Avoid costly mistakes: Guidance on how to hire the right contractor

Published on August 24, 2026

From small home updates to large-scale renovations, hiring a qualified, trustworthy contractor is a big decision. Keep these tips in mind to protect your investment and help your project run smoothly from start to finish.

Check credentials. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. Their liability and workers’ compensation insurance protects you should something go wrong. To find locally licensed professionals, search a list of contractors through the Johnson County Contractor Licensing search tool at JoCoGov.org/Contractor-Licensing.

Get at least three bids. Having multiple bids protects you from overpaying. Ask for an itemized quote in writing, and look out for allowances, or items with undetermined prices. If you are unsure about the bids, ask a trusted source with construction knowledge to review them.

Ask for references. A great starting point to find a contractor is asking family, friends or neighbors for contractors they would use again. Search for the contractor on the Better Business Bureau^® website, read both positive and negative reviews, and ask the contractor for references. To avoid fraud, make sure you speak to their references rather than text or email.

Establish strong communication. Get everything in writing, including bids, scope of work, insurance and who handles permits, if needed. Discuss expectations for communication up front, such as frequency and form of communication. To find out if your project requires a permit, visit Lenexa.com/Remodeling.

Perform quality checks. Review their work throughout the process. Take photos or videos, and address any concerns early. Before the final payment, do a walkthrough and make a punch list of unfinished or unsatisfactory work.

Never pay in full upfront. Avoid large upfront payments and never pay in full until work is completed and you’ve performed a final inspection. If a building permit is required, we also recommend ensuring the work has passed inspection with the City before your final payment.

For more information about your protection as a consumer, visit the Johnson County District Attorney Consumer Protection webpage.