Dear New Contractor: Read This Before You Book Another Job

contractorscollect
May 29
2 min read

👷‍♂️ Starting Out? You’re Not Just Learning the Trade — You’re Learning People!

Welcome to life as a contractor. Maybe you’ve just gone out on your own, or maybe you’ve been doing side work and are ready to take things full-time. Either way, one of the hardest lessons in this business isn’t about running pipe, grading land, or pouring concrete.It’s about spotting bad clients before they become your problem.Because let’s be honest: a busted pipe or a miscut board can be fixed.A nightmare client? That can drain your money, energy, and time for weeks.

🚩 Five Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

Even the best-looking job can turn into a headache if the person writing the check is difficult, dishonest, or flat-out disappears. Here are five warning signs:

1.“I need this done fast — can you skip the contract?” No contract = no protection.

2. “Can I pay you after my tax return comes in?” If they don’t have money now, they’re a risk.

3. They talk bad about all their previous contractors. If 'nobody ever does things right,' guess who’s next?

4. They push for extra work without talking money. Scope creep = you working for free.

5. They avoid deposits or milestone payments. If they won’t put anything down, they may not pay at all.

✅ Use a Client Checklist — Yes, Really

At Contractors Collect, we offer a free downloadable Client Screening Checklist that you can use before every job. It includes:- Questions to ask before quoting- Key behaviors to watch for- Reminders to verify contact info, payment terms, and expectations

👉 Download the free checklist here: https://www.contractorscollect.com/checklist

🧠 Other Ways to Protect Yourself from Problem Clients

Here are a few battle-tested tips contractors swear by:

· Use simple but solid contracts.

· Ask for referrals from new clients.

· Use payment apps that create a paper trail.

· Document everything — photos, texts, changes.

· Set clear expectations around scope, pay, and communication.

🔍 Before You Sign Anything, Check the Contractor Warning Database

Some clients out there have a reputation — and not the good kind.That’s why we built Contractors Collect — a contractor-driven database of problem clients. Search by name, email, or address to see if other tradespeople have already flagged someone for:-

Non-payment-

Verbal abuse or threats-

Refusing to sign contracts-

Abandoning jobs halfway through.

A search is just $5.99 — and submitting a warning is always free.

💻 Search now at: https://www.contractorscollect.com

🛠️ Final Word: You’re Not Just a Contractor

You’re a Business Owner

Getting the job done is just part of the work. Getting paid, staying safe, and protecting your time? That’s the rest of it. Trust your gut. Use your checklist. Search the database. Talk to other pros.

And remember: you’re not alone out here.