How to Hire a Contractor (Without Regrets)
The checklist that applies to every home service hire, from plumbers to roofers.
By Lucky Finds · Updated September 26, 2026
Get three written estimates for anything bigger than a small repair. A written estimate should name the work, materials, timeline, and what's excluded — vague scopes create change orders. Whoever you hire, verify the license type matches the work (plumbing, electrical, HVAC often require trade-specific licenses that vary by state and locality) and ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly from their insurer.
Never pay in full up front. Deposits are normal and vary by state; the balance belongs at milestones or completion. Be wary of anyone who appears unsolicited after a storm, quotes without inspecting, or wants cash only.
Ask about permits: most structural, electrical, plumbing, and roofing work requires them, and the contractor usually pulls them. 'We can skip the permit' is a red flag — unpermitted work can block insurance claims and home sales. Keep a simple file for every job: the estimate, contract, receipts, and photos of the work area before and after.
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