Hiring a contractor for your home shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Whether you’re planning a remodel, addition, or full renovation, choosing the right professional can mean the difference between a job done right — and one you regret.
If you’re searching for trusted Maryland home contractors, here’s what to focus on before signing any agreement. At Bohan Contracting, we believe homeowners deserve clear answers, quality work, and a process that respects both their time and investment.
Start With Licensing and Credentials
Confirm MHIC Licensing
In Maryland, all home improvement contractors are required to hold a valid license through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). This license confirms the contractor has met the state’s legal standards and is authorized to perform work on your property.
Ask for the contractor’s MHIC license number and verify it through the state’s website. This step helps protect you from working with unlicensed individuals who may lack proper insurance or oversight.
Check That Certifications Are Current
Beyond the MHIC license, many contractors carry trade-specific certifications related to safety standards, building codes, and specialty skills. These certifications help show that the contractor is keeping up with industry standards and is trained for the work you’re hiring them to do.
Request copies of relevant credentials and check that expiration dates are still valid. It’s not about having the most certificates — it’s about having the right ones, up to date.
Evaluate Experience and Focus
Ask About Project History
A contractor’s past work is the clearest indicator of what you can expect. Ask to see completed project photos. The best Maryland home contractors will have a portfolio showing a range of work — from kitchens and bathrooms to additions and whole-house renovations.
At Bohan Contracting, our team has over a century of combined experience on residential projects across the region. We regularly work with homeowners on kitchen remodels, structural repairs, additions, and restoration projects — including historic homes with complex requirements.
Know Their Strengths
Some contractors do it all. Others specialize in specific types of projects — like luxury kitchens, energy-efficient builds, or porch rebuilds. Look for a contractor whose strengths line up with your needs.
For example, if your project involves foundation work or structural framing, ask if they’ve handled similar challenges. The same goes for projects in older homes or in historic districts. Understanding how they approach projects like yours helps you avoid misalignment down the road.
Read the Fine Print
Look Closely at the Contract
A good contract is more than a formality — it’s the foundation of the working relationship. Look for clear, easy-to-understand language that outlines the project scope, payment schedule, start and end dates, and the process for change orders.
Everything should be in writing. If a contractor gives you verbal pricing, timeline estimates, or promises about materials, those should be reflected in the agreement.
At Bohan, we build contracts that reflect the actual conversations we’ve had with the homeowner. No vague terms. No fine print that contradicts the scope. Just straightforward terms that guide the project from day one.
Ask About Warranties
Trustworthy Maryland home contractors offer a clear warranty on their work. This gives you a point of reference if any issues arise after the project wraps. Bohan Contracting includes a one-year workmanship warranty with every project we take on — it’s our way of backing what we build.
Ask for details in writing, and make sure the warranty covers both the labor and the materials involved. If the contractor can’t explain how their warranty works, you might want to keep looking.
Check Their Reputation
Read Verified Online Reviews
When choosing among Maryland home contractors, reviews can help reveal how a contractor actually works with clients. Look for consistent comments about communication, timelines, job quality, and how the contractor handled unexpected problems.
Talk to Former Clients
A reliable contractor won’t hesitate to share references. Reach out to former clients and ask what it was like to work with them. Were deadlines met? Were changes communicated clearly? Was the job site respected during the process?
The goal isn’t to get a glowing testimonial — it’s to get an honest perspective from someone who’s already been through it.
Watch for Red Flags
You don’t need to be an expert to spot a problem. Here are some signs that the contractor you’re speaking with may not be the right fit:
- They don’t provide a written estimate or contract
- They avoid talking about licensing or insurance
- They request full payment upfront
- They dodge questions about prior work or references
A reputable contractor will be transparent from the first meeting. If you feel like you’re chasing answers or getting vague responses, trust that instinct and look elsewhere.
Why Homeowners Work with Bohan Contracting
As one of the most experienced and trusted Maryland home contractors, Bohan Contracting focuses on results that work — not just for today, but for years to come.
Our team handles large and small residential projects, from kitchen remodels to structural rebuilds. We know what it takes to keep a jobsite clean, communicate clearly with homeowners, and deliver projects on time.
We’ve worked with homeowners throughout Annapolis, Severna Park, Edgewater, and the surrounding areas — and we’re proud of the reputation we’ve built through straightforward service and lasting relationships.
What to Remember When Hiring Maryland Home Contractors
Hiring a contractor doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need to know everything — but you do need to know what to ask.
Before you make a decision, keep these points in mind when comparing Maryland home contractors:
- Confirm their MHIC license and verify it online
- Ask for current certifications related to the work
- Look at past projects that match your goals
- Read the contract carefully and ask questions
- Understand warranty coverage, especially on workmanship
- Review real customer feedback — both online and through references
- Choose a contractor who communicates clearly from the start
This is your home. The people working on it should respect that — not just in how they build, but in how they show up, how they communicate, and how they treat you.
Ready to Talk to a Trusted Maryland Home Contractor?
If you want a remodel or addition that adds real value, you need the right partner. Not all Maryland home contractors work the same way — and doing your homework upfront can save you stress and expense later.
Before you hire anyone, confirm their license, ask for references, review their past work, and go over the contract carefully. A good contractor will welcome those questions and walk you through the answers.
Contact Bohan today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we approach home projects across Maryland!
Rich Nelson, an Annapolis resident for 34 years, has been a vital part of Bohan Contracting since 2017, bringing over two decades of construction experience. Starting his career in 1994, Rich has developed a deep understanding of the industry, from project management to customer-focused solutions. His leadership roles and commitment to delivering high-quality results make him an essential member of the team.