The questions to ask before you hire anyone

Ask these before the first estimate, and write the answers down so you can check them after the contractor leaves.

Who you're dealing with

• Can I have a copy of your license?Check the expiration date, and confirm with the office that issued it that the license is in good standing. Make sure it covers the type of work.
• Does this work need a license?A contractor who says no license is needed is a common sign of a scam.
• Will you give me copies of your license, insurance and contract?A contractor who won't put them on paper is a red flag.

What covers you

• Can I have a certificate of insurance?Check its expiration date, and contact the company that issued it to confirm the policy is valid.
• Does your insurance cover damage to my property?General liability insurance protects your home from damage or negligence by the contractor, the crew and any subcontractors. Ask your insurer how your own policy treats it.
• Do you carry workers' compensation?Ask whether the crew is covered. A contractor with no employees may not carry it.

Who vouches for the work

• Can you give me references for similar jobs?Call three to five past customers. Ask whether they were satisfied, whether the job came in on budget and on time, and whether they'd hire the contractor again.
• Will you use subcontractors?Ask for each one's name and the work they'll do, so you can check their credentials and insurance too.
• Where else can I check on you?The local home builders association and consumer protection officials can tell you about complaints. Search the company's name with words like "scam," "review" or "complaint."

The job itself

• Will you put the bid in writing?A written estimate includes the work, the materials, the completion date and the price.
• Is the bid for the same work as the others?Get several written estimates, all for the same scope of work, so they can be compared.
• Why is your bid so far from the others?When estimates differ widely, ask why. Don't take the lowest bid automatically.
• Will everything we've discussed go in the contract?Every promise made in conversation belongs in the written contract, along with the start and completion dates.
• Who gets the permits?A contractor who asks you to get the permits yourself is showing a sign of a scam.
• How do you want to be paid?Full payment up front, cash only, a wire transfer, a gift card, a payment app or cryptocurrency is a sign of a scam. Pay by credit card or check.

Write each answer down next to the contractor's name. How to hire a contractor covers what to do with the answers once the bids are in.