5 Tips for Choosing a Contractor You Can Trust

Hiring a contractor is a big deal. You’re inviting someone into your home, trusting them with your money, your time, and your space. If you’ve been googling “contractor near me” and feeling a little nervous about who to pick, you’re not alone.

As a friendly neighborhood contractor serving the Milwaukee area, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “please come fix this” situations. Use these five practical tips to find a contractor you trust, avoid headaches, and feel confident about your project from start to finish.

Quick Answer: How Do I Choose a Contractor Near Me I Can Trust?

To choose a contractor near you that you can trust, start with personal recommendations, then research online reviews, licenses, and insurance. Get written estimates from at least two or three general contractors, compare what’s included (not just the price), and make sure you feel comfortable with their communication style. Finally, trust your gut—if something feels off, you’re better off hiring a different contractor.

1. Start With People You Trust Before You Search “Contractor Near Me”

The best way to find a contractor you feel good about is to start close to home:

• Ask friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who recently had work done.
• Post in local neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or community forums.
• Ask specifically:
  • Were they on time?
  • Did they clean up?
  • Did they communicate clearly?
  • Would you hire them again?
    

You’re not just looking for a good contractor—you want someone who showed up, did what they promised, and treated the home with respect.

If you’re in the Milwaukee area, you can also look for “Milwaukee contractor” recommendations in local groups; you’ll usually see the same trusted names pop up again and again.

2. Do a Little Online Detective Work on Each General Contractor

Once you’ve got a shortlist of names (or a few favorites from your “contractor near me” search), it’s time to check them out online:

• Read reviews on Google, Facebook, and other third-party sites.
  • Look for patterns: do people consistently mention quality, cleanliness, and communication?
• Check if they have a professional website with:
  • Clear list of services
  • Photos of past projects
  • Contact information and local address
• Look for licenses and insurance info mentioned on their site.
• See if they share real project photos (not just stock images).

You don’t have to become a private investigator, but spending 15–20 minutes on research can help you avoid a contractor who disappears halfway through a job.

3. Always Get Written Estimates Before You Hire a Contractor

Before you hire a contractor, it’s smart to compare at least two or three written estimates. This isn’t just about finding the lowest price—it’s about understanding what you’re paying for.

When reviewing estimates, look for:

Detailed scope of work

• • • What exactly is included?
    • What’s not included?

Materials

• • • Are they specifying brands or quality levels?

Timeline

• • • Rough start and finish dates

Payment schedule

• • How much is due up front?
  • When are the remaining payments due?

A good contractor will happily explain each line item, answer your questions, and never pressure you to “sign today or lose the deal.” If someone refuses to give a written estimate or dodges questions, that’s a red flag.

4. Confirm Their License, Insurance, and Local Experience

Before you sign anything, you want to make sure your general contractor is properly insured and licensed for the work they’re doing.

Here’s what to look for:

• General liability insurance
  Protects your property if something goes wrong during the project.
• Workers’ compensation insurance
  Protects you from being liable if someone is injured on your property.
• Appropriate licenses or registrations
  Depending on your area and type of work, your contractor may need specific credentials.

Don’t be shy about asking for proof of insurance and license numbers—and it’s perfectly okay to verify them with your state or local municipality. A trustworthy Milwaukee contractor will gladly provide this information and explain what it covers.

5. Pay Attention to Communication and Your Gut Feeling

All the paperwork in the world can’t make up for a contractor who doesn’t respect your time or your home.

As you meet with different contractors, ask yourself:

• Do they show up on time (or at least call if they’re running late)?
• Do they listen to your concerns and ideas?
• Do they explain things in a way that makes sense to you?
• Do you feel comfortable having this person and their crew in your home?

If you feel rushed, talked down to, or ignored, imagine what that will be like halfway through your project. It’s absolutely okay to say, “Thank you for your time, but I’m going to go in a different direction.”

Sometimes, the most important step in finding the right contractor near me is simply trusting your gut.

When You’re Ready to Work With a Contractor Near You

Choosing a contractor doesn’t have to be stressful. If you:

1. Start with trusted recommendations
2. Do a bit of online research
3. Get clear written estimates
4. Confirm insurance and licensing
5. And listen to your instincts

…you’ll be well on your way to hiring a contractor who does the job right.

If you’re in the Milwaukee area and looking for a local contractor near me for drywall, painting, or home improvement projects, we’re here to help. We’re happy to:

• Look at your project
• Provide a clear, written estimate
• Answer questions about our insurance, licensing, and process

You can schedule a free estimate or contact us anytime to talk through your project and see if we’re a good fit.

FAQs About Choosing a Contractor Near Me

How many estimates should I get before I hire a contractor near me?

Most homeowners are well-served by getting two or three written estimates. That’s usually enough to compare pricing, scope, and professionalism without dragging out the process for weeks. If one estimate is much lower than the others, ask why—sometimes it means corners are being cut.

What red flags should I watch for when meeting a contractor?

Be cautious if a contractor won’t give a written estimate, wants full payment up front, dodges questions about insurance or licensing, or makes you feel rushed or pressured. Poor communication early on usually becomes a bigger problem once the job starts.

Should I always choose the lowest bid?

Not necessarily. The cheapest estimate can be tempting, but it’s not a bargain if the quality suffers or you have to hire someone else to fix the work. Look at what’s included, the materials being used, and the contractor’s reputation—not just the final number.

Is it better to hire a local Milwaukee contractor or a big chain?

A local Milwaukee contractor will often understand local building codes, weather challenges, and neighborhood expectations better than a big out-of-town company. Local contractors also rely heavily on word of mouth, so they’re highly motivated to do quality work and take care of their customers.

What questions should I ask a general contractor before signing?

Good questions include:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• How long have you been working in this area?
• Who will be on-site each day?
• What does your typical payment schedule look like?
• How do you handle changes or unexpected issues during the project?
  The way a contractor answers these questions will tell you a lot about how they’ll handle your job.

Editor’s note: Our team of experts is always on the lookout to bring you the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about our industry. This post was originally published in January  2023 and has been updated to reflect current best practices.