Hiring · 6 min read
How to Hire a Contractor in the OKC Metro Without Getting Burned
Published March 19, 2026 by 405 Pros · Mustang, OK
Most bad contractor stories share the same opening chapter: a low verbal quote, a big deposit, and no written scope. A little structure up front prevents nearly all of it.
Questions worth asking
- Are you insured, and can I see proof?
- Who will actually be on site — you, your crew, or a subcontractor?
- What is your written scope, and what is excluded?
- How do you handle change orders and hidden damage?
- Can I see photos of work like mine, and talk to a recent customer?
Red flags
- A large deposit demanded before any work is scheduled
- Cash-only pricing with no written agreement
- Pressure to decide today or lose the price
- No physical address or a phone number that never answers
- A bid dramatically lower than everyone else with no explanation
Structure the payments
A reasonable structure is a modest deposit for materials, progress payments tied to milestones you can see, and a final payment after the punch list is complete. You should never be paid ahead of the work.
Get it in writing
- Scope of work with materials and finish level named
- Price, payment schedule, and what triggers a change order
- Start window and rough duration
- Who handles permits, haul-off, and daily cleanup
Common questions
- Is 405 Pros insured?
- Yes. 405 Pros is fully insured and has over 25 years of hands-on experience in home repairs, remodeling, and construction.
- How do I get a quote?
- Call 405-613-2800 or submit the estimate form on our site with a short description of the work. Estimates are free.
Want this handled by someone who's done it a thousand times?
405 Pros is insured, based in Mustang, and serves Oklahoma City and the surrounding metro. Estimates are free.