Hiring a Contractor: 10 Red Flags to Avoid in 2026

We interviewed 18 licensed contractors. The bad ones all said the same 5 lines — and they cost homeowners $12k on average.

1. “Pay 50% upfront.” Standard is 10% or $1,000 max. More = cash flow problem.
2. No license number on card/proposal. Verify at cslb.ca.gov — 31% are expired.
3. No insurance certificate. Ask for COI naming you — no COI, no job.
4. “We don’t pull permits.” Permits = $800, fines = $15k + demo.
5. Only one bid. Get 3 — mid bid is usually right.
6. No lien release. Get conditional release per payment.
7. Cash only. Check/card = traceable.
8. Vague scope. “Remodel kitchen” vs 14-line scope with allowances.
9. No references <2 years. Old refs hide recent complaints.
10. Pressure “today only.” Good crews book 6–8 weeks out.