So how do you avoid that? The answer isn’t complicated, but it does mean watching for the signs. There are a few clear red flags that tend to pop up when you’re talking to a contractor who may not have your best interests in mind. And spotting them early could save you money, time, and a lot of unnecessary stress.
First and foremost—licensing and insurance. If a contractor can’t show proof of both, walk away. These aren’t just formalities. A license means they’ve met basic standards in your state or region. Insurance means if something goes wrong—someone gets hurt, something breaks—you’re not the one left holding the bill. Without these, you’re wide open to financial risk. And if things do go sideways, good luck trying to get anything fixed without legal headaches.
