Long Island is full of great handymen — and a few that aren't. Here's how to tell the difference in a 90-second phone call.
The 8 questions to ask
If they can't answer all eight clearly, keep dialing.
- Are you insured? Can I see the COI?
- Do you provide written quotes before work?
- Do you warranty your work? For how long?
- Are background checks done on your crew?
- Do you show up in branded vehicles and uniforms?
- What's your hourly minimum?
- Can I see before/after photos of a recent job?
- Do you have verifiable Google reviews?
Red flags to walk away from
Listen for these.
- Cash-only with no paperwork
- Pressure to decide on the spot
- Vague pricing or 'we'll see when we get there'
- No physical address or LLC name
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Always ask for the COI.
- ✓ Walk from anyone who won't quote in writing.
- ✓ Google reviews don't lie — read them.
Frequently Asked
Does Apex meet all eight?
Yes. Licensed, insured, 2-year warranty, background-checked techs, branded trucks, written quotes always.