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Contractor Hiring Checklist

28 steps from the first idea to the final payment. Your ticks stay in this browser only.

What Should You Do Before Hiring a Contractor?

Write down the scope, ask your building department which permits apply, and get two or three written bids for the same work. Check each license with the state, ask for insurance certificates, call references, and sign a detailed contract with a payment schedule that stays behind the work.

Updated November 6, 2026 · Source: FTC advice on hiring a contractor; construction.broker planning notes.

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1Before You Ask for Bids

2Check Each Contractor

3Sign the Contract

4During the Job

5Before the Final Payment

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Read how to hire a contractor, then use the bid comparison and the payment schedule.

Sources: Washington L&I, Oregon CCB and New York DOL open data; © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Data last updated November 6, 2026 · Sources & method