What Everybody Gets Wrong About Hiring a Contractor in CT

Daniel Peragallo
Jun 9
8 min read

Updated: Jun 10

Here’s the honest truth: hiring a contractor isn’t as simple as getting three quotes and picking your favorite. It’s also not the horror show the internet makes it out to be. The problem is that most folks go into it without really knowing how this stuff works—how to ask the right questions, what red flags to watch for, what actually matters versus what just looks good on a website.

**Kitchen Remodels are the most requested room remodel in Connecticut**

That’s what this guide is about: I've spent years remodeling homes across Connecticut, and in that time, I’ve seen homeowners get burned, overwhelmed, ghosted, and overcharged by other contractors. Sometimes, all in the same project. Experiences like those can leave you rightfully afraid of hiring a contractor again, and sometimes even trying to DIY work that's way above your skill level.

So let’s talk through the stuff that people tend to get wrong when hiring a remodeling contractor (or even a new home construction company) here in Connecticut, and how to do it right.

Determine What Type of Remodeling Contractor You Need

Figure Out Exactly What You Want To Remodel

Before you bring anyone in, figure out what you actually need done: A kitchen facelift (new cabinets, paint, lighting) is an entirely different animal than a full gut job with layout changes and structural updates. The same goes for bathrooms, additions, or anything that touches plumbing or electric.

Ask yourself:

Is this a light refresh or a full-blown remodel?
Are you doing this for yourself or to sell the property?
How much control do you want over the details vs. having someone handle it all?

Different Types of Contractors

There's a big difference between a handyman, remodeling company, and a general contractor, and the best fit for you changes depending on how involved you want to be, your budget, and your goals.

General Contractor (GC): Like a conductor. GCs run the job, hire and schedule the trades, and make sure everything runs smoothly. Great if you want close control and oversight over the project without having to manage it.

Design-Build Firm: They do design and construction under one roof. Good for people looking for customized experiences where their chosen designer has a preferred contractor. Generally more expensive.

A Tip About Design Firms: Every company is different. Some GCs offer design services. Some may have their own electrician or plumber, instead of subcontracting those jobs out. Design-Build firms have varying policies on working with a designer you picked that isn't on their team, and where you can buy materials and fixtures from. These questions might not seem important, but they all affect your budget, build quality, and timeline.

Architectural Firm: These folks handle drawings, permits, and sometimes design. They usually don't manage trades or provide labor—they’re best for getting your plans ready for permitting or working through a tricky structural change.

Specialty Subcontractors / Handymen: If you just need tile or just flooring, you might go straight to a tile guy. But you’re the one coordinating everything else. Not ideal for full remodels.

Project Size and Complexity

Big projects need experienced teams. (Additions, high-end kitchens, layout changes, etc.) If you’re hiring a solo guy with a van and a business card, you might be setting him (and yourself) up to fail. Likewise, a small bathroom may best be handled by a smaller remodeling company compared to a large designer firm, unless budget isn't an option, or you're remodeling more than one room at once.

Where to Find A Contractor (For Connecticut)

The Best Way: Use Referrals

Start close to home. Ask neighbors, coworkers, or your realtor. Local Facebook groups can be surprisingly helpful too. Just keep in mind: someone saying "they were great!" doesn’t mean they handled permits, showed up on time, or finished on budget.

Follow up with real questions. What did they do? How long did it take? Would you hire them again?

Find Contractors Online

Houzz, Angi, Thumbtack, even Google reviews all have a place, but don’t let a shiny photo gallery make the decision for you. Anyone can pay for ads, and AI makes some amazing interior photos nowadays. Look for contractors who:

Have lots of consistent reviews
Have an existing website and active social media presence
Actually list their license info
Share photos of work they did (not stock images)

Check Credentials, Certifications, and Memberships That Matter

You can look for NARI, HBRA, or other trade memberships. It shows they’re active in the industry. But more importantly, check their license.
For remodeling in CT, they need a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license. You can verify contractor's licenses at elicense.ct.gov.
Ask for proof of insurance, and check for details like (legally optional) workman's compensation coverage. If something goes sideways and they’re not covered, you could be without a contractor, or worse, liable for their mistake.

Contractor Verification Checklist

1: Verify CT Contractor Licensing and Insurance Requirements

Use that CT eLicense Lookup Tool. Look up their name or business. Make sure they’re current. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance while you’re at it. They should carry:

General liability
Workers' comp (if they have employees)

No license or insurance? No job.

2: Check Portfolios and Completed Remodeling Projects for Quality

Photos matter. Make sure photos aren't AI-generated, and are unique and not stolen (Google Lens helps for this.)

