Choosing a contractor can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re entrusting someone with your home, time, and hard-earned money. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, finishing a basement, or embarking on a whole-home renovation, hiring the right contractor is the difference between a dream project and a nightmare scenario.
At WNC Built, we know how important it is to feel confident in who you hire. Based in Asheville and serving the surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on transparency, craftsmanship, and trust. Here are our top 10 tips for choosing the right contractor for your next project.
1. Make Sure They’re Licensed
In North Carolina, any contractor working on a project valued over $40,000 is required to hold a General Contractor’s License. This license isn’t just a piece of paper – it ensures the contractor has met specific education, experience, and exam requirements and abides by professional and safety standards. If your project crosses that dollar amount, don’t just ask – verify their license with the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors.
2. Ask for Proof of Insurance
Insurance protects everyone. A reputable contractor should carry both general liability insurance (which covers accidental damage to your home) and workers’ compensation insurance (which covers workers if they’re injured on the job). If your contractor can’t provide up-to-date proof of insurance, it’s a red flag. Without it, you could be on the hook for accidents or property damage.
3. Look for Local Experience
Hiring someone with roots in your community means you’re more likely to get honest service. Local contractors are familiar with regional building codes, climate-related needs, and local suppliers. Plus, they have reputations to maintain, and word travels fast in Asheville and Hendersonville. Ask how long they’ve been working in the area, and request local references.
4. Check Reviews – But Read Between the Lines
Online reviews are helpful, but don’t rely on the star rating alone. Read both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded picture.
Look for patterns: Do multiple people mention clear communication or quality craftsmanship? On the flip side, if several reviews mention missed deadlines or poor cleanup, take that seriously. And don’t be afraid to ask the contractor about any negative feedback you found.
5. Get Everything in Writing
Never start a job without a written contract. A detailed contract should include a payment schedule, project timeline, list of materials, warranty information, and steps for handling changes or delays. Verbal promises won’t protect you if something goes wrong. A good contractor won’t hesitate to put everything in writing—it’s just good business.
6. Look at Past Work
Portfolios aren’t just for artists. Reputable contractors should have photos – or better yet, in-person examples – of past projects. Ask to see work similar to what you’re planning. If you’re remodeling a bathroom, you’ll want to know that they can handle tile work, plumbing updates, and waterproofing. Photos help you visualize what’s possible and speak to their attention to detail.
7. Don’t Automatically Choose the Lowest Bid
A low bid might be tempting, but it can sometimes indicate corner-cutting, poor-quality materials, or an inexperienced team. On the flip side, the most expensive bid doesn’t always guarantee better quality either. Compare quotes side by side – make sure they include the same scope of work, and ask about any price differences. The right contractor will walk you through it, not pressure you.
8. Ask About Subcontractors and Staff
Will the same team be working on your home every day? Or will the job be subcontracted out to someone you’ve never met? Knowing who’s actually showing up to do the work is important. At WNC Built, our in-house team and trusted trade partners are carefully vetted. We believe consistency matters when it comes to both communication and craftsmanship.
9. Expect a Permit Plan
Most larger renovation projects require permits. If a contractor tells you not to worry about permits—or asks you to pull your own—that’s a sign to run, not walk. Licensed contractors should know what permits are needed and take responsibility for securing them. Cutting corners on permits can lead to costly issues down the line, including fines or problems when you try to sell your home.
10. Trust Your Gut (But Do Your Homework)
Even if a contractor checks all the boxes—license, insurance, great review – if something feels off in your gut, pay attention. Trust is essential. You’re inviting someone into your home, often for weeks or months at a time. Do they communicate clearly? Do they treat your concerns respectfully? A professional contractor should make you feel heard, not rushed, or dismissed.
Final Thoughts
The right contractor will help you bring your vision to life – and do it with integrity, professionalism, and skill. At WNC Built, we work hard to be that trusted partner for every homeowner we serve. From detailed planning to final walkthrough, our goal is to create beautiful, functional spaces and a remodeling experience that feels smooth from start to finish.
If you’re planning a remodel in Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Hendersonville, or the surrounding communities, we’d love to talk. Let’s build something great—together.