Your Guide to Hiring the Right Contractor
Hiring a contractor is one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a homeowner. In New York, the stakes are even higher — permits, building codes, and co-op boards add layers of complexity. Here's how to protect yourself.
1. Verify Their License
In New York State, general contractors must be licensed. Ask for their license number and verify it with your local licensing authority. Unlicensed contractors are a massive red flag.
2. Confirm Insurance
Ask for proof of:
- General liability insurance — protects your property if something goes wrong
- Workers' compensation — protects you if a worker is injured on your property
- Get certificates directly from their insurer, not just a copy from the contractor
3. Get Multiple Estimates
Get at least 3 written estimates. Compare them carefully:
- Are the scopes of work identical?
- Are materials specified by brand and quality?
- Are labor costs broken out?
- Is there a timeline with milestones?
4. Check References and Portfolio
Ask to see recent projects similar to yours. A good contractor will be proud to show their work. Look for:
- Before and after photos
- Client testimonials
- Projects in your neighborhood or building type
5. Red Flags to Watch For
- Demands full payment upfront
- No written contract
- Vague or verbal-only estimates
- Pressures you to sign immediately
- Can't provide license or insurance
- No physical address or business listing
6. Questions to Ask Before Signing
1. "Who will be on-site daily managing the project?"
2. "How do you handle change orders?"
3. "What's your warranty on workmanship?"
4. "Will you pull all required permits?"
5. "What's the payment schedule?"
Why Homeowners Choose R&F
At R&F General Contract Corp, we make this process easy. We provide our license and insurance upfront, give detailed line-item proposals, and assign a dedicated project manager to every job. No games, no surprises — just honest work from a team that takes pride in what we build.
