What to ask before you hire a home service pro

Identity and credentials

• What is the legal business name on the contract?

  It should match the insurance certificate and the invoice you will pay.

• What is your license number and which state issued it?

  Look it up yourself on the state authority's site.

• Can your agent send a current certificate of insurance directly?

  Direct from the agency, not a forwarded scan.

• Do you carry workers' compensation, and will subcontractors be on site?

  Ask who is responsible if a worker is injured at your property.

Scope of work

• What exactly is included — and what is explicitly excluded?

  Exclusions are where disputes come from. Get them written down.

• What materials and grade are you quoting?

  Brand, model, or spec. "Standard" is not a specification.

• What happens if you find hidden damage?

  Ask how change orders are priced and approved before work continues.

• Who cleans up and hauls away debris?

Permits and code

• Does this work require a permit, and will you pull it?

  Permits pulled in the homeowner's name shift liability to you.

• Who schedules and attends inspections?

Schedule and access

• What is the start date and realistic completion window?

• Who is my point of contact day to day?

• What hours will crews be on site, and do you need access when I am out?

Money

• What is the deposit, and what is the payment schedule?

  Tie payments to completed milestones rather than dates.

• Is the price fixed, or an estimate that can move?

• How are overruns handled and approved?

• Will you provide lien waivers as subcontractors and suppliers are paid?

  Rules vary by state — ask your local building department or an attorney if the job is large.

After the work

• What warranty covers labor, and for how long?

• What manufacturer warranties come with the materials, and who registers them?

• What voids the warranty?

• How do I reach you for a callback in a year?