How to Choose the Right Contractor After Receiving Multiple Bids

Choosing the right contractor for your outdoor living project can feel overwhelming, especially when you have multiple bids on the table. Price matters, but it should never be the sole deciding factor. The contractor you select will be in and around your home for months, managing a complex process that directly impacts your investment, timeline, and overall experience.

Here’s how to confidently choose the right contractor after reviewing multiple bids, and avoid costly mistakes along the way.

Red Flag 1: Contractors Who Trash the Competition

If a contractor immediately criticizes other companies you’re considering, comments like “those guys are terrible” or “we’re always fixing their work," take that as a serious red flag.

At higher levels of construction, reputable contractors understand that:

• Most competitors bidding on similar projects are qualified

• Longevity and professionalism matter

• Confidence should come from how they’re different, not by tearing others down

A professional contractor will acknowledge other firms respectfully and clearly explain their own value, process, and standards.

Trust Is the Number 1 Deciding Factor

When you narrow your list to two or three qualified contractors, ask yourself one simple question:

Who do I trust the most?

This is critical because:

• Your contractor will be in your home daily

• You’ll communicate with them frequently

• Challenges will arise—how they handle them matters

If you can’t imagine sitting at your kitchen table having an honest conversation with them, that discomfort will only grow during construction.

Communication Tells You Everything

Strong communication often separates good contractors from great ones.

Pay attention to:

• Response time to calls and emails

• Clarity and completeness of answers

• Willingness to explain details without rushing

If communication is slow or inconsistent before you sign a contract, it will not improve once the project begins.

Visit Their Office or Showroom

Whenever possible, visit the contractor’s office or showroom. This gives you insight into:

• Company size and stability

• Team structure and staffing

• Professionalism behind the scenes

Larger, established companies can often absorb unexpected issues, such as injuries or scheduling disruptions, without disrupting your project. Smaller outfits can be excellent, but it’s important to understand the risks and “what-ifs.”

Ask About Infrastructure and Staffing

Not all contractors operate the same way. Key questions to ask:

• Do you use in-house crews or subcontractors?

• Who manages the project day-to-day?

• What happens if a key team member is unavailable?

Subcontractors are not inherently bad; they can improve affordability and efficiency, but controlling the final 10% of a project is often the hardest part. Understanding who controls that finish line is essential.

Are You Talking to the Actual Company?

An increasing number of companies use third-party designers or sales teams, sometimes entirely online.

Be cautious if:

• All interactions are via Zoom

• The salesperson is not local

• The person selling the job won’t be involved during construction

This doesn’t mean the company is illegitimate, but it must be transparent. You deserve to know exactly who you’re hiring and who will be responsible once the build begins.

Research Their Work (Beyond the Website)

Before deciding, do the following:

• Review social media activity—are they posting projects similar to yours?

• Read Google reviews carefully (not just the star rating)

• Look for consistency and realism in project photos

If something feels “too perfect,” dig deeper.

A Powerful Tip: Talk to a Real Client

Instead of asking for generic references, try this:

1. Pick a five-star Google review

2. Ask the contractor if you can speak directly with that client

3. Ask one key question: “How did they handle a difficult situation?”

Every project has hiccups. What matters most is how the contractor responds when things don’t go perfectly.

See Their Work—Even Mid-Build

Great contractors are proud to show projects in progress. Visiting an active job site can reveal:

• Organization and cleanliness

• Crew professionalism

• Build quality before finishes hide details

You can also ask an important (and revealing) question: Does the contractor’s own home reflect the quality of work they sell?

Professionals who specialize in outdoor living often invest in their own spaces, and it shows.

How to Choose the Right Contractor Bid

Not every contractor will check every box. The key is understanding:

• Your budget

• Your timeline

• Your risk tolerance

If a contractor checks 6 out of 10 boxes and aligns with your expectations, that may be a great fit. But choosing someone who checks only one or two, and hoping for the best, is a gamble no homeowner should take.

This is a significant investment. Doing your homework upfront protects both your budget and your peace of mind.

Need Help Evaluating Bids?

If you’re stuck between two contractors or unsure how to compare bids, reach out. An experienced outdoor living professional can help you spot differences that aren’t obvious on paper and guide you toward the right decision.