Smart Contractor Hiring Tips
Hi — I'm Matt Morton. Let's make hiring easier.
After 15+ years in the trades and running Craftsworth Construction out of West Chester, I've seen the good, the bad, and the avoidable. Hiring a contractor is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your home — and with the right approach you can reduce stress, control costs, and get the result you want. Here are practical, actionable tips I share with homeowners across Chester County and Delaware County.
Start local and gather referrals
Begin by asking neighbors, friends, or your local Facebook groups for recommendations. Local referrals matter: contractors who work regularly in West Chester, Malvern, or Media understand township inspectors, drainage patterns, and common home construction challenges in our area. If you like what you see in a neighbor’s kitchen or bathroom, ask for the contractor’s name and a close-up walkthrough of the work.
Get at least three bids — and compare apples to apples
Never take the lowest estimate at face value. Ask for three detailed, written bids and compare line items: demolition, rough carpentry, electrical, plumbing, materials, disposal, and cleanup. A vague number for "labor" or "miscellaneous" is a red flag. If one bid is significantly lower, ask why — they may be cutting corners, missing scope items, or planning to substitute cheaper materials.
Ask the right questions (use this checklist)
- How long have you been in business locally? Can you provide references from projects in Chester or Delaware County?
- Who will be my point of contact on the job? Will you be on-site regularly?
- Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance? Can I see a current certificate of insurance (COI)?
- Who pulls permits, and will you provide permit numbers and inspection records?
- What is your projected timeline and major milestone dates?
- How do you handle change orders and unexpected issues?
- What warranty do you provide for workmanship? What warranties do materials carry?
- How is payment handled? What is the payment schedule?
Verify insurance and licensing
Always ask for a COI listing general liability and workers' comp. Call the insurer to confirm the policy is current. In Pennsylvania, municipal building offices often require permits for structural, electrical, and plumbing work — make sure your contractor knows local township rules. If a contractor says "we don't need permits," that's a major red flag.
Insist on a detailed written contract
A proper contract protects both of you. It should include a full scope of work, start and end dates (including contingencies), a line-item budget, payment schedule, warranty terms, and how change orders are handled. If a contract is vague about materials, timelines, or cleanup, ask for clarification. Keep copies of all signed documents and change orders.
Payment best practices
A common and safe payment schedule is an initial deposit (10–20%), progress payments tied to milestones, and a final retainage (10%) until you sign off on the punch list and receive final lien releases. Avoid paying large sums in cash. Consider using a credit card or check for traceability. Request lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers at final payment — this prevents unpaid subs from placing a lien on your property.
Expect the unexpected — plan for contingencies
Older homes in Chester and Delaware County often reveal surprises: rot, asbestos, knob-and-tube wiring, or hidden plumbing issues. Budget a contingency of 10–20% of the project for unforeseen conditions. Your contractor should communicate issues quickly and provide written change orders that include cost and schedule impacts before work proceeds.
Timeline and communication
Agree on a communication plan up front: weekly updates, who to text for questions, and a preferred time for site visits. Delays happen — material lead times for cabinets, tile, and appliances can change timelines. A contractor who proactively explains these delays and provides alternatives will keep the project moving smoother than one who disappears.
Material selections and lead times
Choose finishes early. Cabinetry, specialty tile, and custom fixtures can have lead times of several weeks to months. Locking down selections early avoids last-minute substitutions that can push budgets up. Ask your contractor or design team for realistic delivery timelines and staging plans for installation.
Site protection, cleanliness, and neighbors
A professional contractor will protect floors, seal off work areas to control dust, and clean the site at the end of each day. If you live in a close-knit Chester County neighborhood, ask the contractor to leave a note for neighbors about noisy work or dumpster placement. Respectful site behavior reflects on the contractor’s professionalism.
Red flags to watch for
- Cash-only businesses with no invoices or receipts.
- Refusal to show insurance, references, or a portfolio of recent work.
- Pressure to sign a contract immediately or demands for a very large upfront payment.
- No written contract, or a contract that’s overly vague about scope and materials.
Follow up after completion
Once your project is finished, walk through with the contractor and create a punch list. Keep warranty documents, appliance manuals, and final permits in a folder. If issues arise, document them with photos and dates and communicate promptly. A reputable contractor will stand behind their work and address warranty items quickly.
Hiring well is part diligence, part relationship. Choose someone who communicates, backs their work, and understands your home.
If you're in Chester or Delaware County and want to talk through a kitchen, bath, or basement scope — I’m happy to share what to expect for your specific neighborhood, local permitting steps, and realistic timelines. At Craftsworth Construction we aim to make remodeling straightforward and transparent, and I’m always open to answering homeowner questions before you sign anything.
Good luck — and remember: the right contractor makes the difference between a stressful renovation and one you actually enjoy.