A step-by-step way to choose a contractor: written bids, license and insurance checks, references, a clear contract and a payment schedule that protects.
Hiring Contractors
Finding, checking and contracting with pros.
What Insurance Your Contractor Should Carry
Why liability insurance and workers' compensation matter when someone works on your home, how to check a certificate, and how bonds differ from insurance.
What a Home Improvement Contract Should Say
A checklist for home improvement contracts: scope, materials, price, schedule, payments, change orders, permits, warranties, lien releases, canceling.
How to Check a Contractor’s License
Who licenses contractors in the U.S., how to look up a license and complaint history, what small-job exemptions mean, and the risks of unlicensed help.