Questions to Ask a Handyman Repair Contractor in Salem, OR

Ask for the legal name and CCB number, then verify it through Oregon CCB Consumer Tools. Match the record to the bid and payment name. Review active status and history. A brand name, marketplace profile or worker's first name does not identify the contracting entity.

Give every item a location, overview photo, detail photo, measurement, observed condition and desired result. Ask the contractor to mark included, excluded or allowance beside each line. This prevents a low total based on silently omitted tasks.

Ask whether stains, cracks, loose fasteners, sticking doors or failed sealant indicate moisture, movement or substrate damage. Require a defined investigation and stop point. A cosmetic patch is only complete when the underlying condition is understood or expressly excluded.

Salem's permit guidance lists structural, plumbing and other regulated work that may require review. Ask who will confirm the address and full repair list, obtain permits, schedule inspections and secure approval before concealment. Verify the answer with the City rather than assuming small means exempt.

Ask who performs electrical, plumbing or other licensed work and verify the appropriate Oregon business and trade credentials. A general construction license does not substitute for specialty authorization. Require permit and test responsibility in writing.

For locks, fixtures, fans, shelving, hardware and replacement parts, assign measuring, model selection, compatibility, ordering, receiving, missing parts and returns. Ask how unavailable products or finish mismatches will be approved before installation.

Ask about floors, furniture, pets, dust barriers, shutdown notices, access routes, debris and daily secure closure. Identify who restores damage caused by access. Small repairs across several rooms can require more setup than one concentrated project.

Ask to see the change format. It should identify the condition, supporting photo or measurement, revised work, price, schedule effect and approval. Except immediate safety or weather protection, permanent expansion should not happen first and become an invoice later.

Require doors, locks, drawers, fans, fixtures, drains, switches and equipment to be operated. Check secure fastening, alignment, seals and finish transitions. Ask which inspections or manufacturer checks must occur before closure.

Tie payment to completed register items, delivered materials, passed inspection or accepted phase rather than calendar dates alone. Clarify deposits, allowances and changes. Final payment should follow functional tests and punch-list resolution.

Ask for permits, inspection results, before-and-after photos, model and finish information, care instructions and warranties. Confirm paint or material references for future touchups. A closeout list shows whether completion was planned from the beginning.

Ask what is covered, excluded, documented and how to submit a request. Record response expectations and the legal business responsible. Warranty language should not replace the contractor's obligation to complete the agreed scope and correct punch-list items.