How to Choose a Contractor in Northeast Florida (10-Point Checklist)

Hiring the wrong contractor is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. In Florida, where the construction industry has low barriers to entry and high demand, the range of contractor quality is enormous. Here is a 10-point checklist for vetting contractors in Northeast Florida.

1. Verify Their License

Florida requires different license types for different work. For any structural work, additions, or renovations over $2,500, you need a licensed contractor:

• CGC (Certified General Contractor) — Can perform any type of construction
• CBC (Certified Building Contractor) — Limited to residential and light commercial
• CRC (Certified Residential Contractor) — Residential only

Verify any contractor’s license at myfloridalicense.com. Wilson & Co holds CGC license #CGC1532295 — the highest tier.

2. Check Their Insurance

Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing:

• General liability — Minimum $1 million (covers property damage and injuries to third parties)
• Workers’ compensation — Covers contractor’s employees injured on your property
• Auto insurance — Covers vehicle-related incidents at your property

If a contractor cannot provide current insurance certificates, do not hire them. If their worker is injured on your property without workers’ comp, you may be liable.

3. Read Their Reviews — But Read Them Right

Google Reviews are useful but look beyond the star rating. Read the 3-star and 4-star reviews — they are often the most honest. Look for:

• Specific project details (not generic praise)
• Mentions of communication quality
• How the contractor handled problems (every project has them)
• Recent reviews (not just reviews from 3 years ago)

4. Ask for Recent References

Ask for 3-5 references from the last 12 months. Then actually call them. Ask:

• Was the project completed on time?
• Was the final cost close to the estimate?
• How was communication during the project?
• Would you hire them again?

5. Get a Detailed Written Estimate

A professional estimate should be line-itemized, showing material costs, labor, and overhead separately. If a contractor gives you a single lump-sum number with no breakdown, that is a red flag. You should be able to see where every dollar goes.

6. Verify They Pull Permits

Ask directly: will you pull all required permits for this project? The correct answer is yes, always. Contractors who suggest skipping permits are either unlicensed, cutting corners, or both.

7. Check Their Payment Terms

Industry-standard payment terms are tied to project milestones — not front-loaded. A reasonable schedule:

• 10-20% deposit at contract signing
• Progress payments at defined milestones (framing complete, rough-in complete, etc.)
• 10% holdback until final walkthrough and punch list completion

Red flag: Any contractor asking for 50%+ upfront.

8. Ask About Their Team

Will the contractor’s own employees do the work, or will it be subcontracted? Both approaches work, but you should know which you are getting. Key question: who will be on-site daily managing the work?

At Wilson & Co, Jay Wilson is involved in every project. You talk to the owner, not a revolving door of project managers.

9. Confirm Their Communication Process

Before signing, establish:

• How often will you receive updates? (Weekly minimum)
• What is the preferred communication channel? (Text, email, phone)
• Who is your primary point of contact?
• How quickly do they respond to questions?

10. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off — vague answers, pressure to sign quickly, unwillingness to provide references, dismissiveness about permits — trust that feeling. There are good contractors in Northeast Florida. Take the time to find one.

Wilson & Co Checks Every Box

CGC license #CGC1532295. Fully insured. Detailed line-item estimates. All permits pulled. Jay Wilson on every project. Call (904) 792-6175 to start the conversation.