How to find and hire a contractor near you: quotes, contracts, red flags, permits (2026)

Chapters

1. 0:00 Introduction
2. 0:29 How do I find a good contractor near me?
3. 1:21 What should I have ready before I ask for quotes?
4. 2:40 How many quotes should I get?
5. 3:26 What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring?
6. 4:51 What should a contractor contract include?
7. 9:04 Is it normal for a contractor to ask for a deposit?
8. 9:19 Contractor red flags and scams
9. 11:02 How do I compare contractor bids, and should I pick the lowest?
10. 12:50 Who pulls the permit, homeowner or contractor?
11. 14:32 Who gets your phone number when you ask for quotes online?
12. 16:36 How does InstaBids work?

Transcript

0:00 Introduction

Two ways to write up the same kitchen job. One says... install some cabinets. The other names the maker, the model, the color and the hardware. California's contractor board prints both, in its consumer guide to home improvement contracts. This film takes the questions people type when they need a contractor near them: where to look, how many quotes, what to ask, what the contract should say, the red flags... and who pulls the permit. The answers come from the F-T-C, state attorneys general, state laws and city building departments... in their own words. Here's the short answer...

0:29 How do I find a good contractor near me?

start with people you know, then go and look at the work. The F-T-C says: “Get contractor recommendations from people you know and trust.” Minnesota's Attorney General says: Start with friends and neighbors who have undertaken similar projects. Direct experience with a contractor and knowing how the contractor performed through a difficult project is often the best recommendation. And New York's Attorney General adds a step...

Ask friends and neighbors for names of contractors. Examine the completed project, and ask if they are satisfied with the results. Then search the name. The F-T-C says: Also search online for the company's name with words like scam, review, or complaint. Read reviews with a critical eye. And New York's Attorney General warns... Be wary of anyone who shows up at your door unsolicited and offers to do home repairs.

Homeowners anywhere in the US can post a job; once you send it, InstaBids finds contractors... to bid on it.

1:21 What should I have ready before I ask for quotes?

Short answer... a written list of the job, in detail, before anyone prices it. Minnesota's Attorney General says: The first step to selecting a contractor is to research the project so you will be knowledgeable about what the job involves. New York's Attorney General puts it in two lines... Prepare a comprehensive list of all work to be completed.

Be specific. Minnesota spells out why. Prior to meeting with each contractor, you should prepare a detailed list of what you envision the scope of work to be, including the types of materials to be used. This will serve as a guide for your discussions with the contractors.

This will also minimize any chance of a misunderstanding about what the project entails. And the line that matters most... Each bid should be similar enough so that you can readily compare them. How detailed? California's contractor board says: “The contract should be as specific as possible regarding all materials to be used, such as the style, brand, model, quality, quantity, weight, color, size, or any other description that may apply.”

Minnesota says it in one line... Wherever possible, specify brand names, colors, grades, styles, and model numbers. That's the gap between install some cabinets... and a line every contractor prices the same way. On InstaBids, you describe the job once, and it becomes one written scope.

Contractors bid in writing on that... same scope. Short answer... at

2:40 How many quotes should I get?

least three, and in writing. Minnesota's Attorney General says: For any significant home improvement project, you should obtain at least three written bids that detail the scope of the work, the types of materials that will be used, and the total cost of the project.

Regardless of the scope of the project... you should never accept an oral estimate. Other states say it in their own words, and all five are on screen. New York... Contact at least three contractors and get written estimates for your project. Ohio and California's contractor board say at least three as well. Illinois... Get more than one estimate and get them in writing.

And the F-T-C... Get multiple estimates. On InstaBids, you describe the job once, and it becomes one written scope. Contractors bid in writing on that... same scope. Short answer... ask about

3:26 What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring?

references, dates, permits and warranties, and get the answers in writing. California's contractor board ends its contract guide with a homeowner checklist. Five of its questions... Did you get at least three local references from the contractors you are considering?

Did you call the references and personally view the contractor's completed work? Does your contract state whether you or your contractor will pull necessary building permits before the work starts? Are the permit fees included in the contract price? Does the contract identify when work will begin and end?

