Even with a great pool of candidates, many homeowners unknowingly make mistakes during the hiring process that can lead to delays, extra costs, and frustration. This lesson will help you avoid the most common pitfalls and teach you how to make confident, informed decisions.

Ever have any of these thoughts? 

“I just need to get three quotes, pick the middle one, and I’m good to go.”

“If they have good reviews online, they must be great.”

“If they’ve done work for someone I know, that’s all the research I need.”

“We agreed on everything verbally; that should be fine.”

“Their Instagram looks amazing, so they must be great.”

“I’ll save money by hiring the least expensive professional or managing the project myself.”

If yes, then we need to talk. Here are the biggest mistakes homeowners make when hiring and what you should do instead:

1. Mistake: Hiring Based on Price Alone & Choosing the Lowest Price

Choosing the cheapest option without any consideration of quality, experience, or reliability often leads to subpar results, even devastating results in some cases. 

This is one of the most common mistakes I see.

• Why it’s a mistake: The cheapest bid can be tempting, but it often results in poor quality or hidden costs that crop up later.

• What to do instead: Focus on value, not just the price. Look for professionals who provide a clear, detailed quote that fits (or is close to) your budget while also meeting your quality expectations. A little more than expected might end up saving you a lot more at the end of the day.

• Go a step further: Ask if there is anything that might increase the price. Are there any potential costs that could add to their quote? Ask through email so you have something in writing.

2. Mistake: Poor or Complete Lack of Research & Referrals Without Verification
The other most common mistake I see is skipping or poorly following through on the research process, like checking references, credentials, or online reviews—usually due to time.

• Why it’s a mistake: Failing to research the person you’re hiring can lead to hiring someone who lacks the skills or experience needed for your project, with questionable track records or hidden red flags you were unaware of. 

• What to do instead: Always verify licenses, certifications, and reviews / feedback. Ask to see examples of their work and talk to past clients. Ask about their experience, the communication, timelines, budget and if any problem came up, how they resolved them.

• Go a step further: Don’t just rely on the first referral you get. Reach out to at least three references, and ask detailed questions about their experience working with the professional. Be specific about timelines, communication, and problem-solving. It’s also helpful to check their online presence—see if their website, social media, or project photos align with the work you're hoping to achieve. A little extra legwork now will help ensure you’re hiring someone who’s truly a good fit for your project.

3. Mistake: Rushing the Decision / Rushed Decisions

Tight timelines or excitement to start the project lead homeowners to skip thorough vetting of potential trades.

• Why it’s a mistake: Choosing the first available professional can lead to mismatched expectations.

• What to do instead: Take your time. Put all your time into finding and narrowing down candidates based on everything listed above. Then interview your top choices. 

• Go a step further: Because you did all the research up front, you may only find yourself interviewing one person. You do not have to waste everyone’s time interviewing multiple people and compare their proposals just to feel comfortable with your choice. You did the research. There should be comfort in that. 

4. Mistake: Not Having a Written Agreement & Overlooking Licenses and Insurance
It’s easy to overlook the importance of a written agreement, as well as confirming licenses and insurance, especially when you're eager to get started. But skipping these essential steps can put both you and your project at risk.

Why it’s a mistake: Failing to have a clear, written contract and hiring trades without the proper licenses or insurance may save you money upfront, but it opens you up to legal and financial risks down the road. Without insurance, you could be liable for any accidents or damage that occur on the job. And without proper licensing, you may not have legal recourse if something goes wrong.

What to do instead: Always insist on a written contract that outlines the scope of work, payment schedule, timeline, and any other important details. Be sure to verify that your trades are properly licensed and insured before work begins. It's an extra step, but it’s one that protects both your project and your peace of mind.

5. Mistake: Lack of Clarity & Misaligned Expectations
One common mistake is not fully understanding the project’s needs, which can lead to hiring trades that aren’t the right fit. Without clear communication about your goals or an understanding of how the trade works, priorities can quickly become misaligned.

Why it’s a mistake: When expectations aren’t clearly set, it often leads to misunderstandings, frustration, and delays. This can affect the quality of work and the overall project experience.

What to do instead: Choose trades who are responsive, transparent, and take the time to clearly explain their process. Make sure they understand your vision and are willing to address any questions or concerns along the way. Clear communication upfront helps avoid confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page.

hey@homeownerhq.co