Guides
Hiring guides for homeowners
Practical guides to hiring local pros: what to check, what a fair quote includes, and the questions to ask before you hire a plumber, electrician, HVAC company or roofer.
Hiring a contractor: the complete checklist
A step-by-step checklist for hiring a contractor: verify the license and insurance, compare quotes, agree a payment schedule and put everything in writing.
Read the guideHow to hire a plumber
What to check before hiring a plumber: license and insurance, call-out and emergency charges, written estimates, and the questions that reveal a good one.
Read the guideHow to hire an electrician
Hiring an electrician: how to verify the license, when a permit and inspection are required, how electricians charge, and the warning signs to walk away from.
Read the guideHow to hire an HVAC contractor
Choosing an HVAC contractor: why load calculations matter, what a replacement quote should include, maintenance plans, and how to protect your warranty.
Read the guideHow to hire a roofing contractor
Hiring a roofing contractor: what a roof quote must include, how roof warranties work, insurance claims after a storm, and how to spot a storm chaser.
Read the guide