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Hire Smart: contractor-vetting checklist

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These are the FTC's consumer-protection steps — ProFix adds the tools to act on them.

This is FTC consumer guidance for homeowner questions and red flags, not a claim about any specific contractor. Every checklist item below links to the FTC source used for that item.

5 FTC-backed sections24 cited itemsFree bilingual tool

Use it in this order

Verify the license, slow down if a red flag appears, get estimates and the contract in writing, then pay in a way the FTC says gives you more protection.

Verify the licenseRun an exact license-number check first.Find the official boardUse the per-state guide to confirm status at the source.Verify their insuranceRequest the COI and confirm liability + workers' comp are active.Check permit responsibilityKnow which office to call and who should pull the permit.Decode the quoteCompare scope and price before you sign.Prepare before a stormUse the cited storm-prep checklist before damage happens.Storm damage helpAfter a storm, slow down and vet recovery-zone offers.

Scam red flags

FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement ScamFTC source: FTC - Home Repair ScamsFTC source: FTC - How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

  1. A contractor pressures you for an immediate decision.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

  2. A contractor says they have materials left over from another job.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

  3. A contractor asks you to pay in cash.

    FTC source: FTC - Home Repair Scams

  4. A contractor asks you to pay for everything up front.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

  5. A contractor asks for payment by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency, or cash.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

  6. A contractor asks you to get any required building permits.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

  7. A contractor claims they do not need to be licensed to do the work.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

  8. A contractor suggests you borrow money from a lender they know.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

Questions to ask and verify before you hire

FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement ScamFTC source: FTC - Home Repair Scams

  1. Confirm the contractor's license with your state or county government and ask for proof of insurance.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

  2. Get at least three written estimates before work starts.

    FTC source: FTC - Home Repair Scams

  3. Read customer reviews and use online rating websites you trust.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

  4. Ask who will get any required building permits before you sign.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

Get it in writing

FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement ScamFTC source: FTC - How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

  1. The contract should include the contractor's name, address, phone number, and license number.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

  2. The written contract should include the full scope of work.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

  3. The written estimate or contract should include the materials for the job.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

  4. The contract should include estimated start and completion dates.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

  5. The written estimate or contract should include the price and a payment schedule.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

  6. Any promises made in conversations or calls should be in the written contract.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

Pay safely

FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement ScamFTC source: FTC - How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

  1. Do not pay the full amount for the project up front.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

  2. Pay by credit card or check, never by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency, or cash.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

  3. Do not make the final payment until the work is done and you are satisfied.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

After a storm or disaster, be extra careful

FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

  1. After extreme weather, be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up or repairs.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

  2. If someone wants cash up front after a storm or disaster, walk away.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

  3. Treat it as a red flag if a storm-repair contractor will not give copies of their license, insurance, or a contract in writing.

    FTC source: FTC - How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

Prepare before the next stormGet storm damage help

Frequently asked

Is this checklist judging a specific contractor?

No. It is FTC consumer guidance for questions, red flags, written contracts, and payment safety before you hire.

What should I do first?

Start by confirming license and insurance with your state or county government, then get written estimates and a written contract.

Why does ProFix link to license, permit, quote, and storm tools?

The FTC guidance tells homeowners what to verify and ask. ProFix adds free tools that help you act on those steps.

What is the safest way to pay?

FTC guidance says not to pay the full amount up front, to use credit card or check, and to wait on final payment until the work is done and you are satisfied.

Emergency