Author: Lenore Gorczany | Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026
What Should You Not Say to a Contractor?
'I'm not in a hurry' ...
'I know a great roofer/electrician/cabinet installer! ...
'We had no idea this would be so expensive' ...
'Why can't you work during the thunderstorm/snow/heat wave? ...
'I'll buy my own materials' ...
'I can't pay you today. ...
'I'll pay upfront' ...
'I'm old school.
How do you know if a contractor is screwing you?
20 Signs of a Bad Contractor (and How To Find a Good One)
They act unprofessionally.
They've changed their company name several times.
Their reviews are underwhelming.
They don't have a portfolio.
They're too busy.
They're not busy at all.
They're too 'salesy'
Getting a hold of them is difficult.
What should you not ask a contractor?
Seven Things to Never Say to a Contractor
Never Tell a Contractor They are the Only One Bidding on the Job. ...
Don't Tell a Contractor Your Budget. ...
Never Ask a Contractor for a Discount if You Pay Upfront. ...
Don't Tell a Contractor That You Aren't in A Hurry. ...
Do Not Let a Contractor Choose the Materials.
What is the red flag in construction?
RED FLAGS: A red flag indicates electrical lines, conduit, or lighting cable. Excavators need to tread lightly where red flags are placed to avoid any power outages accidentally caused by digging into a power cable.
How to not get ripped off by a contractor?
How to Avoid Being Ripped off by a Contractor
Up-front payments. ...
Reneging on terms. ...
Being told no permit is necessary. ...
Do your homework – Solicit at least three bids for your project and check Angie's List, industry associations and previous clients' references before hiring.
7 Things to NEVER say to a Contractor
How to tell if a contractor is ripping you off?
Common Red Flags Signaling Contractor Fraud
Refusal to provide a contractor's license and insurance documentation.
Vague on project details, materials, timeline.
No references from satisfied recent customers or the Better Business Bureau.
Total cost of quote far lower than other contractors' estimates.
How do I protect myself when paying a contractor?
The NAIC has tips for how to protect yourself and your hard-earned money.
Contact your insurance company to file a claim BEFORE you hire a contractor. ...
Make sure the contractor you hire for home repairs is legitimate. ...
Know the warning signs of a shady business. ...
Get an estimate from at least three different contractors.
How to tell if a contractor is good?
How do I find the right licensed contractor?
Make sure the contractor is licensed. ...
Shop around before hiring a contractor. ...
Ask for personal recommendations. ...
Verify the contractor's business location and telephone number. ...
Verify the contractor's workers' compensation and commercial general liability insurance coverage.
What is a white flag in construction?
A white utility flag means pre-marking of the outer limits of the proposed excavation or marking the centerline and width of proposed lineal installations of buried facilities (proposed excavation limits or route).
What is the red color code for construction?
These colors usually indicate the following: Red – indicates (1) danger, (2) stop or (3) presence of fire protection equipment.
How do you know if a contractor is scamming you?
If you ever get a random phone call or a causal knock on the door from a person claiming to be a contractor, beware. They may not be who they claim to be. They may demand money upfront in the form of a cash deposit, or perhaps there missing a local address (steer clear of P.O. boxes or hotel addresses).
How do you say no to a contractor quote?
Email (Don't Call) Turning down a contractor via phone puts you both on the spot. ...
Thank Them for Their Time. Always begin your email with a “thank you” to ensure you start on a positive, polite, and professional note. ...
Provide Honest Feedback. ...
Stay Positive. ...
Leave the Door Open for Future Projects.
What is contractor negligence?
Contractor negligence refers to the failure of a contractor or construction professional to meet the expected standard of care and skill in performing their contractual duties.
How to tell a contractor their price is too high?
Make sure to be reasonable and tactful. Explain nicely and firmly that you are spending a lot of money under the original budget and need to be frugal with change orders and extra costs. Let the contractor know you are willing to compromise on cost, but the price needs to be reasonable to you based on your research.
Why would a contractor ghost you?
Often people ghost because they are reluctant to say “no” or “I'm no longer interested” to you directly. They may fear hurting your feelings or getting dragged into a conversation they don't want to have. For some individuals, it may be a kind of power play. It may just be a case of bad manners.
How do you argue with a contractor?
Define Your Issue. Put the facts on paper before you discuss the issues. Being clear with yourself about project expectations will make it easier to have a conversation with your contractor regarding where the project went wrong. If you've had other conflicts before, don't bring them into this discussion.
What is a red flag in construction?
Here's a key to the flags' colors: RED – Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lighting Cables. YELLOW – Gas, Oil, Steam Petroleum or Gaseous Materials. ORANGE – Communication, Cable TV, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit. BLUE – Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines.
What is the pink flag in construction?
Construction companies use pink flags as temporary survey markings. Surveyors measure a site and use these flags to mark their measurements for quality assurance.
What is the only flag with a building?
The Cambodian flag is one of only six national flags to feature a building. The others include Afghanistan, Bolivia, Portugal, San Marino, and Spain. Although the Cambodian flag is the only one that features a building - the others use the buildings as border elements.
How do you know if a contractor is shady?
We spoke to five experts to find out what to look for and look out for in a contractor.
The contractor wants a large down payment. ...
The contract is vague. ...
The contractor had bad or zero reviews. ...
The contractor doesn't have references. ...
The bid or estimate is extremely low. ...
The contractor doesn't have proof of insurance.
How to trust a contractor?
Follow these tips on qualities to look for in a reliable contractor:
Many Positive Reviews. When searching for a product or business, most people start by looking it up online. ...
Reliable References. ...
Plenty of Examples. ...
Good Communication Skills. ...
Detailed Contract. ...
Proof of Insurance. ...
Verified License.
Which of the following are signs of a good contractor?
A great contractor presents themselves professionally to their clients from start to finish. Keep an eye on your construction contractor's punctuality, attire, and manner of speaking with you. If you ever feel uncomfortable, pressured, or confused about the next steps, a lack of professionalism may be to blame.
How do you deal with a lying contractor?
You can file a complaint with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) online at https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/ConstructionComplaint/ComplaintFormProcess.aspx or by mail using their Construction Complaint form.
Can I refuse to pay a contractor?
If the homeowner refuses to pay the contractor, the contractor can then take legal action. Therefore, they have the option of backing out before the work is completed, which can prevent non-payment in many cases.
What to do when scammed by a contractor?
What to Do When Scammed by a Contractor: 9 Things to Consider if Your Contractor Disappears