When it comes to choosing a contractor you can trust, it’s best to take a little time to make your decision. Whether you’re tackling a renovation, prepping a property for sale, or taking on your first investment flip — the person you hire will have the most influence over your project’s outcome.
At Charm City Builders, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that the best partnerships are built on more than just experience and reviews. They’re rooted in trust, shared values, and real human connection. If you’re wondering how to choose a contractor the right way, here’s what I wish someone told me when I started.
What To Look for in a Contractor: Character Comes Before Credentials
When you’re trusting someone with your home — or your investment — it’s not just a business transaction. You’re inviting them into your life, your finances, and your peace of mind. That’s why who they are matters even more than what they’ve done.
I’ve met contractors with impressive experience, but no integrity. I’ve also met quiet craftsmen who may not shine on a website — but they show up early, work hard, and treat every job like it’s their own home. Which one do I choose? The contractor with character.
A man I work with now once called to pitch his services. He started the meeting by launching into all his numbers and business goals — not a great first impression. Now at some point in any call, I typically build connection with people by asking those I do business with if I can pray for them. So, before the call ended, I asked this potential contractor if I could pray for him, and he said yes. That moment changed everything, and I realized that the person that I had thought was just out to promote himself was actually a neighbor just as in need of prayer as I was. Over the course of time, this contractor has become a prayer partner, a trusted collaborator, and someone I now consider family. It wasn’t the pitch — it was the character of the person behind it that made the difference.
If you want to know the best way to find a contractor, look for character, not just credentials.
- How do they speak about their past clients?
- Do they listen before they sell?
- Would you have lunch with them — even if there wasn’t a deal on the table?
If the answer is no, think twice before signing anything.
Take Your Time To Find a Good Contractor — Even If You’re in a Hurry
It’s tempting to go with the first contractor who gives you a halfway decent quote — especially if you’re on a tight timeline. But trust me: hiring the wrong person will cost you more time, more money, and more stress in the long run. The bigger the project is, and the longer the ongoing partnership lasts, the higher the stakes are.
I’ve learned this the hard way. In the past, I’ve rushed into partnerships because a project felt urgent, and I paid the price. Missed deadlines. Cut corners. Lost sleep. And in some cases, I had to fire people mid-project and start over.
The truth is: you don’t save time by skipping relationship. A phone call, a coffee, even a quick lunch, can tell you more about a person than a bunch of Google reviews. Taking the time to get to know someone can save you months of regret.
So if you’re the type who likes to move fast, slow yourself down a little. Schedule a call. Ask a few questions when you are trying to find a contractor. Listen. A little patience now can save you trouble later.
Keep It Simple — Especially the Paperwork
If a contractor shows up with a 20-page document and a bunch of confusing jargon, that’s not professionalism — that’s smoke and mirrors.
At Charm City Builders, we’ve found that the best working relationships are built on clarity, not complexity. A straightforward agreement — written in plain language — keeps everyone on the same page. No fine print. No surprises.
You shouldn’t need a lawyer’s vocabulary to know if someone is trustworthy. In fact, if the paperwork feels bloated or overly technical, it might be a sign that they’re hiding something.
Here’s what to look for in a contractor agreement:
- Simple scope of work
- Clear timeline
- A payment schedule that makes sense
- A mutual understanding of what happens if plans change
That’s it. Simple documents reflect honest intentions.
And if someone isn’t willing to put something in writing — or gets defensive when you ask — that’s a serious yellow flag. It doesn’t mean you need to walk away, but it does mean you need to ask more questions.
At the end of the day, working with a contractor shouldn’t feel random. It should feel like building a relationship of honesty, respect, and shared purpose.
Quick Hiring a Contractor Checklist:
As you do your research and get to know potential contractors, remember:
- Focus on licensed, bonded, local contractors when possible.
- Try to get to know each candidate personally as much as possible.
- Review their past work — experience and reputation matter.
- Take your time — never sign anything under pressure.
- Get everything in writing — clear scope, schedule, and payment terms.
- Keep a project folder — save contracts, receipts, and communications.
Trust your instincts — if something feels off, ask more questions.
A Relationship, Not Just a Job
When we buy homes in Maryland to fix up and sell, we also try to remember that renovations are more than just a project. They are a piece of someone’s story. That’s why we, at Charm City Builders, don’t just look for technical skill in a contractor — we look for people we’d trust in our own homes, who love what they do and live by the same values we do: faith, integrity, and a heart for service.
So if you’re asking yourself how to choose a contractor, let this be your guide: Start with character. Go slow. And keep it simple.
The right contractor isn’t just someone who finishes the job — they’re someone who cares that it’s done right.
