How to Hire a Plumber or Electrician: What to Ask

Hiring the right professional starts with asking the right questions. Before you agree to any work, ask for their license number and confirm it through your state's licensing board. A legitimate contractor will have no problem sharing this.

Ask for a written estimate before work begins, rather than agreeing to a verbal quote. This protects you from surprise charges and gives you something to reference if a dispute comes up later.

Check how long they've been operating in your area, and whether they can provide references from recent local jobs. A business with a consistent track record is generally a safer bet than one with no history.

Finally, ask about warranty on labor and parts. Reputable professionals typically guarantee their work for a period of time after the job is done.