Hiring help
Short orientation for homeowners comparing contractors—especially after a fire or storm. This is not legal, insurance, or financial advice. Confirm everything with your insurer, adjuster, and the contractor you hire.
Before work starts
- Photograph damage, rooms, and serial numbers on equipment.
- Save emails, estimates, and a simple timeline of who you talked to.
- Ask for written scope: what’s included, what’s not, and who pulls permits.
- Get more than one bid on the same scope so numbers are comparable.
Questions worth asking
- Are you licensed and insured for this work in this state?
- Will you bill me, or bill the insurer directly?
- What’s the down payment, and when is the rest due?
- Who is on site, and who do I call if something changes?
Common red flags
- Cash-only, no written estimate, or pressure to sign today.
- No license number, or a license you can’t verify.
- A huge upfront payment before materials or permits.
- Asking you to skip the adjuster or inflate the claim.
Official places to check
When you’re ready to call someone
The directory is free. Filter by trade, save a few names, and share a listing with a neighbor if you want a second set of eyes.