Look for:

Consistency across multiple jobs
A style you actually like
Recent work

Bonus points if they can walk you through a local project they did. You’ll learn a lot from seeing their attention to detail up close.

3: Check References and Online Reviews Before Hiring a Contractor

Ask for 2-3 recent references. When you call them, ask:

How did the process go?
Any surprises?
Did they finish on time?
Would you hire them again?

Don’t be afraid to press a little. You’re about to spend real money, and are covering all your bases. Experienced contractors get it, and should be prepared and unsurprised.

Also, it doesn’t hurt to run a quick search on the Connecticut Judicial Case Lookup, or similar tools, to see if they've been involved in any lawsuits. And check with the Department of Consumer Protection to see if there are complaints on file. Just keep in mind—plenty of good contractors get caught up in nuisance suits or tick off one impossible-to-please client. What you're looking for is a pattern, not a one-off.

Interviewing Contractors

Set Up a Site Visit, Not Just a Sales Pitch

It's normal for some contractors, especially ones with showrooms, to invite you to their office for the initial visit, but it's a bad idea to sign a contract with anyone that hasn't seen the space they'll be remodeling.

A good contractor is going to ask questions, take measurements, and spot potential issues. If someone gives you a ballpark quote either over the phone without seeing your home, or within minutes of walking in, it's a red flag.

Key Questions to Ask During Before Hiring

Some solid ones:

Have you done projects like this before?
Who’s on the crew, and who manages them?
How do you handle unexpected problems?
What’s the payment schedule?
How are change orders handled?

Asking questions like these is an important part of not just getting the most out of your money, but also protecting yourself and your home.

How to Compare Contractor Bids and Proposals

Look for:

Line-item pricing
Clear material allowances
Defined scope (demo, disposal, permits?)

And don’t just go with the cheapest. If one bid is 20% lower than the rest, something’s off.

What to Look for in a Remodeling Contract Before You Sign

Review the Contract Scope and Fine Print

A solid contract should include:

Start and finish dates
Payment terms
Exact list of what's included (and what’s not)
Warranty info

If you don’t see it written down, don’t assume it’s part of the deal.

Understand Change Orders and Dispute Resolution Clauses

Things change. That’s normal. But every change should be documented, priced, and signed before work continues. You don’t want surprises showing up on your invoice.

Contractor Red Flags: How to Spot a Bad Hire Before It’s Too Late

🚩 No license or insurance

Hard stop.

🚩 High-pressure sales tactics

"You need to sign today" is a red flag. You should never feel rushed.

🚩 Too-good-to-be-true pricing

The lowest bid usually means the most change orders later.

🚩 Bad communication

If it takes them days to reply before you hire them, it’s not getting better once the job starts.

🚩 Vague or missing estimates

If the bid just says "kitchen remodel - $45,000," you have no clue what’s actually included.

How to Choose the Best Contractor for Your Connecticut Remodel

Compare Proposals, Experience, and Communication

Make a spreadsheet if you have to. Look at:

Who gave the clearest bid
Who asked good questions
Who communicated well
Who had good reviews and references

Trust Your Gut (But Back It Up With Facts)

Sometimes you just click with someone. That’s great. Just make sure the paperwork and reputation match your gut feeling.

Finalize the Contract and Prep for Construction

Once you pick someone:

Sign the contract
Confirm your start date
Prep your house (and your patience)
- Prepare to be without the room you're remodeling. For kitchens, set up a kitchenette or prepare to order out until the remodel is done. For bathrooms, hopefully you have more than one, or you'll want to prepare for this right away.

FAQs: Hiring a Contractor in Connecticut

How do I verify a contractor's license in CT?

You can use elicense.ct.gov to verify contractor licenses in Connecticut. Put in their license number, which for most remodeling companies and contractors will start with NHC or HIC. The eLicense system is run by the state, free, and routinely updated with new permits and

How much should I pay a contractor up front?

Generally, 10-30% is fair. Be suspicious of anyone asking for 50% or more before materials even arrive.

Do contractors pull permits, or do I have to?

Contractors will usually pull permits on your behalf as needed, but verifying a permit has been pulled is easy, and can usually be done either on your municipality's website, or over the phone. Depending on the location, the contractor may be required to display the permit on the home while remodeling or building.

Is it normal to have change orders when remodeling?

Yes, change orders are common and sometimes inevitable. While thorough planning can avoid most issues, some houses may not be correctly documented on plans, or plans may be unavailable, leading to surprises as walls or floors are demoed.

Can I hire a friend who's "handy" instead of a contractor?

It's still common for people to hire unlicensed handymen, especially ones the personally know, but it's at the rick of skipping permits, warranties, and probably insurance. Unlicensed or unpermitted work can cause problems during inspections or down the road should you choose to sell.