Before you book
- Do you carry liability insurance, and can I see the certificate?
- Is this job something that legally needs a licensed electrician or plumber?
- Have you done this exact repair recently — can I see photos?
- Do you charge hourly or a fixed price for this scope?
- Is there a minimum call-out or travel fee?
About the work
- Who supplies materials, and is there a markup?
- How many hours or days do you expect?
- What could change the price once you open the wall?
- Will you haul away debris and old fixtures?
- Do you guarantee the workmanship, and for how long?
Payment and paperwork
- Never pay the full amount up front — a modest deposit is normal, the balance on completion
- Get the scope in writing, including what is excluded
- Ask for a permit plan if the work is structural or electrical
- Keep photos before and after each stage
- Pay through a traceable method, not cash-only
Red flags
- Pressure to decide today or a cash-only discount
- No written scope or refusal to itemise materials
- No insurance certificate available
- A quote far below everyone else with no explanation