Advice On Hiring A Service Provider

At FindAHelper we do everything we can to ensure that the service providers listed on this site are reputable and and provide quality service. Unfortunately, just as when you do business with someone you find in a newspaper or in the Yellow Pages, we can't guarantee you won't have an unpleasant experience. There are steps you can take to ensure a great experience and to ensure that you are hiring a reputable service provider.

To help make this easier for you we implemented a few safeguards including links to the CCB for contractors that list their CCB License number. Other good advice on hiring a service provider (whether you found them on FindAHelper.com or anywhere else) can be found below.

Hiring Tips:

1. Verify contractor license numbers with the CCB. We've done our best to make this easy by linking directly to the CCB's verification site whenever possible for each service provder that is CCB licensed. You can also check by visiting www.oregon.gov/CCB/. You can find more good advice on hiring contractors on this same website.
2. Check for the business name on the Better Business Bureau's website (www.bbb.org) and read about any complaints left.
3. Interview potential service providers. They will become your employee for a given amount of time. Are they really people you want working for you? Some potential questions include:
   • How long have you been in the business?
   • What are your areas of expertise?
   • Have you recently completed similar jobs?
   • Can I speak with these clients for a reference?
   • Are you licensed, registered and insured? What about the subcontractors? (It is crucial to verify that all workers are covered by worker's compensation; otherwise, you may be liable for any worksite injuries.)
   • How long will the project take? Any concerns or qualifications?
   • Do you offer warranties? Do you provide written contracts? Will the contract have an arbitration clause?
4. Speak with prior clients. Make sure you ask for a list of references. Contact at least a couple of those references and ask pertinent questions about how satisfied they were the job and with the service provider. Make sure you also ask if there was anything they wish they had known before they hired the person.
5. If it's possible, go see the person's work so you can be sure you're getting what you think you're getting.
6. Ask for a written agreement of scope and cost, if applicable to the job type.

Above all, make sure you feel comfortable with the person (or people) you choose to hire. Remember that they will be your employee and should act as such.

While we at FindAHelper do our best to ensure that you will be working with reliable, quality service providers, it's not possible to guarantee a perfect experience. If for any reason you believe that someone should not be listed on FindAHelper, please email us at FindAHelper Support and let us know who and why this person should be removed. We will conduct a thorough investigation and act accordingly.