KERCA customer guides

Before you hire a Pro

Five things to check. Tap a topic for details.

  1. 1. Match experience to your project

    Look for work similar to yours, not just a long list of services. Compare project photos and ask what the professional personally completed.

    Ask the pro: “Have you completed a project with this material, size and type of property?”

  2. 2. Read the details behind the profile

    Look at service areas, languages, project descriptions and customer feedback. No reviews means there is less feedback to evaluate; it does not automatically mean poor work.

    Ask the pro: “Can you explain a similar project and share relevant references or photos?”

  3. 3. Confirm credentials for the actual work

    KERCA profile approval, identity checks, insurance and licensing are separate items. Read the specific information shown; do not treat a logo or profile badge as proof of every credential. Verify any required license with its issuing authority and ask about current insurance.

    Ask the pro: “What license and insurance apply to this scope, and who handles any required permits?”

  4. 4. Compare written scope, not just the total

    Use the same project description for each estimate. Check labor, materials, preparation, removal, disposal, finish quality, exclusions and timing. A lower total may cover less work.

    Ask the pro: “What is included, what is excluded and how would extra work be approved?”

  5. 5. Agree on timing and payments

    Before committing, confirm the start window, estimated duration, payment schedule and any written warranty terms. Keep the accepted scope and messages together.

    Ask the pro: “What payments are due at each stage, and what happens if the scope changes?”

A quick estimate comparison
CompareWhat to confirm
ScopeThe same tasks, quantities and finished result.
MaterialsWho buys them, product choices and included allowances.
PreparationProtection, repairs, demolition and cleanup.
PriceTotal, exclusions and the process for approving extras.
ScheduleStart window, duration and dependencies.
PaymentsDeposit, milestones and final payment terms.

Give the pro enough information to help.

Send your project ZIP code, a short description, clear photos, approximate measurements, preferred timing and any access restrictions. Ask whether an on-site estimate or diagnostic visit has a fee.

Find professionals for your project

Prepared by KERCA · Updated October 2, 2026. These guides help you compare providers; availability, qualifications and terms must be confirmed for your project.

MORE CLARITY. MORE CONFIDENCE.

Feel good about your next step.

How to choose a Pro

Background checks

Look for “Background check completed” on a Pro’s profile. Profile approval is a separate step; check the individual details.

Licenses for your project

Review the Pro’s license information and confirm it covers your specific work. Credentials vary by professional and service.

You choose who to contact

Send a private request to up to three Pros you select. Compare project photos, customer reviews and written estimates.

Each badge refers to a specific check. Review current credentials before hiring. Understand checks & safety