The checklist
Before you hire anyone who showed up at your door, check these things.
Good contractors are glad to answer every one of these. If someone gets impatient with the questions, that tells you something too.
12 things to check
The door-knock checklist
- 1Legal business nameGet the company's full legal name, not just a brand or the salesperson's name. It should match the contract.
- 2License, where it's requiredMost construction work in Arizona requires a contractor license. Ask for the license number and look it up yourself with the Registrar of Contractors.
- 3Specialty work is properly licensedRoofing, electrical, plumbing, pest control and solar can each carry their own licensing. Make sure the company doing the work holds what that specific work needs.
- 4InsuranceAsk for proof of liability insurance, and workers' compensation if they have employees.
- 5Written scopeExactly what will be done, with what materials, and what isn't included.
- 6Price and payment scheduleThe total, what's due up front, and what's due when. Be careful with large deposits before work begins.
- 7Who handles permitsIf the work needs a permit, the contract should say who pulls it.
- 8Change ordersHow changes to the scope or price get approved. In writing is best.
- 9Warranty termsWhat's covered, for how long, and who backs it: the contractor, the manufacturer, or both.
- 10Reviews and referencesRecent reviews and a couple of references for similar work.
- 11A real way to reach themA physical business address and a phone number that someone answers.
- 12Cancellation termsRead the cancellation language before signing, especially for sales made at your home.
No knock. No pressure.