When you ask for a good painter, roofer or electrician, you want somebody who can handle the job and follow through. You also want to know who is coming into your house and what happens if the work changes.
A recommendation is a useful start. Ask what work the person actually had done. Someone who painted a neighbor's bedroom may be worth calling about painting. That tells you very little about whether they should rebuild your porch.
Explain the problem before choosing the repair
Tell the contractor what's happening, where the house is and what you want to accomplish. A few photos can help. You don't need to diagnose it first. "Water comes in at this window when it rains" gives them something useful to investigate.
Ask whether they regularly handle that kind of work. Then ask about a similar completed job. Call a past customer if possible. Was the house protected? Did they explain changes before doing extra work? Who handled questions? Would the customer hire them again?
Those answers tell you more than a finished photograph by itself.
Check the business you are hiring
Find out which licenses or registrations apply to your trade and location, then verify the relevant credentials with the issuing authority. Ask for current proof of insurance. A badge on a website is a reason to check, not a substitute for checking.
If permits may be involved, ask the local building office what the job requires and establish who will handle them. Requirements depend on the work and where it is being done. The FTC and CFPB guidance linked below gives a useful starting checklist.
Pay attention to ordinary follow-through as well. If someone says they'll call Thursday, do they? If they're delayed, do they tell you? Nobody answers every call while working. Agree on a dependable way to communicate, including who will explain delays or problems before you have to chase an answer.
Get clear about the work in your house
Before work starts, read the written agreement. It should describe the work, materials, price, expected timing and payment schedule. Ask about anything you don't understand. The FTC cautions against paying the entire project price up front.
Get the details settled that affect your day. Who moves the furniture? What gets covered? Where will tools and materials stay? How will the work area be left when the crew goes home? Ask which rooms will remain usable and which need to stay off limits. You still have to live there.
For painting, "paint the room" leaves plenty unanswered. Does the work include repairing the damaged walls? Are the ceiling, trim and doors included? What happens if the contractor finds a problem that changes the scope?
Agree on how additional work and its price will be approved before it happens. Keep a copy of what you agree to.
Give yourself time to ask these questions. You should know what you're buying and feel comfortable speaking to the person doing it. If you're still guessing, get the answer before the job starts.
Useful consumer guidance
Have a project in mind? Tell Southern Changes what you need done, including your town and the problem you want to solve.