Safety Tips for Hiring and Buying

Draft. This policy is under legal review and may change.

Last updated: [EFFECTIVE_DATE] Version 1.0

In short: CSI helps you find pros and products, but you make the decisions and the agreements. Check a pro's licence and insurance yourself, get a written contract, make sure permits are pulled, never pay everything upfront, and pay in a way that protects you. These tips are general information to help you. They are not legal advice and not part of our terms.

These tips are general information. They are not legal advice and do not form part of the Terms of Service. Laws differ between states and countries, so check the rules where you live.

Before you hire a pro

Check the licence yourself. A badge on CSI shows a check made on a certain date. Licences can lapse. Look the pro up on the official licensing website for your state or city. In Florida, for example, you can search the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's licence lookup. Make sure the licence covers the type of work you need and the place you live.

Check the insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance, and call the insurer or agent named on it to confirm that the policy is active and covers the type of work. Ask whether the pro carries workers' compensation if they have employees.

Get more than one quote. Compare what each quote includes, not just the price. A very low quote may leave things out.

Read reviews and ask for references. Look at the dates and details of reviews. Ask for photos of similar jobs and phone numbers of past customers.

Meet first. Use a video call or an on-site estimate to talk through the job before you agree anything.

The agreement

Put it in writing. A good contract states the full price, what work and materials are included, the start and finish dates, the payment schedule, who gets permits, clean-up, how changes are handled and priced, warranties, and what happens if either side cancels.

Do not sign anything with blanks. Keep a copy of everything you sign.

Know your cancellation rights. In many places, if you sign a contract at home, you have a few days to cancel. The pro should give you a written notice of this right.

Make sure permits are pulled. Many jobs need a building permit and inspections. Unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance, safety and selling your home later. Ask to see the permit before work begins.

Protect yourself from liens. In some states, suppliers and subcontractors who are not paid by your contractor can put a lien on your home, even if you paid the contractor. Ask for written lien releases (also called lien waivers) from the contractor and major suppliers as you pay.

Paying for work

Never pay in full upfront. Pay a reasonable deposit and then pay as work is completed. Some states limit deposits. For example, in Florida, a contractor who takes a deposit of more than 10% of the price must apply for the permits within 30 days and start work within 90 days after the permits are issued.

Pay in a way that leaves a record. Avoid cash, wire transfers, gift cards and cryptocurrency. Cheques or card payments leave a trail and may give you dispute rights.

Pay the business, not an individual, unless the individual is the business.

Hold back final payment until the work is complete, inspected where required, and you are satisfied.

During the job

Keep children, pets and valuables away from the work area. Take photos before, during and after. Keep all receipts and messages. If something seems wrong, stop and talk to the pro before more work is done.

Watch for red flags

• A pro who asks for most of the price upfront, or cash only.
• Pressure to decide on the spot, or a "today only" price.
• A pro who suggests skipping the permit.
• A licence number that does not match the name or the type of work.
• Someone who knocks on your door saying they have leftover materials.
• Requests to pay into a personal account, or by gift card or cryptocurrency.

Buying products

CSI Store items are sold by CSI. See the Terms of Sale for returns.

Items marked "Sold by" a pro are sold by that pro, who handles shipping, returns and refunds. You pay the pro directly through PayPal. PayPal Buyer Protection may cover eligible purchases that do not arrive or are significantly not as described; check PayPal's current rules and time limits.

Read safety labels. Follow the instructions for chemicals, sealants, tools and electrical products. Hire a licensed professional when the law requires one.

Meeting safely

For on-site estimates, consider having someone else at home, and tell a friend when the visit is. For video meetings, do not share passwords, bank details or identity documents.

Reporting a problem

Use the "Report" option on the profile, Job, review, product or message, or email info@csieliteservices.com. If you believe a crime has been committed, contact the police. You can also complain to your state's licensing board or consumer protection office about a licensed pro, and in the United States you can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.