Then actually make the calls. Minnesota says: Also, call one or more of the references provided by a contractor you are considering hiring. Former customers will tell you if they were satisfied with the contractor's work, if any problems arose, and if they would change anything if they had to do the project over again.

New York's Attorney General adds... Insist upon specific timelines detailing start and completion dates. Two more from Ohio's checklist. You always ask for the manufacturer's warranty in writing on items such as siding, windows, roofing materials, and heating and cooling equipment.

And... After the job has been completed, you request an itemized receipt for the work performed. Minnesota adds who else will be on the job: The contract should also include the names of any subcontractors and all material suppliers. Homeowners anywhere in the US can post a job; once you send it, InstaBids finds contractors... to bid on it.

4:51 What should a contractor contract include?

Short answer... the work, the materials, the dates and the price, in writing, with no blanks. The F-T-C says: “A written estimate should include a description of the work to be done, materials, completion date, and the price.” And: “Contract requirements vary by state.”

Even if your state doesn't require a written agreement, ask for one. Its list for the contract includes... an estimated start and completion date. And... any promises made during conversations or calls related to issues such as the scope of work and the cost of labor and materials. And, make sure all blank spaces are filled in. Some states put it in law.

Massachusetts General Laws, chapter one forty-two A, section two, says: Every agreement to perform residential contracting services in an amount in excess of one thousand dollars shall be in writing and shall include the following documents and information. The section lists ten items...

among other things, these. Three... the date on which the work under the contract is scheduled to begin and the date on which said work is scheduled to be substantially completed. Four... a detailed description of the work to be done and the materials to be used in the performance of said contract.

Five... the total amount agreed to be paid for the work to be performed under said contract. Item eight says there shall be a clear and conspicuous notice appearing in the contract... and one of those notices reads: in ten point bold type or larger, directly above the space provided for the signature... Do not sign this contract if there are any blank spaces.

The same section ends: “Contracts which fail to comply with the requirements of this section shall not be invalid solely because of noncompliance.” In New York, the Attorney General says: “New York state law requires that consumers receive a written contract for home-improvement work that exceeds $500.”

The law, General Business Law section seven seventy-one, says: Every home improvement contract subject to the provisions of this article, and all amendments thereto, shall be evidenced by a writing and shall be signed by all the parties to the contract.

The writing shall contain the following... and among them, item B... The approximate dates, or estimated dates, when the work will begin and be substantially completed, including a statement of any contingencies that would materially change the approximate or estimated completion date.

In addition to the estimated or approximate dates, the contract shall also specify whether or not the contractor and the owner have determined a definite completion date to be of the essence. And item C... A description of the work to be performed, the materials to be provided to the owner, including make, model number or any other identifying information, and the agreed upon consideration for the work and materials.

Maine's law, title ten, section fourteen eighty-seven, says: “Any home construction contract for more than $3,000 in materials or labor must be in writing and must be signed by both the home construction contractor and the homeowner or lessee.” Both the contractor and the homeowner or lessee must receive a copy of the executed contract prior to any work performance.

This basic contract must contain the entire agreement between the homeowner or lessee and the home construction contractor and must contain at least the following parts... among them, the contract price... The total contract price, including all costs to be incurred in the proper performance of the work, or, if the work is priced according to a cost-plus formula, the agreed-upon price and an estimate of the cost of labor and materials.

And the description of the work... A general description of the work and materials to be used. One more rule, for sales made at your home. The F-T-C says: The Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel certain sales made at your home, workplace, or dormitory, or at a seller's temporary location, like a hotel or motel room, convention center, fairground, or restaurant. Your right to cancel for a full refund lasts until midnight of the third business day after the sale.

Saturday is considered a business day, but Sundays and federal holidays are not. But the rule has exclusions... the first ones are on screen. Among them... under $25 for sales made at your home. Needed to meet an emergency. And...

made because you asked the seller to visit your home to repair or perform maintenance on your personal property. Things you buy beyond that repair or maintenance request are covered. On InstaBids, you describe the job once, and it becomes one written scope.

Contractors bid in writing on that... same scope. Short answer... the F-T-C

9:04 Is it normal for a contractor to ask for a deposit?

says: Don't pay the full amount for the project up front. Some states actually limit the amount of money a contractor can ask for as a down payment. How much up front is its own story, and the rules change by state.

