Choosing the right contractor is the most impactful decision you make in a home remodeling project. A great contractor delivers quality work on time and on budget. A poor choice can lead to financial loss, construction defects, and legal headaches. Here is how to evaluate and select a contractor you can trust.
Licensing and Registration in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) requires contractors who do more than $500 worth of home improvement work to register with the PA Attorney General's office. This registration is mandatory -- working without it is illegal.
What to Verify
- PA Attorney General registration: Ask for the contractor's registration number. You can verify it through the PA Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
- Local business license: Some municipalities in Bucks County require a separate local business license or contractor registration.
- Trade licenses: Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians have separate licensing requirements in Pennsylvania. A general contractor should use licensed subcontractors for these trades.
An unregistered contractor cannot legally enforce a contract in PA courts, and homeowners lose important consumer protections when they hire unregistered individuals.
Insurance Verification
Every contractor should carry at minimum:
- General liability insurance: Covers damage to your property caused by the contractor's work (e.g., a worker accidentally damages your plumbing or breaks a window).
- Workers' compensation insurance: Covers medical expenses and lost wages if a worker is injured on your property. Without this, you could be held liable for injuries.
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and verify it is current. Call the insurance company directly if you have concerns. Do not accept expired certificates or verbal assurances.
Checking References and Reviews
Direct References
Ask the contractor for 3-5 references from recent projects similar to yours. Contact them and ask:
- Was the project completed on time and within budget?
- How did the contractor handle unexpected issues?
- Was communication clear and consistent?
- Would you hire them again?
- Was the worksite kept clean and safe?
Online Reviews
Check Google Business Profile, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Houzz for reviews. Look for patterns, not individual complaints. Every contractor will have an occasional dissatisfied customer; look at how they respond to complaints and whether the majority of reviews are positive.
Portfolio
A legitimate contractor should have photos of completed work. Look for quality, attention to detail, and projects similar to what you need done. View the Altieri & Sons project portfolio.
Getting and Comparing Estimates
Get written estimates from at least three contractors. A detailed estimate should include:
- Itemized breakdown of labor and materials
- Specific brands and product models for major items (cabinets, countertops, fixtures)
- Timeline with milestones
- Permit costs
- Cleanup and disposal fees
- Contingency allowance
Compare estimates on an apples-to-apples basis. The cheapest bid is not always the best value. A significantly low estimate may indicate corner-cutting, unlicensed labor, or hidden fees that will surface later.
What Should Be in the Contract
Under Pennsylvania's HICPA, a home improvement contract must include specific elements. At minimum, your contract should contain:
- Full legal name, address, and registration number of the contractor
- Detailed description of work to be performed
- Total price and payment schedule (never pay more than one-third up front per PA law)
- Estimated start and completion dates
- Materials specifications
- Change order process and pricing
- Warranty terms
- Right to cancel (PA provides a 3-day right to cancel for contracts signed in your home)
Read every page before signing. If something is unclear, ask. A good contractor welcomes questions about the contract.
Red Flags to Watch For
Walk away if a contractor:
- Demands full payment or a large deposit up front (PA law limits the initial payment to one-third of the contract price)
- Wants to work without a written contract
- Cannot provide proof of insurance or registration
- Pressures you to make a decision immediately ("this price is only good today")
- Suggests skipping permits to save time or money
- Has no verifiable references or online presence
- Offers a price dramatically lower than other bids
- Only accepts cash payments
- Shows up uninvited to solicit work (especially after a storm)
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- Are you registered with the PA Attorney General's office? What is your number?
- Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance? Can I see a current certificate?
- Will you handle permits and inspections?
- Who will be on site daily? Will I have a dedicated project manager?
- How do you handle unexpected issues and change orders?
- What is your payment schedule?
- What warranty do you provide on labor and materials?
- Can I see photos of similar completed projects?
- What is your estimated timeline for this project?
- How will you protect my home during construction?
Altieri & Sons Construction welcomes these questions. We have been building trust with Bucks County homeowners since 1976. Contact us or request a free estimate.
Looking for a Contractor You Can Trust?
Altieri & Sons is a family-owned, licensed and insured contractor serving the Greater Philadelphia region since 1976.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to hire an unlicensed contractor in PA?
Pennsylvania law requires contractors performing home improvement work over $500 to register with the PA Attorney General. Hiring an unregistered contractor means you lose important consumer protections under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA).
How much should I pay up front?
Under Pennsylvania law (HICPA), a contractor cannot require a down payment of more than one-third of the total contract price. Be cautious of anyone requesting more.
What if a contractor does not finish the work?
Your written contract should include a completion date, a payment schedule tied to milestones, and remedies for non-completion. If a registered contractor abandons a job, you can file a complaint with the PA Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
