Hiring contractors is one of the most important (and frustrating) parts of running construction projects - whether you're flipping one house or building ten.

And the hard truth?

Most of the pain we experience with contractors was visible from the start.

If you’re honest with yourself, you probably saw the red flags early… you just didn’t act on them.

So in this blog, we’re laying them out clearly - the biggest red flags to look for when working with contractors, and the mindset you need to spot them early.

Let’s get into it.

1. They Don’t Do What They Say

This one sounds simple - but it covers a lot.

• “I’ll get you the bid by Friday.”
• “I’ll be there at noon.”
• “I’ll send my W9 later today.”

It doesn’t matter what they promise - the point is, do they follow through?

Being late, forgetful, or casually blowing past commitments might not seem like a big deal at first. But it always shows up later… in missed deadlines, ghosted jobs, or sloppy work.

Now look - nobody is perfect. Especially not in construction.

So the real green flag? How they communicate when they fall short.

Do they call you ahead of time?

Do they own it without excuses?

Do they show you that they’re still dependable even when things shift?

If not - that’s a red flag.

2. Everything Feels Like a Problem

Ever had that contractor who sighs every time you bring up something new?

You mention an item from the scope and they act like you just asked them to carry a piano up a mountain.

Dragging their feet.

Hanging their head.

Pushing back on every request.

That kind of energy becomes the tone of the whole job. You’ll spend the entire project convincing, negotiating, or just giving in to avoid conflict. And even if they do the work, you’ll start wondering what shortcuts they’re taking - or worse, what they're skipping altogether.

A contractor who complains constantly isn’t a communicator - they’re a liability.

You want someone who brings solutions, not sighs.

3. They Push for Down Payments (When It’s Not Needed)

Let’s clear something up:

You don’t need to pay a down payment for labor.

If a contractor insists on getting money before any work has started - especially if you’re supplying materials - that’s a red flag.

Now sure, sometimes they’re picking up material and might need cash flow. That’s fair. But even then, there are ways to structure it so your money is protected. Pay the day materials are delivered. Or the day work begins. Or through a receipt and reimbursement model.

The key is: a good contractor will understand that you need to protect your side of the deal - especially early in the relationship.

If they push back hard or seem offended by that structure… walk.

4. The Bid Is Way Too Low

You might not like this one… but here it is:

The cheapest bid is usually the most expensive mistake.

When someone bids a job way under the others, it’s a red flag - every time. It usually means one of three things:

• They know their quality is low
• They don’t plan to prioritize the job
• They don’t understand the scope

None of those are good. All of them lead to bad outcomes:

No-shows. Ghosting. Slow progress. Shoddy work.

The worst part? These low bids are tempting - especially when you're trying to protect your margins.

But think long-term: a job that’s done right, on time, and with minimal stress is always more profitable than one you have to babysit, redo, or rescue.

5. They’re Too Flashy

This might sound like a small thing… but stay with me.

I’ve worked with - and studied - some of the best contractors around. One thing they never are?

Flashy.

I’m not saying they can’t have nice things. I’m saying that the ones who show up in Range Rovers wearing leather jackets and Ray-Bans are usually not focused on the work. They’re focused on the deal. The money. The image.

And in my experience, those guys are more likely to burn you.

The best contractors I know wear work shirts, drive beat-up trucks, and don’t mind getting dirty. They’re busy building something - not performing for the client.

Flash can be a sign they’re chasing a buck, not a reputation.

Some Tips From the Field

Here are a few simple truths that have saved me - and many others - over the years:

• Trust your gut. It’s one of the best tools you’ve got. If something feels off, it probably is.
• Don’t blindly trust referrals. Even a contractor with great reviews can be a bad fit. Context matters - and people change.
• Look for long-term potential. You’re not just hiring for one job. You’re building your team. If they’re not someone you’d want to work with a year from now, move on.

Final Word

The truth is, most red flags show up early. You just have to be honest enough to see them - and act on them.

This business is built on relationships.

And when you find contractors who do what they say, show up with good energy, and play the long game with you?

Hold onto them.

Because that kind of crew doesn’t just help you finish projects.

They help you grow a real business.

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