Free guide for homeowners

Complete hiring checklist for contractors, designers, and other home improvement professionals

Get our step-by-step process for finding, vetting, and hiring the right people for your renovation or home construction project

Thinking about bringing someone in to work on your home? 

There really is a right way to hire. 

(And no, it’s not Googling “contractor near me” and hoping for the best.)

Whether you’re hiring a contractor, designer, or trade, this free checklist walks you through  what to prep, what to check, and the exact steps to follow — so you’re prepared and in control from the get-go.

Take the guesswork out of hiring with a clear, pro-approved process

Have a plan 

Know exactly what steps to take and when to take them — from initial research through contract signing.

Know what to look for 

Ask the right questions, do your due diligence, and identify the professionals who are the best fit for your project.

Stay in control

Take the lead by making informed decisions and clearly communicating your needs and expectations from day one.

In this free step-by-step guide you’ll learn: 

  • How to set your project priorities and budget before you start looking — so you know exactly what your needs and dealbreakers are

  • Three ways to research and vet construction professionals before you ever contact them

  • The step-by-step process for interviewing contractors, designers, and trades — and what to prepare beforehand

  • The due diligence steps that most homeowners skip — and why they matter

House Confident founder Gerald VanWoudenberg in his custom millwork facility

BUT LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF.

I’m Gerald — custom cabinetry and millwork designer, and House Confident founder.

I've spent over four decades in Vancouver's residential construction industry specializing in high-end custom cabinetry and millwork. (You can check out Van Arbour, my design shop, here.)

In those 40+ years, I've worked with every type of construction professional you can imagine — the excellent ones and the ones you'd never want near your home. I've seen what happens when homeowners don't do their homework before hiring.

You deserve better. 

That’s why I started House Confident: To give you the education, tools and resources to confidently direct your construction project and manage your investment in your home and future.

The difference between a construction horror story and a success story? Hiring the right people. 

Get the pro-approved process for hiring contractors, designers, and trades who respect your priorities and deliver on their promises. 

Download the free Hiring Checklist to get started!