Before you sign,spot the red flags.
A step-by-step way to vet and choose reputable local pros, so you know what to ask, what to check, and what to walk away from before any money changes hands.
#1042
This estimate has 5 red flags. Tap anything that looks wrong.
Five checks that stop a scam cold
Run these in order, every time. They cost you nothing and protect you from the most common, and most expensive, contractor traps.
- Check 1
Verify the license
In Maryland, most home-improvement work requires an MHIC license. Look it up, confirm it’s active, and make sure the name matches who’s standing in your driveway.
- Check 2
Get three written bids
The three-bid rule isn’t about the cheapest price. It shows you the real range. A bid far below the others is usually hiding something.
- Check 3
Cap the deposit
Maryland caps deposits at one-third of the price, and nothing is due before you sign. Tie payments to finished milestones and hold the final payment until the work passes inspection.
- Check 4
Confirm insurance & the contract
Ask for proof of liability and workers’ comp. Get scope, materials, timeline and warranty in writing before you agree.
- Check 5
Watch for the red flags
Pressure, “today only” pricing, cash-only deals and no paper trail come up again and again.
If you see these, slow down
Reputable pros expect you to ask questions. The ones who don’t want you to think it through are the ones to avoid.
- Pressure to decide today. Real quotes don’t expire in an hour.
- Large cash deposit upfront. Especially with no detailed contract.
- No license or proof of insurance. Or excuses about why they “don’t need one.”
- Door-to-door “I noticed your roof” pitches. A classic storm-chaser opener.
- No written estimate. Verbal-only deals leave you with no recourse.
The questions to ask every time
- Can you show me your current MHIC license number?
- Are you carrying liability insurance and workers’ comp right now?
- Can I get this estimate in writing, with scope and materials listed?
- What does the payment schedule look like, tied to which milestones?
- What warranty comes with the work, and is it in the contract?
- Can you give me a few recent local references I can call?
You, to every contractor
This is general homeowner guidance, not legal advice. Licensing rules and deposit limits can change, so confirm the current requirements for your county and project type. The estimate above is a fictional example.
Get the Contractor Clarity™ checklist
The free checklist pack includes the printable vetting checklist, the questions to ask, a quote comparison worksheet and the red-flag reference card.