10 Red Flags When Hiring a Contractor

Protect yourself from unreliable or fraudulent contractors by watching out for these warning signs.

1. No Physical Address or Phone Number

Legitimate contractors have:

**Red flag:** They only communicate via cell phone or email.

2. Requires Full Payment Upfront

Standard practice is to pay:

**Red flag:** Demanding 50% or more before starting work.

3. No Written Contract or Vague Terms

Every job should have a detailed written contract. Avoid contractors who:

4. Unverifiable License or Insurance

Be wary if they:

5. Pressure to Sign Immediately

High-pressure tactics include:

Take your time to make decisions.

6. Suspiciously Low Bids

If a quote is significantly lower than others:

7. Cash-Only Payments

Legitimate contractors accept multiple payment methods:

**Red flag:** Insisting on cash only (often to avoid taxes).

8. No References or Bad Reviews

Warning signs:

9. Subcontracting Without Disclosure

Issues to watch for:

10. Poor Communication from the Start

If they're hard to reach or unprofessional before you hire them:

It will only get worse once you've paid them.

Protect Yourself

Use platforms like EZLY that verify contractors' credentials, provide transparent reviews, and help you find trusted professionals for your project.