1
Define the project
Write down your goals, priorities, budget range, timeline, and concerns before meeting providers.
Independent public-source research for homeownersFree directory use · Advertisements are clearly labeled
Homeowner resource center
Make the hiring decision with clearer information.
Use practical research steps to compare providers, inspect written quotes, spot warning signs, and verify the details that matter before work begins.
A four-step process
Start with a disciplined comparison.
The strongest hiring decisions are usually made before the first contract is signed.
2
Research companies
Compare public reviews, BBB records, business identity, relevant licensing, insurance, and service history.
3
Get written quotes
Compare at least three detailed proposals—not just the final price at the bottom of the page.
4
Verify before signing
Confirm the scope, materials, credentials, payment terms, warranty, permits, and change-order process.
Questions worth asking
Good providers welcome specific questions.
Ask for clear answers and written documentation when the information affects your money, property, safety, or warranty.
What did your research find?
Review the company profile, source links, research date, rating sample size, complaint record, and any unverified items.
Read NHA’s standardsCan I see current insurance?
Ask for documentation appropriate to the project. Larger jobs may also require workers’ compensation coverage.
What is included in writing?
The proposal should identify labor, materials, permits, schedule, payment milestones, warranty terms, exclusions, and cleanup.
Who manages the project?
Know who schedules the work, answers questions, approves changes, and handles service or warranty concerns.
What is the realistic timeline?
Ask about ordering, permits, expected start and completion windows, delays, daily work hours, and final inspection.
How are changes approved?
Require written change orders that show the added work, price, materials, and effect on the completion schedule.
Compare the complete proposal
Never compare price alone.
A lower number can hide missing preparation, different materials, limited warranty coverage, or work that will be added later.
| Compare | What to look for | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of work | Removal, protection, installation, finishing, cleanup, and exclusions. | Everything discussed appears in writing. |
| Materials | Brands, models, grades, finishes, fixtures, and quantities. | Substitutions require approval. |
| Warranty | Product and labor terms, response process, and exclusions. | Who provides service and for how long. |
| Permits | Responsibility for permits, inspections, and code compliance. | Costs and timing are included. |
| Payment | Deposit, milestones, final payment, and financing terms. | Schedule matches completed work. |
| Company support | Office contact, scheduling, project management, and service process. | You know who handles problems. |
The three-quote rule
For significant work, NHA recommends comparing at least three written proposals. The goal is not simply to find the lowest price; it is to understand the differences in scope, materials, accountability, warranty, and support.
Read the signals
Professional habits are visible early.
One concern may have a reasonable explanation. Several concerns together are a reason to slow down and verify more.
Encouraging signs
- Detailed written scope and materials
- Clear business identity and service area
- Consistent public records and reviews
- Defined scheduling and project contact
- Written warranty and service process
- Reasonable time to compare proposals
Warning signs
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Large or unclear upfront payments
- Verbal promises missing from the contract
- Unclear licensing or insurance answers
- No process for complaints or warranty work
- Business details that do not match across sources
Common questions
Homeowner hiring FAQ
Does an NHA profile guarantee the company’s work?
No. A profile summarizes public-source research observed on the stated review date. It does not guarantee workmanship, future performance, or project-specific credentials.
Should I still verify licensing and insurance?
Yes. Confirm current, project-specific licensing and insurance directly with appropriate public agencies and the company before signing.
Is the lowest quote usually the best value?
Not necessarily. Compare the complete scope, materials, preparation, permits, labor, warranty, payment schedule, and support—not price alone.
Why should I get three written quotes?
Multiple written proposals make differences easier to identify and reduce the risk of comparing unlike scopes or undocumented verbal promises.
What if a company is not in the NHA directory?
Use the same process yourself: confirm identity, public reviews, BBB information, licensing where required, insurance, references, warranty terms, and a complete written agreement.
Research first. Then choose who to hire.
Explore public-source company profiles and review the evidence and limitations before making your decision.