How To Choose The Right Contractor

Planning a bathroom remodel, deck addition, or painting project in McMinnville, Newberg, or Lincoln City? Choosing the right contractor can make or break your home improvement experience. With so many options, you need a team that delivers quality, trust, and value. Here are eight key factors to look for when selecting a contractor in Oregon, ensuring your project shines and boosts your home’s value.

1. Proper Licensing, Bonding, and Insurance

A reputable contractor must have proper licensing, bonding, and insurance—it’s non-negotiable. In Oregon, contractors need a license from the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) to operate legally. Bonding protects you if the contractor fails to complete the job, while insurance covers damages or injuries during work.

• Why It Matters: Hiring an unlicensed contractor in McMinnville risks shoddy work or legal issues. Our team is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, giving homeowners in Newberg and Lincoln City peace of mind for projects like kitchen remodels or exterior painting.
• Pro Tip: Verify a contractor’s CCB license online and request proof of insurance before signing a contract. Licensing can be verified through the state here.

IMPORTANT: Check license for suspensions due to lack of insurance/bonding and customer disputes. Not all disputes or suspensions are indicative of a "bad" contractor but multiple instances can be cause for concern. Ask your potential contractor about any disputes if applicable.

2. Clear Scopes on Estimates and Proper Contracts

A trustworthy contractor provides detailed estimates with clear scopes of work and contracts that include proper lien notices, as required by Oregon law. This ensures transparency and protects you from unexpected costs or legal issues.

• Why It Matters: In McMinnville, a clear estimate for a kitchen remodel prevents surprises, while Oregon’s lien notice requirements safeguard Newberg homeowners from subcontractor claims. Our contracts outline every detail of your Lincoln City decking or painting project, and we include mandatory lien notices to comply with state regulations, keeping your project smooth and secure.
• Pro Tip: Review estimates for specific tasks, materials, and timelines, and ensure the contract includes Oregon’s required “Notice of Procedure” for lien protection.

IMPORTANT: Deposits are a common part of dealing with contracts and are not immediate cause for concern. However, no deposits should ever be made without a signed contract/agreement before hand with clear expectations for delivery of materials or project start dates.

3. Quality Workmanship

Quality workmanship turns your vision into reality, whether it’s a spa-like bathroom in Newberg or a coastal deck in Lincoln City. Skilled contractors use premium materials and precise techniques to ensure lasting results.

• Why It Matters: Poor craftsmanship can lead to costly repairs. Our McMinnville-based team specializes in bathroom and kitchen remodels, decking, and painting, delivering flawless finishes that elevate your home’s appeal and value. For example, our cabinet painting projects use professional-grade paints for a durable, polished look. Lesser quality paint combined with below-industry standards for prep result in a bad finish and poor value for your money spent.
• Pro Tip: Ask to see a portfolio of past projects, like our modern kitchen upgrades in Newberg, to confirm expertise.

IMPORTANT: Finish quality is important, as are expectations for the money that's being spent. There are varying levels of finishes for every project. Ensure you're getting what you pay for.

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4. Is a Warranty Offered

A warranty shows confidence in the work. Offering a labor warranty ensures your investment is protected against defects or issues, giving you peace of mind.

• Why It Matters: In Lincoln City’s wet climate, a deck needs proper sealing to last. We offer a 3-year labor warranty on all services, from bathroom remodels in McMinnville to interior painting in Newberg, so your project stands the test of time.
• Pro Tip: Get the warranty details in writing and confirm what it covers before starting your project.

IMPORTANT: Not all work is required to have a warranty, but every contractor should be standing by their job for a minimum of one year. Material warranties are separate from labor and are often up to the manufacturer.

5. Communication

Effective communication ensures a stress-free experience. Great contractors prioritize transparency, keeping you informed from the first consultation to project completion.

• Why It Matters: Homeowners in McMinnville value clear timelines for kitchen remodels, while Newberg clients appreciate updates during deck installations. Our team listens to your needs, provides prompt responses, and keeps you in the loop, contributing to our Google 5-star rating (120+) from satisfied clients across the region.
• Pro Tip: Ask how the contractor communicates progress and handles concerns to ensure a smooth process.

IMPORTANT: The more communication you have in writing the better. It leaves little room for disputes or miscommunication.

6. Subcontractors vs. In-House Employees

Contractors who rely heavily on subcontractors often face delays or inconsistent quality. Choosing a team that uses in-house employees for most of the work ensures accountability and expertise.

• Why It Matters: Our in-house professionals handle 90% of the work, from Lincoln City decking projects to McMinnville bathroom renovations, ensuring seamless execution. Unlike firms that outsource, we control quality and timelines, delivering consistent results.
• Pro Tip: Ask what percentage of the work is done in-house to avoid surprises during your project.

IMPORTANT: Ensure your contractor is carrying Workers Compensation insurance for their employees if applicable.

7. Ownership

A locally owned and operated contractor understands the community’s unique needs, unlike franchise or private equity-owned companies focused on profits over people.

• Why It Matters: As a McMinnville-based business, we know Oregon’s climate and style preferences, from durable exterior paints for Lincoln City’s coastal homes to family-friendly kitchen designs in Newberg. Our local ownership means we’re invested in your satisfaction and our reputation, backed by a Google 5-star rating from neighbors like you.
• Pro Tip: Choose a contractor with deep ties to McMinnville, Newberg, or Lincoln City for personalized service.

IMPORTANT: Private Equity-backed companies are notorious for excessive pricing and poor work environments for their employees. Consider this when utilizing a "local" contractor.

8. Reputation & Reviews

A strong reputation, backed by positive reviews, is a key indicator of a contractor’s reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction. A Google 5-star rating reflects real feedback from homeowners like you.

• Why It Matters: Our 5-star Google rating showcases our success in delivering stunning bathroom remodels, durable decks, and vibrant paint jobs across McMinnville, Newberg, and Lincoln City. Happy clients praise our attention to detail and friendly service, making us a trusted choice for your next project.
• Pro Tip: Read Google reviews to learn about a contractor’s track record before hiring.

IMPORTANT: Reviews can sometimes be misleading and or downright fake. Ask for recommendations/references from the contractor and members in your community in addition to reviewing online reviews.

Ready to Transform Your Home?

Choosing the right contractor in McMinnville, Newberg, or Lincoln City means prioritizing licensing, clear contracts, quality, warranties, communication, in-house expertise, local ownership, and a stellar reputation. Our team excels in bathroom and kitchen remodels, decking, and painting, delivering results that boost your home’s value and beauty. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s bring your vision to life with our 5-star service!