How to Find the Right Contractor, According to an HGTV Expert

Rico León, host of HGTV's Rico to the Rescue, has ample experience when it comes to home renovation. HGTV sat down with the super builder to get his best tips for finding the right contractor.

By: Caroline Alkire

Show: Rico to the Rescue

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Photo By: DON COMMEFORD

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Photo By: DON COMMEFORD

Photo By: iStock/Thomas Vogel

Photo By: DON COMMEFORD

How to Find the Right Contractor, According to Rico

Let Rico León, host of HGTV's Rico to the Rescue, find you a contractor. The guy knows his stuff, which is why he's stepping up to help homeowners in the Denver area out of complicated renovation situations. "I’ve been through it all,” he says. “On the show, I take what I’ve learned from [my own situations] and help mediate between the contractor and the homeowner."

In an effort to help not just his own clients but us, too, Rico shared his best tips for finding a contractor, as well as some major red flags to look out for.

see more: Rico to the Rescue

1. Check References

"You should always ask the contractor for three customer references on jobs completed within the last year," says Rico. "Call those references and ask them questions about quality of work, communication and customer service." Unsure what to ask? HGTV has you covered with this extensive checklist.

2. Scour the Internet

There's no better place to find dirt (if there is any). First, check out the contractor's social media accounts, then look for reviews on websites like Yelp, Google and the Better Business Bureau to get a sense of reputation.

3. Only Hire Insured Contractors

This will protect you if any accidents or damages occur during your project. “Ask to see the contractor's license and insurance documents and verify they're up to date,” says Rico. This goes for subcontractors, too.

see more: Hiring Contractors for a Remodel

4. Ask for Copies of Their Contract or Work Authorization

Obtaining a detailed budget and an outline of processes before the project begins is a must. "Ask for an estimated timeline of milestones, knowing various factors outside of the contractor may affect it," says Rico.

5. Don’t Rush the Process

Do your due diligence and ask questions regarding different scenarios and delays that may come up during the project.

6. Get Multiple Bids for Non-Insurance Related Projects

This allows you to compare prices as well as get a sense of the market rate for your project. "Provide each contractor with a detailed scope of work so that they can give you an accurate bid," Rico recommends. Conversely, for insurance and claim-related projects, do not submit multiple bids. This will hurt your chances of getting everything approved.

7. Look Out for Red Flags

These are Rico's major ones:

1. The contractor pressures you to sign a contract right away.
2. The contractor has too many jobs at once. "This can cause delays due to subcontractor scheduling," says Rico. "They may use funds from your project to juggle other projects, and that’s how Peter robs Paul so to speak."
3. The contractor takes too many vacations. "Once per month or more is considered too many," reveals Rico. "This can take the contractor away from managing jobs properly."

see more: Meet Rico León, 'Rico to the Rescue' Host and Renovation Rescuer

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