When a homeowner needs a roofer, a plumber, or someone to finally redo that bathroom, they rarely call the first name they see. They look around first. Sometimes for five minutes, sometimes for a week.

If you're a homeowner, this guide gives you a simple checklist so you can hire with more confidence. If you're a contractor, it shows you exactly what people are looking at before they decide whether to pick up the phone.

1. Do they actually do this kind of work?

It sounds obvious, but it's the first filter. A homeowner with a leaking roof wants a roofer, not a "we do everything" company with no clear focus. People look for a plain statement of the trade and the type of jobs taken on.

For homeowners: Look for a clear list of services. If you need a full kitchen remodel, make sure they mention remodels, not just small repairs.

For contractors: Say what you do in the first line people see. "Roofing repair and replacement" beats "Quality service you can trust."

2. Do they work in my area?

Homeowners want someone local. A local contractor knows the area, the weather, and how permits usually work in that town, and is more likely to come back if something needs fixing later.

For homeowners: Check the service area. Browsing by city helps here. On contract.city you can pick your city, like New York, and see local contractors listed there.

For contractors: List the towns and neighborhoods you serve. Don't make people guess.

3. Are they licensed and insured?

Rules depend on your state and the type of work, but for many trades a license is required, and insurance protects both the homeowner and the workers if something goes wrong on the job.

For homeowners: Ask for license and insurance details, and check the license with your state or local licensing office if your area offers a lookup. A trustworthy contractor won't mind you asking.

For contractors: If you're licensed and insured, say so clearly. It removes a big worry before the first conversation.

4. What do past customers say?

Reviews and word of mouth still carry a lot of weight. Homeowners look at what other people experienced: Did the crew show up on time? Was the site cleaned up? Did the final price match the estimate?

For homeowners: Read several reviews, not just the newest one. Look for patterns. One bad review in a sea of good ones may be a fluke; the same complaint over and over is a warning sign.

For contractors: Ask happy customers to leave a review. Most are glad to help, they just need a reminder.

5. Can I see their work?

Photos of finished jobs are one of the most convincing things a contractor can show. Homeowners want to picture what their own project might look like.

For homeowners: Look for real project photos rather than stock images. Ask whether they've done jobs similar to yours.

For contractors: Snap a few before-and-after photos on every job. Over time, that becomes your best sales tool.

6. Is it easy to reach them?

This is where a lot of good contractors lose work. If a homeowner can't find a phone number, the contact form seems broken, or nobody calls back, they move on.

For homeowners: Notice how quickly and clearly a contractor responds. It's often a preview of how the whole project will go.

For contractors: Put your phone number where it's easy to find and tap on a phone. Return calls the same day if you can. If you're busy on jobs all day, a website or business page that collects contact requests helps you not miss people.

7. How do they handle estimates?

Homeowners want to know what to expect: Is the estimate free? Will it be written? How long until they hear back?

For homeowners: Get two or three written estimates for bigger jobs and compare what's included, not just the bottom line. A cheaper quote that leaves out cleanup or materials may not be cheaper in the end.

For contractors: Explain your estimate process in a sentence or two. Clear expectations build trust before you even arrive.

8. Does the overall impression feel professional?

Finally, there's a gut feeling. Does the business look real and current? An outdated page, a dead phone number, or no online presence at all makes people hesitate.

For homeowners: Trust that feeling, but back it up with the checks above.

For contractors: You don't need a big, expensive website. A clean page with your trade, area, contact details, and some photos goes a long way.

A quick checklist for homeowners

Before you call, try to confirm:

  • They do the kind of work you need
  • They serve your city or neighborhood
  • They're licensed and insured where required
  • Past customers are generally happy
  • You can see examples of their work
  • They're easy to reach and respond quickly
  • Their estimate process is clear

You can start by browsing local pros by city and trade, for example general contractors in Los Angeles or roofing contractors in Atlanta.

A note for contractors

Everything on this list is something you can show before the phone ever rings. The contractors who make these answers easy to find tend to get the calls.

If you'd like homeowners in your city to find you, you can add your business to contract.city. It's a directory of contractors across hundreds of US cities, and it also offers AI business pages and AI websites for contractors who want a stronger online presence without the hassle of building one themselves.