5 Red Flags When Hiring a Contractor
And How Logly Eliminates All of Them
The home improvement industry is plagued by fraud. Learn the warning signs that protect your wallet and your home.
The $17 Billion Problem
Home improvement fraud is a massive industry problem. In the US alone, homeowners lose over $17 billion annually to scams, no-shows, and poor workmanship. It’s easy to get taken advantage of when you don't know what to look for.
Red Flag #1: No License or Insurance
Never hire a contractor without verifying their credentials. A valid state license ensures they meet minimum competency standards, while proper insurance protects you from liability if they get hurt on your property or damage your home.
What to do: Ask for their license number and verify it on your state's contractor board website immediately. Never pay for a job that hasn't been completed.
Red Flag #2: Demanding Full Payment Upfront
Reputable contractors typically work on a payment schedule tied to project milestones. If a pro asks for 50% or 100% of the total cost before they lift a finger, it’s a major warning sign. This is often how scammers disappear with your money.
What to do: Stick to a schedule. A standard range is 10% down, with the final payment due only after the job is inspected and approved.
Red Flag #3: No Written Estimate
Verbal quotes are dangerous. Without a written document, there is no record of what was promised, what materials were agreed upon, or the timeline. If the final bill is significantly higher than the quote, you have no legal recourse.
What to do: Always get a detailed written estimate that lists line items for labor, materials, and taxes. If they refuse, walk away.
Red Flag #4: Too Good to Be True Pricing
If a contractor offers to fix your roof or remodel your kitchen for half the market rate, there is almost certainly a catch. They may use subpar materials, cut corners on safety, or simply vanish after taking your deposit.
What to do: Get at least three quotes. If one is drastically lower than the others, investigate why. You usually get what you pay for.
Red Flag #5: No Reviews or Unverifiable References
A lack of online presence or unwillingness to provide references from past clients is a huge red flag. You need to know if the person shows up on time, cleans up after themselves, and actually does the work they promised.
What to do: Check Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Call their references and ask specific questions about their experience.
We Do the Heavy Lifting for You
Don't have time to vet every single pro yourself? We've already done the work. Every Logly professional passes our rigorous 5-step vetting process.
Background Checks
Every applicant undergoes a national criminal background check and sex offender registry search before they can even apply.
License Verification
We verify that every pro holds a valid, active license in their specific trade and state. No exceptions.
Insurance on File
We require General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance to ensure you are fully protected during the job.
Public Reviews
Every pro has a public profile with verified reviews from real homeowners. You can see their rating and read their history before you book.
The Logly Service Guarantee
We are so confident in our vetting process that we back it up with a promise. If your Logly pro doesn't show up, or if you aren't satisfied with the work, we'll make it right.
Book a Vetted Logly Pro Today
Stop worrying about red flags. Get matched with a trusted, background-checked professional in minutes.