How to hire a contractor (without getting burned)

A simple checklist for vetting home-improvement pros: licensing, insurance, quotes, contracts, and red flags.

Get at least three quotes

Pricing varies widely between contractors for the same job. Three itemized quotes give you a real market range and expose lowball bids that cut corners or high bids padding margin.

Verify license and insurance

Ask for their license number and proof of liability + workers' comp insurance. If a worker is hurt on your property and the contractor isn't insured, you can be on the hook.

Read the contract carefully

A good contract spells out scope, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and what happens if things change. Avoid paying more than 10–30% upfront.

Watch for red flags

Cash-only demands, no written estimate, pressure to decide today, or a huge deposit are all warning signs. Reputable pros are happy to document everything.