10 questions to ask a contractor before you hire

Are you licensed and insured?

Ask for proof of licensing for regulated trades and current liability insurance. On Genie these are verified before a pro can take work.

Photos and references for jobs like yours tell you more than a five-star average. Look at work in the same category.

Genie verifies pros and protects your payment.

Get scope in writing: materials, cleanup, disposal, and what would be an added cost. Genie quotes break this out.

Confirm start and finish dates and who's on site. Vague timelines are the top source of renovation stress.

Avoid large upfront cash. Genie holds on-demand payments until you confirm the job's done, and projects are arranged with the pro you choose.

A workmanship warranty shows the pro stands behind the work. Get the length and terms in writing.

What's the most important question to ask a contractor?

Proof of licensing and insurance for regulated trades — it protects you if something goes wrong. Genie verifies these up front.

Should I pay a contractor a deposit?

Be cautious with large upfront cash. Prefer structured payments; on Genie, on-demand payments are held until you confirm completion.