Start by comparing contractors against the same written scope. A polished profile helps, but your decision should also consider relevant experience, communication, availability, references, current credentials, and a clear agreement.
Ask comparable questions
Confirm who will perform the work, what is excluded, which materials are included, the expected schedule, cleanup responsibility, change-order approval, and payment milestones.
Check credentials in context
Insurance, licences, permits, and trade qualifications vary by project. Ask for current documents where relevant and confirm them independently. “Submitted” is not the same as “verified.”
Watch for pressure
Be cautious about large unexpected deposits, urgent pressure, materially changing scope, evasive answers, or requests for sensitive identity and banking information.