How to Choose the Right Home Service Provider (Without Getting Burned)

Do Your Homework

Hiring a home service provider is one of the most consequential decisions a homeowner makes. A good provider saves you money, time, and stress. A bad one can cause damage that costs more to fix than the original problem. Here is how to evaluate any provider before you hire them. ## 1. Are They Licensed? This is non-negotiable for any trade that requires licensing in your state. In Colorado, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians must hold valid state or local licenses. Ask for the license number and verify it yourself. Do not take their word for it. Colorado's DORA (Department of Regulatory Agencies) website lets you look up licenses in seconds. ## 2. Are They Insured? General liability insurance protects you if the contractor damages your property. Workers' compensation covers injuries on the job. Without these, you could be liable for accidents that happen in your home. Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the insurance company to verify it is current. ## 3. Do They Provide Written Scope and Pricing? A verbal estimate is not a contract. If the provider cannot put the scope and price in writing before starting work, that is a red flag. Get everything in writing: what is included, what is excluded, the total price, and the timeline. ## 4. What Do Their Reviews Say About Pricing? Reviews that mention "great work" are nice. Reviews that say "no surprises" and "exactly what they quoted" are better. Look specifically for comments about pricing accuracy. ## 5. How Do They Handle Problems? Every job has the potential for complications. The question is how the provider handles them. Do they communicate before making changes? Do they absorb the cost of their own mistakes? Ask about their warranty and dispute resolution process before you hire them.

## The FAIT Approach FAIT handles all of this for you. Every free agent is licensed, insured, and background-checked. Pricing is fixed and written. Disputes are mediated by the FAIT team. You never have to wonder if you hired the right person.