5 Things to Look for When Hiring a Renovation Contractor

Hiring the right contractor can make or break your renovation experience. After years of working in the industry, here are the five things we believe matter most. First, verify licensing and insurance — in Ohio, general contractors should carry liability insurance and workers' compensation. Ask for proof, not just a verbal confirmation. Second, look for an owner-operated business. When the owner is on your job site daily, accountability goes up and miscommunication goes down. Third, get a detailed written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and timeline. Vague bids are a red flag. Fourth, check recent reviews and ask for references from projects similar to yours. Fifth, pay attention to communication during the estimate process — if a contractor is hard to reach before they have your money, it won't improve after. At CMC Renovations, Brady handles every estimate personally and is on-site for every project. We believe transparency and accountability aren't extras — they're the baseline.