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Get all 25 questions as a printable PDF checklist
A reference list is easy to fabricate. What you want are real phone numbers you can call, from jobs completed in the last 12 months, in your area.
What to ask references
When you call, don't just ask "were you happy with the work?" Ask specifically:
- Did the crew show up when they said they would?
- Were there any surprises in the final bill vs. the estimate?
- How did they handle cleanup — specifically nails?
- Did any issues come up after the job was done? How were they resolved?
- Would you hire them again?
Independent verification
Don't stop at provided references. Search the company name on Google, Yelp, and the BBB. Look for patterns in negative reviews — not just the star rating. A contractor with 4.2 stars and zero negative reviews is more suspicious than one with 4.4 stars and a few resolved complaints.
🚩 Red flag
References who seem scripted, can't remember details of their job, or are suspiciously hard to reach. Ask for the address of a recent job so you can drive by.
