Truvee
GHomeowners

A homeowner's checklist before hiring a contractor

Short answer

Before paying a deposit, confirm separately: who you are dealing with, whether the business holds the license and insurance your area requires, what the written scope and price are, who will be paid, and whether permits are needed. A verified identity covers only the first item.

The person and the business

  • Who is the person you are talking to, and are they the owner, an employee, or a subcontractor?
  • What is the business's legal name, and does it match the quote, the contract and the payee?
  • Optional: ask the person to complete an identity check so you know who you are dealing with.

License and insurance (check these yourself)

  • Look up the license with the issuing authority for your area, not from a photo the contractor sends.
  • Check the license covers this type of work and is current on the date you look.
  • Ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm it directly with the insurer.
  • Note the date you checked each item.

Scope, price and permits

  • Get a written scope with materials, timeline, and what counts as a change.
  • Ask who obtains any required permits and inspections. Rules vary by location.
  • Compare more than one quote where you can.

Payment

  • Pay the business named in the contract, not a different personal account.
  • Be cautious about large up-front deposits and requests for unusual payment methods.
  • Treat any last-minute change of payment details as a reason to stop and confirm by phone using a number you already have.

References

  • Ask for recent, comparable jobs and speak to those customers directly.
  • Online reviews are useful context, but they are not verification.

Limits to keep in mind

  • Truvee does not look up licenses, insurance, permits, or company records.
  • A verified identity does not mean a contractor is qualified, insured, or approved.
  • Local requirements vary. Check with your local authority.