1. Define the job before you ask for prices
Write down what you want done, what materials you expect and when you need it finished. A clear scope is the only way to compare quotes fairly — otherwise you are comparing three different jobs.
2. Check the license is real and current
Licensing is handled by the state, and most states publish a free lookup. In Florida, construction trades such as plumbing, electrical, roofing and HVAC are licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), and you can search any license number on their public site.
- Ask for the license number, not just a photo of a card
- Check the name on the license matches the business you are hiring
- Check the status says active, not expired or suspended
3. Ask for proof of insurance
You want general liability cover for damage to your property and workers' compensation cover for anyone on site. Ask for the certificate directly from the insurer or agent rather than a forwarded PDF.
4. Get at least three written quotes
Three quotes tells you what the job is actually worth. Be careful with the lowest number: unusually cheap bids often leave out permits, disposal, materials or the finishing work.
5. Ask who is actually doing the work
Some companies subcontract. That is normal, but you should know who will be in your home, whether they are licensed and who is responsible if something goes wrong.
6. Confirm who pulls the permit
Permitted work protects you at resale and means an inspector checks the job. The contractor should pull the permit in their own name — if they ask you to pull it as the homeowner, that shifts the liability to you.
7. Read recent reviews, not just the rating
A single score hides a lot. Read the most recent reviews and look for patterns: missed appointments, surprise charges, work that had to be redone. Also read how the business replies to criticism.
8. Never pay the full amount up front
A deposit is reasonable, especially when materials are ordered. Paying everything before work starts removes your only leverage. Agree a schedule tied to milestones and keep a final payment until the job passes inspection and your snag list is cleared.
9. Get the contract in writing
The contract should name the scope, materials, total price, payment schedule, start and finish dates, warranty terms and what happens if the work changes.
- Full business name, address, license number
- A line-by-line scope of work
- Total price and a written payment schedule
- How change orders are priced and approved
- Warranty on labor and on materials
10. Agree how changes get priced
Change orders are where budgets break. Agree in writing that no extra work starts until you have approved the added cost in writing too.
11. Keep a record as the job runs
Photograph the site before work starts, keep every invoice and text, and note the date of each visit. It takes minutes and settles almost every dispute.
12. Do a walkthrough before the final payment
Walk the job with the contractor, list anything unfinished or damaged, agree a date for those items, then pay the balance once the list is cleared and any inspection has passed.