What nobody tells you
- The cheapest quote is often cheap because corners will be cut somewhere you won't notice until later.
- A contractor who wants full payment upfront is a red flag — a reasonable deposit with payments tied to milestones is standard.
- Verbal promises about materials or timeline mean nothing without them in the written contract.
The basics
- Licensing and insurance requirements vary by trade and location — verify both directly with the issuing body, not just by asking the contractor.
- A detailed written estimate should specify materials, timeline, and payment schedule, not just a lump sum.
- Permits are required for many jobs — a contractor who suggests skipping them is taking on your legal risk, not theirs.
The playbook
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The mistakes — what people get wrong
- Paying the full amount upfront — this removes all your leverage if the work isn't finished properly.
- Skipping the license and insurance check because the contractor 'seems trustworthy.'
- Agreeing to verbal changes mid-project without updating the written contract and price.
Ask yourself
- Have I actually verified this contractor's license, or just taken their word for it?
- Is everything I care about actually written into the contract?
Go deeper
- Tool
Your local licensing board's public registry
Free to search and the fastest way to verify a contractor's claims.
- Practice
Always get three quotes in writing
Reveals outliers on both price and scope before you commit.
General educational information, not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Rules vary by country and change over time — verify with a qualified professional before acting.