We made a whole film on it...

9:19 Contractor red flags and scams

link below. Short answer... pressure, cash only, and a stranger at the door. The F-T-C lists six signs. Scammers knock on your door looking for business because they are in the area. Scammers say they have materials left over from a previous job. Scammers pressure you for an immediate decision.

Scammers ask you to pay for everything up front or only accept cash. Scammers ask you to get any required building permits. And... Scammers suggest you borrow money from a lender they know. On that last one, the F-T-C says: “Never agree to financing through your contractor without shopping around and comparing loan terms.”

And: Don't let anyone pressure you into signing any document. Minnesota's Attorney General says: If the contractor won't give you time to review documents with a trusted advisor, consider that to be a big red flag. And... Legitimate companies that want your business allow you time to think about the offer, research your options, and shop around. Illinois's Attorney General lists warning signs too. A company which lists only a telephone or post-office box number solicits you for repair work.

A contractor demanding cash payment and/or full payment before they complete a job. A contractor who asks for a check payable to a third party. And Minnesota's Attorney General adds... Scam artists tend to use generic business names and include only a phone number on any written materials. After a storm, New York's Attorney General warns: Non-local storm chasers may be difficult to track down if they perform work incorrectly or if you later have additional problems you want the contractor to fix. And: Don't fall prey to high-pressure tactics: A legitimate contractor won't pressure you to sign a contract and hand over a deposit on the spot. Your contact details stay hidden until you pick a contractor and they...

confirm the connection. Short answer...

11:02 How do I compare contractor bids, and should I pick the lowest?

bids only compare when they price the same job, and when the numbers are far apart, ask why. Minnesota's Attorney General says: Once you receive the bids, take time to carefully compare them. The F-T-C says: Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder. And ask for an explanation if there's a big difference among the estimates. Minnesota explains why a very low number can be a warning...

and the whole sentence is on screen. It says an unusually low bid may be cause for alarm. In that case, the contractor may not fully understand the project's scope; may be inexperienced and is underestimating the amount of labor and materials required; may be planning to cut corners by using inferior materials or low-paid, inexperienced workers; or may be looking to get its foot in the door only to try to increase the price of the project as it progresses based on allegedly unforeseen circumstances. Then make sure each bid is complete. Minnesota says: While many homeowners simply sign the bid and let that serve as a contract, the bid or proposal is rarely detailed enough to give you adequate protection should a dispute arise. And... Keep in mind that any item not included in the contract can be considered an extra that may end up costing you more.

California's contractor board adds a list on screen... down to cleanup, debris removal and special requests. And if the price has to change... California's guide says: If the contract price needs to be changed, it must be done with a written change order that becomes a part of the contract.

Minnesota calls it a change order clause. This is an agreement that the contract cannot be modified without the written consent of both parties. Protect yourself: put major changes in writing. On InstaBids, you describe the job once, and it becomes one written scope.

Contractors bid in writing on that... same scope. Short answer...

12:50 Who pulls the permit, homeowner or contractor?

agree on it before work starts, and put the name in the contract. Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection says: “Both parties must agree on who will obtain the building permit.” The responsible party should be named in the contract. And it says why permits matter... Permits are an additional form of consumer protection, ensuring projects will be completed in accordance with the most up to date building codes.

Whoever pulls it... answers for it. Minnesota's Attorney General says: The contractor should obtain the necessary permits and inspections so the contractor will be responsible for the work meeting all building codes. If you obtain the permits, you will be responsible. And California's contractor board says, for owner-builders... When you sign a building permit application as an owner-builder, you assume full responsibility for all phases of your project and its integrity.

You must pull all building permits. Your project must pass codes and building inspections. Which jobs need one? Your city publishes its own list. Phoenix says: Many residential home improvement projects require a permit and inspections. Austin publishes what doesn't: “A building permit is not required for the work described below; however, work exempt from a permit must still comply with applicable Building Codes, City Codes, and all other applicable ordinances.”

One item on its list... Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work. And skipping a required permit has a cost... California's guide says: “Failure to obtain a permit can result in significant fines and penalties, and even demolition of unauthorized construction if it does not meet code requirements.”

