What we verified in “What a repair quote must include”

Statements and where we checked them

The statements with rules, figures or dates, with the exact place in the source and the date we checked them.

1. According to the FTC, get multiple estimates; a written estimate should include a description of the work, the materials, the completion date and the price; don't automatically choose the lowest bidder, and ask for an explanation if there's a big difference among them; consider only licensed and insured contractors, confirm the license with your state or county government and ask for proof of insurance.

   Sources 1 · FTC, How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam: 'Get multiple estimates. A written estimate should include a description of the work to be done, materials, completion date, and the price. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder. And ask for an explanation if there’s a big difference among the estimates'; 'Consider only contractors who are licensed and insured. Check with your state or county government to confirm a contractor’s license, and ask the contractor for proof of insurance' · Checked November 6, 2026

2. According to the FTC, contract requirements vary by state; even if your state doesn't require a written agreement, ask for one; before signing, make sure it includes the contractor's name, address, phone number and license number, an estimated start and completion date, any promises made in conversations or calls about the scope of work and the cost of labor and materials, and a written statement of your right to cancel within three business days if you signed it at home or somewhere other than the seller's permanent place of business; and make sure all blank spaces are filled in.

   Sources 1 · FTC, How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam: 'Contract requirements vary by state. Even if your state doesn’t require a written agreement, ask for one'; 'the contractor’s name, address, phone number, and license number'; 'an estimated start and completion date'; 'any promises made during conversations or calls related to issues such as the scope of work and the cost of labor and materials'; 'a written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days, if you signed it in your home or at a location other than the seller’s permanent place of business'; 'make sure all blank spaces are filled in' · Checked November 6, 2026

3. According to the FTC, don't pay the full amount up front; some states limit how much a contractor can ask as a down payment, and your state or local consumer agency can tell you the law in your area; and never make the final payment until the work is done and you're satisfied.

   Sources 1 · FTC, How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam: 'Don’t pay the full amount for the project up front. Some states actually limit the amount of money a contractor can ask for as a down payment. Contact your state or local consumer agency to find out the law in your area. And never make the final payment until the work is done and you’re satisfied with it.' · Checked November 6, 2026

4. According to ENERGY STAR, for heating and cooling equipment get written, itemized estimates, compare cost, efficiency and warranties, and sign a written proposal before work starts that specifies project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty.

   Sources 2 · ENERGY STAR, 10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor: 'Get written, itemized estimates'; 'compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties'; 'Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started. It'll protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information.' · Checked November 6, 2026

5. According to California's Contractors State License Board (CSLB), in California there must be a written contract for all home improvement projects over $500 in combined labor and materials, and changes must also be in writing; the contract should detail the work, price, when payments will be made, who gets the building permits and when the job will be finished, and identify the contractor with their address and license number; it should be as specific as possible about materials (quality, quantity, color, size or brand); never sign a blank or partially blank contract; changes go on a signed change order with the price change; it should include the total price, when payments are made and whether there is a cancellation penalty; the down payment should never exceed 10 percent of the price or $1,000, whichever is less; and you may cancel within three days of signing, in writing, mailed before midnight of the third day.

   Sources 3 · CSLB, What Should I Look for in a Contract and Binding Agreements?: 'there must be a written contract for all home improvement projects over $500 in combined labor and materials costs'; 'any changes made to that contract must be in writing'; 'It should detail the work, price, when payments will be made, who gets the necessary building permits, and when the job will be finished. The contract also must identify the contractor, and give their address and license number'; 'as specific as possible regarding all materials to be used, such as the quality, quantity, weight, color, size, or brand name'; 'Never sign a blank or partially blank contract'; 'make sure to note it in writing on a change order, and include any price changes'; 'The contract should include the total price, when payments will be made, and whether there is a cancellation penalty'; 'That down payment should never exceed 10 percent of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less'; 'You may cancel within three (3) days of signing a contract, but it must be mailed before midnight of the third day' · Checked November 6, 2026

6. According to FEMA, after a disaster use licensed or verified local contractors with reliable references, don't pay more than half the costs of repairs in advance, and demand that they detail the job with guarantees in writing.

   Sources 4 · FEMA, Disaster Fraud: 'Use licensed or verified local contractors backed by reliable references'; 'Don’t pay more than half the costs of repairs in advance'; 'Demand that contractors detail the job to be done with guarantees in writing' · Checked November 6, 2026

7. According to the FTC, the Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel certain sales made at your home; your right to cancel for a full refund lasts until midnight of the third business day after the sale; the seller must give you two copies of a cancellation form and a dated copy of the contract or receipt with the seller's name and address and an explanation of your right to cancel; and the Rule doesn't cover sales under $25 at your home, sales needed to meet an emergency, or repairs you asked the seller to do (things you buy beyond that repair are covered).

