Safe Hiring Tips for Home Services

Most home service professionals are honest and good at what they do. A few simple habits help you find the right one and avoid the occasional bad actor.

1. Get more than one quote

Comparing a few quotes gives you a sense of fair pricing and of how each pro plans to do the work. Be cautious with a price far below the others: ask what is and isn't included.

2. Ask about licenses and insurance

For trades that require a license in your area, ask for the license number and look it up with your state or local licensing board. Ask whether the pro carries liability insurance, and for larger jobs request a certificate of insurance.

3. Get it in writing

A written estimate or contract should describe the work, materials, timeline, price and payment schedule. Changes to the scope should also be written down.

4. Be careful with large upfront payments

A deposit can be normal, especially when materials need to be ordered, but be wary of anyone asking for most of the money before work starts or insisting on cash only. Paying by card or check leaves a record.

5. Watch for common red flags

• Door-to-door offers with "leftover materials" or pressure to decide on the spot.
• No physical address, no written estimate, or unwillingness to share license information.
• Requests for you to pull permits that the pro should handle.

6. Read reviews thoughtfully

Look at reviews on more than one site and pay attention to how the pro responds to complaints. Detailed reviews that describe the actual job are usually more useful than short ratings.

7. Trust your instincts

Clear communication, on-time arrivals and straight answers are good signs. If something feels off, it's fine to keep looking.