Choosing a contractor is the biggest decision in any remodel. The design can be adjusted and materials can be swapped, but the people doing the work shape everything. New Jersey gives homeowners some useful tools to check a contractor before signing. Here is what to look for.
State registration
New Jersey requires home improvement contractors to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs under the Contractors' Registration Act. Registered contractors receive a registration number, which should appear on their contracts, estimates and advertising. You can verify a registration through the Division of Consumer Affairs' online license and registration lookup. A contractor who cannot give you a registration number is a contractor to skip.
Insurance
Registered contractors are required to carry commercial general liability insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance, and if the company has employees, ask about workers' compensation coverage too. Insurance protects you if someone is hurt on your property or if something in your home is damaged during the work.
A written contract
Get every promise on paper. State consumer rules spell out what a home improvement agreement has to say once a job passes a fairly low price threshold: the company's registration number, what will be built and with which materials, when work starts and ends, and the full price. The same rules give you a few days after signing to change your mind, and the paperwork has to tell you how to do that. If the salesperson mentioned something important out loud, such as who hauls away debris or which tile is included, ask for it to be added before you sign.
Permits
Ask who will pull the permits and schedule inspections. On most remodels it should be the contractor. If someone suggests skipping permits to save time or money, take that as a warning. Our overview of NJ building permits for remodeling explains why permits matter.
References and real work
Ask to see photos of completed projects similar to yours and read reviews from past clients. Look for consistency over time, not just a handful of glowing comments. A contractor proud of their work will be happy to show it; you can see ours in our project showcase.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign immediately or a "today only" price.
- A request for a large cash payment up front.
- No physical business address or only a cell number.
- Vague estimates without a clear description of the work.
- Reluctance to put things in writing.
Questions worth asking
- How long have you been in business, and do you do this type of project regularly?
- Who will be on site each day, and who is my point of contact?
- How do you handle changes or surprises found once walls are opened?
- What is the payment schedule?
- How do you protect the rest of the house and keep the site clean?
For a deeper look at estimates themselves, read how to compare remodeling estimates.
Palencia Home Improvement is licensed and insured and has delivered renovations across New Jersey for over a decade, from kitchens to bathrooms and more. We are happy to answer every one of these questions during a free at-home consultation.