   Sources 5 · FTC, Buyer’s Remorse: The FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule May Help: 'gives you three days to cancel certain sales made at your home'; 'Your right to cancel for a full refund lasts until midnight of the third business day after the sale'; 'Two copies of a cancellation form'; 'A copy of your contract or receipt. The contract or receipt should be dated, show the name and address of the seller, and explain your right to cancel'; 'under $25 for sales made at your home'; 'needed to meet an emergency'; 'made because you asked the seller to visit your home to repair or perform maintenance on your personal property. (Things you buy beyond that repair or maintenance request are covered.)' · Checked November 6, 2026

8. According to the FTC, don't sign a document you haven't read, that's in a language you don't understand or that has blank spaces; if you talk with a salesperson or contractor in a language other than English, depending on where you live and what you're buying, you may be entitled to a copy of the contract in that language, so you can read and understand it before signing the English version; and don't let anyone pressure you into signing.

   Sources 1 · FTC, How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam: 'Don’t sign a document you haven’t read, is in a language you don’t understand, or that has blank spaces. If you talk with a salesperson or contractor in a language other than English, depending on where you live and what you’re buying, you may be entitled to get a copy of the contract in that language. This lets you read and understand the contract before you sign the English version.'; 'Don’t let anyone pressure you into signing any document.' · Checked November 6, 2026

9. According to the FTC, if you have a problem with a project, first try to resolve it with the contractor; follow each phone call with a letter sent by certified mail with a return receipt; and keep notes and copies of letters and documents.

   Sources 1 · FTC, How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam: 'First try to resolve it with the contractor'; 'Follow any phone conversations with a letter you send by certified mail. Request a return receipt'; 'Keep notes and copies of letters and documents for your files' · Checked November 6, 2026

10. In California, the CSLB lets you look up a contractor license or Home Improvement Salesperson registration by license number, business name or salesperson name, and shows information including complaint disclosure.

    Sources 6 · CSLB, Check a Contractor License or Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) Registration: 'Look up a contractor license or Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) registration to verify information, including complaint disclosure'; 'Enter the contractor license number'; 'Enter the Contractor Business Name' · Checked November 6, 2026

11. In Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licensing portal has a search to verify a licensee and an unlicensed activity search.

    Sources 7 · Florida DBPR, Licensing Portal - License Search: 'Verify a Licensee'; 'Unlicensed Activity Search' · Checked November 6, 2026

12. In Texas, the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) license search shows active licenses only and includes, among others, air conditioning contractors, electricians and mold remediation contractors; if a license isn't found, you can call its customer service at 800-803-9202.

    Sources 8 · TDLR, License Data Search: 'TDLR License Data Search (Active Licenses only)'; 'Air Conditioning Contractors'; 'Electricians'; 'Mold Remediation Contractor'; 'If license not found, please contact Customer Service at 800-803-9202' · Checked November 6, 2026

13. In Texas, the State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) licenses and regulates the plumbing trade in the state.

    Sources 9 · TSBPE: 'Licensing and regulation of the plumbing trade for the State of Texas.' · Checked November 6, 2026

14. In Nevada, the State Contractors Board (NSCB) search lets you search by license number, company name or principal or qualified individual name.

    Sources 10 · Nevada State Contractors Board, Contractor License Search: 'Choices are license number, company name, or principal or qualified individual name.' · Checked November 6, 2026

15. In New Mexico, the Regulation and Licensing Department's Construction Industries Division licenses contractors and requires a license for anyone practicing or offering to practice construction contracting.

    Sources 11 · NM Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries: 'Licensing contractors and enforcing licensing laws'; 'Requiring licensure for any person practicing or offering to practice construction contracting' · Checked November 6, 2026

16. In New York City, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) says a person or business must have a Home Improvement Contractor license to do construction, repair, remodeling or other home improvement work to any residential land or building in the city.

    Sources 12 · NYC DCWP, Home Improvement Contractor License Application Checklist: 'A person or business must have a Home Improvement Contractor license to do construction, repair, remodeling, or other home improvement work to any residential land or building in New York City.' · Checked November 6, 2026

17. In New Jersey, the Division of Consumer Affairs license verification system lists home improvement contractors among the licensees you look up with its business search.

    Sources 13 · NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, License Verification System: 'If you are searching for a business licensee (i.e., … home improvement contractors …) select Business Search below.' · Checked November 6, 2026

18. In Denver, Colorado, Community Planning and Development issues contractor licenses and certificates to people and companies who do construction and trade work in the city, and does not accept licenses from other counties or states.

    Sources 14 · City and County of Denver, Contractor Licensing: 'Community Planning and Development issues contractor licenses and certificates to individuals and companies who perform various types of construction and trade work in Denver. Denver does not accept or reciprocate contractor licenses and/or certificates from other counties or states.' · Checked November 6, 2026