Hiring a Contractor Safely
A good contractor protects your home and their workers. An unlicensed or uninsured one can leave you with bad work, liens on your house, or liability if a worker gets hurt on your property.
- Homeowners
Check before you hire
- License: verify it with your state contractor licensing board (requirements vary by state and trade).
- Insurance: ask for certificates of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and confirm with the insurer. If an uninsured worker is hurt at your home, you could be responsible.
- References and reviews: talk to recent customers; check the Better Business Bureau and complaints with your state.
- Several written bids with the same scope of work.
- Permits: the contractor should pull required permits. Be wary if they ask you to pull them yourself.
The contract
- Get a written contract with the scope, materials, price, schedule, payment schedule, warranty and cleanup.
- Keep the down payment small. Many states cap it by law. Pay as work is completed.
- Ask for lien waivers from the contractor and major subcontractors and suppliers as you pay.
- Get change orders in writing.
Red flags and storm-chaser scams
- Door-to-door offers after a storm, especially from out-of-state trucks
- Pressure to sign today, or demands for full payment or cash upfront
- Offers to “cover your insurance deductible” (illegal in many states)
- No physical address, no license number, or no written contract
Safety on your property: a professional crew should use fall protection on your roof, keep the site tidy, and protect your family from dust and debris. It’s fine to ask about their safety plan.
Standards & references
Last updated: