Request a license number

A licensed contractor has the training and experience necessary to qualify for a license. They are able to obtain and sign any necessary permits for your project. Check the license number with your state contractor’s board (CA residents: Contractors State License Board)

Ask about insurance and liability

A licensed contractor with worker’s compensation and liability insurance will cost more to hire but you will be protected if any accidents or injuries occur on your property.

Ask for a list of references

You want to make sure that other people are happy with the contractor’s work. Don’t just take their word for it – ask for proof. Don’t be afraid to contact the references to find out what they thought of the contractor and the quality of the work. Their input could prove invaluable in your decision-making.

Do your research

You can never ask too many questions. Find out:

• How long they’ve been in business
• Have they done similar work before
• If the products they are installing carry any type of warranty
• If their work carries any type of warranty
• Will they be obtaining any necessary permits and scheduling inspections
• Will they be performing the job personally, have their own work crew, or do they subcontract
• What the work schedule will be like

Communicate

Tell the contractor exactly what your project expectations are and ask how your goals can be accomplished. By communicating effectively, everyone will be on the same page and there will, hopefully, be no surprises. If the contractor does not listen well or you feel uncomfortable about their attitude towards the project, perhaps this is not the contractor for you.

Get it in writing

To ensure that your wishes will be carried out and that both parties will be legally covered, make sure you get a written contract with any specific instructions included.

Additional resources:

General questions – CSLB

Why Should I Hire a Licensed Contractor?

Consumer Reports