Hiring a contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home project. The right choice means quality work, fair pricing, and peace of mind. The wrong choice can mean headaches, delays, and money down the drain.
Here’s how to find someone you can trust in Central New Jersey.
Get Multiple Quotes (But Don’t Just Pick the Cheapest)
Always get at least three quotes for any significant project. This gives you a sense of the market rate and helps you spot outliers.
Red flag: A quote that’s dramatically lower than others. They’re either cutting corners on materials, planning to hit you with change orders, or they don’t actually understand the scope of work.
The middle quote is often the sweet spot — competitive but realistic.
Verify Their Credentials
Before signing anything, verify:
- License: In New Jersey, home improvement contractors must be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Ask for their registration number and verify it at njconsumeraffairs.gov.
- Insurance: They need both general liability and workers’ compensation. Ask for certificates and call their insurance company to verify coverage is current.
- References: Ask for 3-5 recent references from projects in Monmouth, Middlesex, or Mercer County and actually call them. Visit a job site if possible.
Look at Their Track Record
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they have reviews on Google, HomeAdvisor, or Angi?
- Are they willing to show you past work in your area?
A contractor who’s been around for 10+ years and has consistent positive reviews has proven they can deliver. Ask specifically about projects in towns similar to yours — work in Millstone is different from work in a Trenton townhouse.
Communication Matters
Pay attention to how they communicate during the quote process:
- Do they return calls promptly?
- Do they show up on time for the estimate?
- Do they listen to what you want or just tell you what they want to do?
- Do they explain things clearly?
How they act before they have your money is the best they’ll ever be. If communication is poor now, it won’t improve.
Get Everything in Writing
Your contract should include:
- Detailed scope of work
- Materials to be used (specific brands/models)
- Start date and estimated completion
- Payment schedule (never pay more than 30% upfront)
- How change orders will be handled
- Warranty information
Trust Your Gut
If something feels off — they’re pushy, evasive about questions, or the deal seems too good to be true — trust that instinct. There are plenty of good contractors in Central NJ. You don’t have to settle.
Looking for a contractor you can trust? Get a free quote from JLM Construction. We’ve been serving Millstone, Freehold, Monroe Township, East Windsor, Manalapan, and all of Central New Jersey for over 15 years.