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Contractor Hub
by ByOwnerHub
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Contractor Hub

How to find, vet, and hire trusted home contractors โ€” red flags, questions to ask, and licensing guides for all 50 states.

31/50
States license contractors
3
Quotes minimum to get
30%
Max upfront deposit
8
Contractor types covered

Types of Contractors

๐Ÿ—๏ธ

General Contractor

Manages entire construction or renovation projects. Hires and coordinates subcontractors, pulls permits, and is responsible for the overall project timeline and quality.

$25,000โ€“$100,000+
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Roofing Contractor

Installs, repairs, and replaces residential and commercial roofing systems. Top specialties include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile, and flat/commercial roofing.

$8,000โ€“$25,000
๐ŸŒก๏ธ

HVAC Contractor

Installs and services heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. HVAC technicians must be EPA 608 certified to handle refrigerants.

$5,000โ€“$18,000
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Plumber

Installs and repairs pipes, fixtures, water heaters, and drain systems. Must be licensed in almost every state. Master plumbers can pull permits; journeymen work under supervision.

$500โ€“$5,000 (repair); $8,000โ€“$20,000 (full repipe)
โšก

Electrician

Installs and repairs electrical systems in homes and commercial buildings. Must be licensed (master or journeyman) and pull permits for all significant work.

$300โ€“$1,500 (repair); $3,000โ€“$12,000 (panel upgrade)
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Kitchen & Bath Remodeler

Specializes in designing and renovating kitchens and bathrooms. May coordinate all subcontractors (plumbing, electrical, tile, cabinetry) or work alongside a GC.

$15,000โ€“$75,000+
๐Ÿš๏ธ

Foundation / Structural Contractor

Diagnoses and repairs foundation issues including cracks, settlement, bowing walls, and waterproofing. Work should always be evaluated by a structural engineer first.

$5,000โ€“$50,000+
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ADU / Addition Builder

Specializes in accessory dwelling units (in-law suites, garage conversions, backyard cottages) and home additions. Requires deep knowledge of local zoning and permitting.

$80,000โ€“$300,000+

๐Ÿšจ Top Contractor Red Flags

๐ŸšฉAsks for more than 30% upfront
๐ŸšฉWon't sign a written contract
๐ŸšฉWon't pull permits or says permits aren't required
๐ŸšฉNo physical business address or out-of-town "storm chaser"
๐ŸšฉNo license when your state requires one
๐ŸšฉDoesn't carry liability insurance or worker's comp
๐ŸšฉRequires you to pay directly to suppliers
๐ŸšฉCan't provide references from similar local projects