Trade guides
How to run the work, trade by trade.
Trade guides
7 min read
The questions to ask any contractor before you sign
A short, plain list of questions every homeowner should ask any contractor before signing a proposal, no matter the trade.
Trade guides
7 min read
How to vet a roofer and dodge the storm-chasers
Vetting a roofer: the right license, manufacturer certification, local track record, and how to spot the out-of-town storm-chasers who knock after a hailstorm.
Trade guides
7 min read
How to hire a landscaper: scope, plant warranty, and payment terms
Vetting a landscaper the right way: pinning down scope, getting a plant warranty in writing, fair payment terms, and the signs of a crew that will finish the job.
Trade guides
7 min read
How to hire a pool contractor without getting burned
A pool builder's guide for homeowners: license and bond, the payment schedule, what a real proposal looks like, and the red flags that should stop you.