Essential Info to Gather Before Hiring Home Repair

Before hiring home repair services, gather the contractor's license, insurance certificates, references, detailed written estimates, timeline commitments, and warranty information. Document everything in writing and verify credentials independently to protect your investment.

Why Proper Documentation Protects Your Home Investment

Home repair projects represent significant investments in your property's value and your family's comfort. Yet many homeowners skip the crucial preparation phase, rushing into agreements without gathering essential information. This oversight can lead to cost overruns, project delays, subpar workmanship, or worse—contractor fraud. Professional contractors expect informed homeowners to request documentation and references. In fact, legitimate contractors appreciate working with prepared clients who understand the process. The information you gather before signing any agreement serves as your protection against problems and helps ensure project success.

Step-by-Step Information Gathering Process

Follow this systematic approach to collect all necessary contractor information:

1. Request contractor's business license number and verify it's current through your state's licensing board website
2. Obtain certificates of liability insurance and workers' compensation, then call the insurance company to confirm coverage is active
3. Ask for a minimum of three recent customer references and contact each one to discuss their experience
4. Collect detailed written estimates that break down materials, labor, timeline, and total costs
5. Document the contractor's physical business address, not just a P.O. Box or cell phone number
6. Verify their Better Business Bureau rating and check for any unresolved complaints
7. Request proof of any required specialty certifications for your specific type of repair work

Essential Contractor Documentation Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you've gathered all critical information before making your hiring decision:

• Current business license (verified independently)
• General liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million coverage)
• Workers' compensation insurance certificate
• Three customer references from projects completed within the last year
• Detailed written estimate with material and labor breakdown
• Project timeline with start and completion dates
• Warranty information for both materials and workmanship
• Physical business address and established business phone number
• Any required specialty licenses or certifications for your project type
• Proof of bonding (if required in your area)
• Clear payment schedule tied to project milestones

What to Ask Previous Customers During Reference Checks

Reference checks provide invaluable insights into a contractor's work quality and professionalism. When you contact previous customers, ask specific questions about their experience. Did the contractor arrive on time and maintain a clean work area? Was the project completed within the quoted timeline and budget? How did they handle any unexpected issues that arose? Would the customer hire this contractor again for future work? Pay attention not just to what they say, but how they say it—enthusiasm in their voice often indicates genuine satisfaction. Also ask to see photos of the completed work if possible, as this gives you a visual reference for the contractor's quality standards.

Key Financial Protection Questions to Address

Protect yourself financially by clarifying these important details:

• What percentage of payment is due upfront versus at project milestones?
• Are there any additional costs not included in the base estimate?
• How will cost overruns be handled if unexpected issues arise?
• What happens if you need to cancel the project after work begins?
• Does the estimate include cleanup and debris removal?
• Are permits included in the quoted price or charged separately?
• What warranty coverage is provided and for how long?
• How does the contractor handle warranty claims or callbacks?

Understanding Insurance and Licensing Requirements

Proper insurance and licensing protect you from liability and ensure you're working with qualified professionals. General liability insurance covers property damage that might occur during the project, while workers' compensation protects you if someone gets injured on your property. Don't simply take the contractor's word that they have coverage—request certificates directly from their insurance company. For licensing, requirements vary by state and project type. Some states require general contractor licenses for projects over certain dollar amounts, while specialized work like electrical or plumbing always requires specific trade licenses. Verify all licenses through official government websites, not third-party services that might have outdated information.

How Trusted Networks Simplify Contractor Research

The most reliable contractors often come through trusted connections—people who've already done the research and experienced the results firsthand. When someone in your network recommends a contractor, they're putting their reputation on the line, which creates natural accountability. These referrals come with context that online reviews can't provide: how the contractor handled unexpected challenges, their communication style, cleanliness standards, and follow-through on warranties. Extended networks are equally valuable—your neighbor's trusted contractor might be perfect for your project. However, even with strong referrals, you still need to gather all the documentation outlined above. A recommendation gets a contractor on your consideration list; proper vetting gets them the job.

Questions That Reveal Contractor Professionalism

Ask these revealing questions to gauge a contractor's expertise and approach:

• How do you handle permit applications and inspections for this type of work?
• What's your typical timeline for a project like mine, and what factors might extend it?
• How do you protect my home's interior from dust and debris during construction?
• What happens if you discover underlying issues that weren't apparent initially?
• How do you ensure your work meets local building codes?
• What's your policy on change orders and additional work requests?
• How do you handle weather delays or material delivery issues?
• Can you provide a detailed breakdown of materials you plan to use?

Documentation That Protects You During the Project

Proper documentation serves as your roadmap and protection throughout the repair process. The written contract should specify exact materials, labor details, timeline, payment schedule, and change order procedures. Include clauses about cleanup responsibility, debris removal, and what happens if weather delays the project. Document the current condition of your home with photos before work begins, as this protects against disputes about pre-existing damage. Keep a project journal noting daily progress, any issues that arise, and conversations with the contractor. This documentation becomes invaluable if disputes occur or warranty claims need to be filed later. Professional contractors appreciate clients who maintain organized records, as it demonstrates mutual commitment to project success.