How Do I Know If a Contractor Is Reliable and Trustworthy?

Choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between a successful project and a costly nightmare, yet many homeowners struggle to identify which contractors will deliver on their promises. Red flags, such as vague estimates, pressure tactics, and a lack of proper licensing, often go unnoticed until problems arise, leaving you with subpar work or unfinished projects that drain your budget and patience.

Dave Schauer with Prodigy Contracting has served the Bismarck and Mandan communities for over 20 years, building a reputation on honest advice, reliable communication, and trustworthy workmanship. We understand that construction projects represent significant investments in your home, which is why we prioritize transparency at every stage and treat your property with the same care we'd give our own. Our approach focuses on doing the job right the first time so your project stands the test of time in North Dakota's harsh climate.

Check for Proper Licensing and Insurance

A reliable contractor maintains all required licenses and carries adequate insurance coverage to protect both their workers and your property. Verifying these credentials before signing any contract safeguards you from liability and ensures you're working with a professional who meets industry standards.

Request Proof of Insurance

Ask to see current certificates of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Liability insurance protects your property if damage occurs during the project, while workers' compensation covers injuries to crew members on your job site. Without these protections, you could be held financially responsible for accidents or property damage that occur during construction.

Verify Licensing Requirements

While North Dakota doesn't require a state contractor's license for all construction work, some municipalities and project types do have specific requirements. A trustworthy contractor will be upfront about which licenses they hold and will obtain any necessary permits for your project. They should also be willing to explain the permitting process and ensure all work meets local building codes.

Look for Local Experience

Contractors with deep roots in the community have reputations to protect and are more likely to stand behind their work. Local experience also means familiarity with regional building challenges, such as North Dakota's extreme temperature swings, frost depths, and soil conditions that affect foundation work and concrete projects.

A contractor who has lived and worked in the Bismarck-Mandan area understands how to build structures that withstand our harsh winters and accommodate seasonal ground movement. This regional knowledge translates into better construction decisions, from proper insulation techniques to concrete curing practices that take into account our climate. When evaluating contractors, ask about their experience in the area and request examples of local projects they've completed.

Evaluate Communication and Professionalism

How a contractor communicates during the initial consultation often reflects how they'll handle your entire project. Reliable contractors respond promptly to inquiries, answer questions thoroughly, and provide clear explanations without using jargon to confuse or intimidate you.

Assess Responsiveness

Pay attention to how quickly the contractor responds to calls or emails and whether they arrive on time for scheduled appointments. A contractor who values your time during the sales process is more likely to maintain that respect throughout the project. Conversely, contractors who are difficult to reach or frequently reschedule initial meetings often display the same unreliability once work begins.

Review the Estimate Detail

Trustworthy contractors provide detailed written estimates that break down labor, materials, and other costs. Vague estimates with a single lump sum make it difficult to understand what you're paying for and leave room for disputes later. A thorough estimate demonstrates that the contractor has carefully assessed your project and is being transparent about pricing. It should also include a timeline, payment schedule, and information about how change orders will be handled.

Watch for Warning Signs

Certain behaviors should raise immediate concerns about a contractor's reliability. High-pressure sales tactics, such as demanding immediate decisions or claiming a special price is only available today, often indicate a contractor is more interested in closing a deal than delivering quality work. Similarly, contractors who request large upfront payments or prefer payment in cash rather than by check or credit card may not be operating above board.

Be wary of contractors who can't provide references, refuse to put agreements in writing, or discourage you from obtaining permits. Legitimate contractors understand that permits protect homeowners by ensuring work meets safety standards and passes inspections. Any reluctance to work within the proper legal framework suggests the contractor may be cutting corners or lacks the expertise to meet code requirements.

Research Reputation and Past Work

A contractor's track record provides valuable insight into their reliability and the quality of work you can expect. Taking the time to research their history helps you make an informed decision and avoid contractors with a history of poor performance.

Check Online Reviews and Ratings

Look for reviews on multiple platforms to get a balanced perspective. While a single negative review doesn't necessarily disqualify a contractor, patterns of similar complaints about missed deadlines, cost overruns, or poor communication should raise red flags. Pay attention to how contractors respond to negative feedback as well—professional, constructive responses demonstrate accountability and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Request and Contact References

Ask for contact information for recent clients with projects similar to yours. When you reach out to references, ask specific questions about the contractor's punctuality, work quality, problem-solving abilities, and how they handled unexpected issues. Find out if the project stayed on budget and schedule, and whether the homeowner would hire the contractor again. Most satisfied clients are happy to share their experiences and provide honest feedback.

Visit Completed Projects

If possible, ask to see examples of the contractor's completed work. Seeing finished projects in person allows you to evaluate the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Look for clean finishes, straight lines, and signs of careful workmanship. For remodeling or addition projects, observe how well new construction integrates with existing structures. Quality contractors take pride in their work and are typically happy to showcase successful projects.

Trust Your Instincts and Ask Questions

Your gut feeling about a contractor matters. If something feels off during initial conversations or you sense evasiveness when asking questions, trust those instincts and continue your search. Reliable contractors welcome questions and view them as opportunities to demonstrate their expertise and build trust.

Don't hesitate to ask about the contractor's process for handling problems that arise during construction. Every project encounters unexpected challenges, whether it's discovering rot when removing old siding or hitting rock when digging a foundation. How a contractor addresses these situations—with transparency, problem-solving, and clear communication about costs and solutions—reveals their true character and professionalism.

Ask about their approach to cleanup and protecting your property during construction. Trustworthy contractors minimize disruption to your daily life, keep the job site organized, and leave your property clean at the end of each workday. They also carry proper insurance to cover any damage that might occur and have protocols in place to protect landscaping, driveways, and adjacent structures during the work.

Honest, Reliable, and Trustworthy Construction from Prodigy Contracting

Dave Schauer and Prodigy Contracting have built a reputation throughout the Bismarck, Mandan, and western North Dakota communities, including Dickinson, Williston, Watford City, and Killdeer, on three core principles: honest advice, reliable communication, and trustworthy workmanship. With over 20 years of construction experience ranging from new home builds to concrete cutting, remodeling, and additions, we bring the expertise needed to handle your project from start to finish. We don't cut corners, we show up when we say we will, and we maintain full communication throughout the construction process because we treat others the way we want to be treated.

Whether you're planning a home addition, basement finish, concrete cutting project, or new home construction, we're committed to completing your project with the quality and integrity you deserve. Contact Prodigy Contracting today to discuss your construction needs and experience the difference that honest, reliable, and trustworthy service makes.