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Hiring someone for home repairs, renovations, or other major work can involve significant expense. Before agreeing to a project, consider verifying any licensing or insurance required for the particular work and location. Ask for a clear written description of the work, expected schedule, total price, payment terms, and how changes to the project will be handled. It can also help to compare estimates and independently check references or available business records. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and type of service, so consumers should review the rules applicable to their specific project. What questions do you always ask before hiring a contractor? Have you found a useful way to compare estimates that differ significantly in price? Share general tips that could help someone avoid misunderstandings before a project begins.

Payment schedules are one area worth understanding before work starts. A written agreement should make clear when payments are due and what work or milestones they correspond to. Consumers may also want to understand how additional costs require approval and what happens if the project schedule changes. What information would make it easier to compare two contractor estimates that appear to cover the same work but have very different prices?