Before you hire: how to check a pro’s license, insurance and reviews
Before you pay anyone to work on your home, take ten minutes to check them. It’s free, and it’s the easiest way to avoid hiring someone who isn’t allowed, or isn’t able, to do the job.
Five checks before you hire
- The license, where the trade needs one. Electrical, plumbing, gas, AC and structural work need a licensed pro in many places. Ask for the number and look it up on the website of the agency that issues it: search for “contractor license lookup” and the name of your state, province or country. The name should match, and the license should be active.
- Insurance. Ask for proof of liability insurance, and of coverage for their workers if they bring a crew. Check the dates.
- Reviews and real work. Read recent reviews, not just the stars, and look at photos of jobs they actually did.
- A written quote. The work, the materials, the price, the dates and the warranty, with the pro’s full name, address and phone.
- A real address and phone. A pro who works near you should be easy to find. Be careful with someone who only has a first name and a cell number.
Why it’s worth ten minutes
- If an unlicensed or uninsured worker gets hurt on your property, or damages it, you can end up with the bill.
- Work done without a license or a permit can cause trouble with your insurance and when you sell the house.
- Checking takes minutes. Fixing a bad job can take months.
Hiring soon? Read the 7 red flags and 5 questions to ask too.
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Sources
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change, so check the sources and ask a licensed pro about your home.
