No matter the size of the construction job you are having done on your property, you want to hire the perfect contractor for the job, or at least someone that can get it done right. Unfortunately, it’s an industry that is filled with imposters and fakers that only claim to be great at what they do.

There is one good thing about bad contractors, they usually don’t cover their tracks very well. After all, if they did that, they could just put that effort into being good at what they do. If you aren’t sure what to look for when hiring the next general contractor to remodel your kitchen. add on to your bathroom, or build you a deck, here are some tell-tale signs that you might be hiring the wrong person for the job.

Signs Indicating a Contractor You Should Avoid

1. They won’t put anything into writing – This actually goes for just about any service-based industry. The only reasons a contractor would refuse to put a job in writing is because they have something to hide. You want to work with someone that is trustworthy and more importantly, transparent. Get your quote and any payment you give them in writing and try to avoid paying in cash if you can. Paper trails are good.

2. You always see their employees, but you never see them – A good contractor is proud of their work from start to finish. People want to be around if things are going badly. So, if you hire someone and they are rarely at the job site, it could be a sign that something is about to go terribly wrong.

3. Constantly changing plans – Each job should have a clear schedule set out at the start that is followed to the letter. Of course, this should be based on the needs and wants of the person doing the hiring. Be wary of any contractor that is trying to change the job as things go along as there is no reason for this.

4. You can’t find anything about them – If you can’t find any reviews or references about a contractor, avoid them. Especially if you can’t find any good ones. Always work with someone that comes recommended by someone that you know and trust. They are the best source for a recommendation when trying to make the right hire for your next project.