12 questions to ask before you hire a home pro
Copy these into your notes app. Ask them on the first call.
About the company
- Are you licensed for this type of work in my state or city? What is the license number?
- Do you carry general liability insurance and workers compensation?
- Will the person who comes out be an employee or a subcontractor?
About price
- Is there a trip or diagnostic fee, and is it credited if I go ahead?
- Do you price by the job (flat rate) or by the hour plus parts?
- Will I get a written estimate before work starts?
- What happens if you find more work is needed once you open things up?
About the job
- Does this job need a permit, and who pulls it?
- What brand and grade of parts will you use?
- What warranty do you give on labor, and for how long?
- Do you clean up and haul away old equipment?
- When is the earliest slot, and is there an after-hours rate?
Write the answers down with the date and the name of the person you spoke to. If anything goes wrong, that record is what you will need.