Hiring a contractor to remodel your kitchen is a big decision. You're inviting someone into your home for weeks, trusting them with a significant investment, and counting on them to deliver something you'll live with every day. Getting it right matters. After 20+ years in the trades, here's what I'd tell a friend who was hiring a contractor for the first time. Ask if they're licensed and insured This is non-negotiable. In New Jersey, home improvement contractors are required