On InstaBids, you describe the job once, and it becomes one written scope. Contractors bid in writing on that... same scope. Short answer...

14:32 Who gets your phone number when you ask for quotes online?

read the site's terms before you submit, because they say who gets your details. These are the sites' own words... from their current pages, read 3 November 2026. HomeAdvisor's terms, version 29, effective January 29th 2024, say: “Some of this information will be sent to Service Professionals, including Home Depot and Empire Today, who will need this information to respond to your request.”

Its consent sentence is on screen in full... it lists phone and text messaging, and includes the words... even if you are listed on any federal, state, provincial or other applicable Do Not Call list. A second sentence names calls from up to four service professionals that can help you with your request.

Angi's customer agreement, version 13, effective September 18th 2026, says: “Some of this information will be sent to Service Providers who will need this information to respond to your request.” Its call-consent sentence is on screen too... it names calls from Service Providers, with no count. And Angi's privacy policy, last updated July 15, 2026, says: If you call or text, S-M-S, message a service professional or service requester using the telephone number provided by Angi, we use our service provider, Twilio, to mask your telephone number. Thumbtack's privacy policy, last updated September 14, 2026, says... In some cases, we may provide project requests from Consumers to select Service Professionals to better enable those Consumers to find a Service Professional who can provide a service the Consumer has expressed interest in.

And Yelp's support page says... After providing details about your project, you may choose to send your request to additional businesses to receive competing quotes. Where does the word lead come from? In a January 2023 press release on its HomeAdvisor case, the F-T-C wrote: Once service providers join the network, HomeAdvisor sells them leads, which the service providers use to contact potential customers for home repair and maintenance projects. The F-T-C finalized a consent order in that case in April 2023, settling allegations about how HomeAdvisor sold leads to service providers.

Your contact details stay hidden until you pick a contractor and they... confirm the connection. So how does InstaBids work?

16:36 How does InstaBids work?

On InstaBids, you describe the job once, and it becomes one written scope. Contractors bid in writing on that same scope. Your contact details stay hidden until you pick a contractor and they confirm the connection. Homeowners anywhere in the US can post a job; once you send it, InstaBids finds contractors to bid on it.

InstaBids is a written-bid marketplace for home jobs: you, or your AI assistant, describe it once; contractors bid in writing on that scope; you choose who gets your number. Start your project today at instabids.ai... or have your AI assistant...

start it for you.

Sources quoted in the video

• Source: FTC, How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam (July 2022), read 3 November 2026.
• Source: FTC, Buyer's Remorse: The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule May Help (September 2025), read 3 November 2026.
• Source: Mass. Gen. Laws c.142A §2, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: New York General Business Law §771, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: Maine 10 M.R.S. §1487, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: Minnesota AG, Home Building and Remodeling handbook, ch. 1, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: Minnesota AG, Home Building and Remodeling handbook, ch. 2, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: Minnesota AG, home improvement scams release (April 30, 2024), read 3 November 2026.
• Source: New York AG, Hiring a home-improvement contractor, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: New York AG, Contractors and home maintenance, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: Ohio AG, Consumer Tips: Home Improvement, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: Illinois AG, Home Repair Fraud, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: Connecticut DCP, who should pull the building permit, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: California CSLB, Terms of Agreement: A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts (PDF, Oct 2024), read 3 November 2026.
• Source: California CSLB, What Seniors Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor (Aug 2023), read 3 November 2026.
• Source: California CSLB, The Responsibilities of an Owner-Builder, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: City of Phoenix AZ, residential permits, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: City of Austin TX, Work Exempt from Building Permits, read 3 November 2026.
• Source: HomeAdvisor, Terms & Conditions v29.0 (effective Jan 29, 2024), read 3 November 2026.
• Source: Angi, Project Submission Customer Agreement v13.0 (effective Sept 18, 2026) and Privacy Policy v9.6 (July 15, 2026), read 3 November 2026.
• Source: Thumbtack, Privacy Policy (Sept 14, 2026), read 3 November 2026.
• Source: Yelp Support, How do I message a business or request a quote?, read 3 November 2026.