffle some feathers, but let’s talk about smoking. If you’re a non-smoking household, make it clear that smoking near your home is a no-go. I say this as a former smoker—smokers are nose-blind to their own scent. If you don’t want your porch smelling like an old bar ashtray, speak up. Politely, but firmly.

And finally, at the end of the job, look at the cleanup. A pro doesn’t leave behind a disaster zone. Think This Old House—those guys kept a pristine job site. That’s what you want.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a solid starting point. The biggest takeaway? Don’t pick a contractor based on price alone. The cheapest option can end up costing you way more in headaches, repairs, and regret. Do your research, trust your gut, and when in doubt—remember, your home deserves better than a junkyard truck and a contractor who treats it like a construction site buffet.