Maintenance & repairs
How to Hire a Contractor: Licenses, Contracts and Red Flags
How to hire a contractor step by step: check licenses and insurance, compare written estimates, sign a solid contract, pull permits and pay safely.
Topics · 2 guides
Maintenance & repairs
Small, regular jobs prevent big, expensive ones. These guides cover the safety basics every home needs and how to hire help without getting burned.
Maintenance & repairs
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Where to Install, Test and Replace
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms explained: where to install them, how often to test and replace them, CO warning signs, extinguishers and escape plans.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a contractor is licensed?
Look them up on your state or local licensing board's website. Licensing rules vary: some states license most trades, others leave it to cities or counties, so ask which license the job needs.
How often should I test smoke alarms?
Test them once a month using the test button, and replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for batteries.
Should I pay a contractor up front?
Avoid paying the full price up front. A reasonable deposit with payments tied to finished stages of work, written into the contract, protects you if the job stalls.
One useful homeowner email a month
Seasonal reminders, deadline alerts and new guides. No spam, unsubscribe any time. Privacy policy.