How to Vet a Contractor in 2026: License, Insurance, Verified
The short answer
To vet a contractor, confirm an active license for the trade in your state, general liability insurance that is in force, and workers' comp if a crew is coming. Then match the credential to the job and judge the bid itself: itemized, dated and with written warranty terms.
Charm is not a credential
Star ratings measure likability and punctuality — worth knowing, but not what protects you. What protects you is boring paperwork: an active license for the trade in your state, general liability insurance that's actually in force, and workers' comp if a crew is showing up. An uninsured fall on your property can become your claim.
Ask for the certificate of insurance directly, or work on a platform that checks documents for you. On NiceList, pros upload license and insurance docs and earn a Verified badge only when both are on file — so the filter happens before the first message, not after the first problem.
Then match the credential to the job. A handyman is perfect for doors, fixtures, and punch lists; permitted electrical, gas lines, and structural work belong with licensed specialty trades. The most expensive sentence in property maintenance is 'my guy can do that too.'
Finally, vet the bid, not just the bidder. A real pro itemizes labor and materials, names a timeline, and puts warranty terms in writing. Vague bids produce vague outcomes.
Reviews tell you who's pleasant. Insurance tells you who's prepared.
Frequently asked questions
What documents should I ask a contractor for?
An active license for the trade in your state, a current certificate of general liability insurance, and proof of workers' compensation if employees will be on site.
Can a handyman do electrical or plumbing work?
A handyman is right for doors, fixtures and punch lists. Permitted electrical, gas and structural work belongs with licensed specialty trades.
