Most people call a restaurant only after their kitchen goes down or they get a bad inspection. That's panic buying, and it shows. A little skepticism upfront saves you from a bad hire and a worse headache.
Red Flags in Quotes
A quote that comes back in under an hour usually means they didn't read your specs. They're guessing and hoping you don't notice. Same goes for quotes that are suspiciously low – they'll either cut corners or hit you with add-ons later. Watch for vague line items like 'misc labor' or 'travel fees' without a breakdown. If they can't tell you what you're paying for, they don't know either.
Red Flags in Communication
Slow replies are a bad sign. If they take two days to answer a simple question during the bidding phase, imagine how they'll handle an emergency. People who dodge phone calls and only text are hiding something. Also avoid anyone who gets defensive when you ask for references. You're spending real money. You get to ask questions. If they act annoyed, walk away.
Red Flags in Contracts
Never sign a contract that doesn't list a specific start and end date. If they won't commit to a timeline, you're not their priority. Look for language that lets them change the scope without your written approval. That's an open door for surprise charges. Another one: any clause that says 'time is of the essence' but gives them unlimited extensions. That's a trap. And if they want a big deposit up front – like more than half – you're financing their business. Hard pass.
How to Protect Yourself
Get at least three quotes. Compare them line by line, not just the bottom number. Ask for proof of insurance and licenses before you sign anything. Call the references they give you – but also ask for a reference from a job that went wrong. How they handled a problem tells you more than a perfect job. Keep all communication in writing. Emails, texts, signed change orders. Verbal promises are worthless. Finally, hold back a chunk of payment until the final walkthrough passes. That gives you leverage if something's off.
Now go compare local restaurants on RatingsNearMe – read the reviews, check the ratings, and pick the one that actually delivers.