A walkthrough from UCAGYou choose the contractor. Make it an informed choice.
After a loss, you want your home put back together. Before someone starts work, take a little time to check who you are hiring, what they are agreeing to do, and what protection is in place if something goes wrong. We want you to feel confident asking these questions—not pressured into signing before you understand the answers.
01 · Know who you are hiringCheck credentials at the source.
Ask for the legal business name, contact details, and the license or registration required for your location and type of work. Check the appropriate state or local authority rather than relying only on a business card or an advertisement.
- Does the business name match the contract?
- Is the required credential current and appropriate for this work?
- Who will actually perform the repairs, including subcontractors?
- Can you check references for similar completed projects?
02 · Ask about insuranceA promise is not proof.
Request current evidence of applicable insurance and verify it with the insurance provider. Ask what protection applies to property damage and workers on your project, including subcontractors. Requirements and exemptions vary.
Missing or inadequate insurance can create financial exposure and disputes if someone is injured or property is damaged. Do not assume your homeowners policy will cover every problem arising from the work.
Keep: the insurance information, verification details, and the date you checked.
Before the first repairClear expectations protect your project.
03 · Put the scope in writingKnow what the price includes.
The agreement should describe the repairs, materials, exclusions, payment stages, and how changes will be approved. Compare what each proposal includes, not just its total.
- Which rooms, surfaces, quantities, and materials are included?
- What cleanup and disposal are included?
- How will unexpected damage or extra work be documented and priced?
- What completion, warranty, and payment terms are written down?
Keep copies of signed agreements and approved changes. Ask questions about blank spaces, vague allowances, or work described only verbally.
04 · Confirm permits and inspectionsCheck with the building department.
Permit and inspection requirements depend on the project and location. Ask the local building department which approvals your repairs require and clarify in your agreement who will obtain them and schedule inspections.
- Which permits are required for this scope?
- Who is responsible for applying and paying?
- Which inspections occur before work is covered up?
- What final approval or completion records should you receive?
Verify credentials→Confirm insurance→Agree on the scope→Keep the records
05 · Code requirementsRequired work needs a clear explanation.
If a building-code requirement changes the repair scope, ask for the specific requirement and why it applies. Keep the contractor’s explanation and any building-department documentation with the estimate.
Work required by a building code and work paid for by insurance are separate questions. Coverage depends on the policy, including any ordinance or law coverage, its limits and conditions.
A useful question: “Can you show me the requirement and identify the related work in the estimate?”
06 · Your claim and your repairsDifferent responsibilities. One informed homeowner.
UCAG handles your claim representation. Your contractor performs the construction and handles permits and inspections as agreed in your repair contract. Hiring UCAG does not require you to use a particular repair company.
We review repair estimates and supporting documentation as part of your claim, explain questions or differences, and recommend next steps. You decide who repairs your home.
Explore your repair options →
Unsure how the repair estimate fits your claim?
Bring your estimate, insurer correspondence, and questions. UCAG will help you understand the claim side while you make an informed contractor choice.
Request My Free Claim Review →Licensing, registration, insurance, permit, and code requirements vary by location and type of work. Check the applicable state and local authorities. General consumer guidance: Federal Trade Commission — hiring a contractor.
