Hiring guide
Questions to ask before hiring a home pro
The right questions separate a good hire from a costly mistake. Use this checklist before you sign with any contractor, handyman, or service company in Georgia.
Licensing and insurance
Are you licensed for this work in Georgia? Can I see the license number? Do you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation? Can I have a copy of the certificate?
Experience and references
How long have you been doing this work? Have you done projects like mine? Can I have references from the last year? May I see a completed project?
Scope and estimate
Can you put the full scope in writing? What materials will you use, and are they included? What is not included? How do you handle change orders?
Timeline and crew
When can you start, and how long will the work take? Who will be on site, and who supervises? What happens if the schedule slips?
Permits and inspections
Will you pull the permits for this work? Who schedules the inspections? What happens if the work fails inspection?
Payment
What is the payment schedule? How much is due upfront? When is the final payment due, and what triggers it?
Warranty and cleanup
What warranty do you offer on workmanship? Is it in writing? Who handles cleanup and disposal, and is that included?
Key takeaways
- Ask about licensing and insurance before anything else
- Get every answer in writing as part of the contract
- A contractor who welcomes questions is usually a safe hire
- Confirm the payment schedule ties to completed milestones