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How to Choose a Contractor
Choosing a contractor is a project-control decision, not a ranking contest. Build one written scope, verify each bidder against the same facts, and make sure the contract assigns responsibility for permits, inspections, changes, payment, cleanup, and closeout.
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Choose from verified platform inventory
Use the trust standard, then continue directly into the 43-trade directory and verification product.01
Create a bid-ready project description
Write down the property address, problem, desired outcome, work areas, known conditions, target timing, access restrictions, and decisions that are still open. Provide the same information to each bidder. Photos can help establish visible conditions, but they do not replace an on-site review when concealed systems, measurements, structural conditions, or code requirements affect the scope.
Ask bidders to separate included work, exclusions, allowances, alternatives, owner-supplied items, permits, debris removal, restoration, and dependencies on other trades. A lower number may reflect a smaller scope. Compare what is actually being delivered instead of treating proposal totals as if they describe identical work.
02
Verify the business and required credentials
Ask for the legal contracting party, address, responsible person, license information for regulated work, and current insurance evidence. Check Michigan's official license source using the person or business that will perform or contract for the work. Confirm that the license type covers the offered work and that the record is current when you make the decision.
Contact the insurance agent using independently verified details and ask what the certificate establishes. Determine whether employees or subcontractors will enter the property and who verifies them. References are useful for discussing communication and completed work, but they do not replace public-record, insurance, permit, or contract checks.
03
Resolve permits and older-building requirements
Contact the enforcing agency for the property address to determine which permits, plans, inspections, and professional involvement apply. In Detroit, BSEED publishes building and trade-permit paths. Put the permit applicant, fees, inspection scheduling, correction responsibility, and closeout documents in the agreement rather than relying on a general statement that permits are handled.
Detroit's older housing and commercial stock can require additional planning. Paid renovation work that disturbs painted surfaces in covered pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities is subject to EPA lead-safe requirements. Other materials or conditions may require qualified assessment. Ask before demolition begins, not after dust or debris has spread.
04
Use a contract that can be administered
The written agreement should match the selected proposal and identify schedule assumptions, payment milestones, change authorization, warranties, cleanup, protection of occupied areas, dispute handling, cancellation terms, and completion evidence. Do not sign blank forms or a completion certificate in advance. Keep approvals, payments, photos, inspection results, and correspondence with the contract.
Monitor the work against the documents without directing unsafe means or methods. Raise deviations promptly and document the resolution. At closeout, confirm required inspections, final paperwork, warranties, and incomplete items. Rebuild Detroit helps organize the selection path but does not supervise work or promise that a listed provider will meet a project's needs.
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