Hiring a Contractor After 50: 5 Smart Steps to Stay Safe

Hiring a contractor is one of the biggest decisions many homeowners make after 50, whether the job is a new roof, a safer bathroom or storm repairs. It also carries real risk. In the Better Business Bureau’s 2025 Scam Tracker Risk Report, home improvement ranked as the No. 5 riskiest scam, and 69.1% of people who reported one lost money.

Why Hiring a Contractor Matters More After 50

Many of us have lived in our homes for decades. Older roofs, furnaces and pipes need more work, and aging-in-place upgrades like grab bars or a walk-in shower add to the list. If you’re planning those changes, our guide to aging in place: essential home steps for adults 50+ is a good place to start.

The stakes are high, too. The same BBB report put the median reported loss from home improvement scams at $1,405. It was also the most reported scam type for in-person contact and for cash payments. That is exactly how a “we’re working in the area” pitch at your front door often works.

Step 1: How Do I Find a Trustworthy Contractor?

Start with people you know. Ask neighbors, friends and family who have had similar work done, and whether they would hire that person again.

Then check out each name. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you:

• Check the license with your state or county, and ask for proof of insurance.
• Look for complaints with local consumer protection officials and your local Home Builders Association.
• Search online for the company name plus words like “scam,” “review” or “complaint.”

Step 2: Why Should I Get More Than One Estimate?

Get at least three written estimates for any big job. Each one should describe the work, the materials, the timeline and the price.

Don’t pick the lowest bid automatically. If one bid is far lower or higher than the others, ask why. The gap may come from cheaper materials, skipped permits or a smaller scope of work.

Step 3: What Should a Contractor’s Contract Include?

A written contract protects you, even if your state doesn’t require one. According to the FTC, it should list:

• The contractor’s name, address, phone number and license number
• Estimated start and completion dates
• Any spoken promises about the work or the costs
• Your right to cancel within three business days, if you signed at home or away from the seller’s place of business

Fill in every blank before you sign. Never sign anything you haven’t read, and don’t let anyone rush you. For a large job, ask a trusted friend or an attorney to review the contract first.

Step 4: How Should I Pay a Contractor?

Never pay the full cost up front. Some states limit how large a down payment can be, so check your local rules. Avoid paying in cash, and hold the final payment until the work is finished and you’re satisfied.

Watch for these red flags:

• Pressure to decide today
• “Leftover materials” from another job
• A request that you get the building permits yourself
• A push toward a lender the contractor knows

Storms bring extra risk, as door-to-door crews follow bad weather. Our article on nor’easter damage steps for older homeowners covers what to do after a storm.

Step 5: Keep a Clear Record of Every Project

Once a job starts, paperwork piles up fast: estimates, the signed contract, permits, receipts and warranty cards. If a problem comes up, the FTC suggests keeping notes and copies of all correspondence. Those records also help with insurance claims and, someday, with selling your home. Our guides to a home inventory for insurance and tracking appliance warranties explain which records matter most.

One Place for Your Home Records

Keeping project papers in a drawer works until you need one in a hurry. Home360 is one way to keep them together. After you add your address, it pre-fills a dashboard with public property records. You can upload documents and insurance files, and add appliances and warranties. Its Smart Upload feature reads the manufacturer, model, serial number and warranty from a photo or receipt. You can also set custom maintenance tasks with automated reminders, and track expenses and budgets with monthly summaries. You can get started for free. Getting ready to list? See our guide to selling your home after 50.

Disclosure: Home360 is part of the same family of tools as Seasoneds.

Looking Forward

Hiring a contractor doesn’t have to feel like a gamble. Check licenses, compare written estimates, sign a complete contract and pay in stages. Take your time, ask questions and trust your instincts, because a good contractor will welcome a careful customer. If you suspect a scam, contact your state attorney general or your local consumer protection office.