Star ratings measure likability and punctuality — worth knowing, but not what protects you. What protects you is boring paperwork: an active license for the trade in your state, general liability insurance that's actually in force, and workers' comp if a crew is showing up. An uninsured fall on your property can become your claim.

Ask for the certificate of insurance directly, or work on a platform that checks documents for you. On NiceList, pros upload license and insurance docs and earn a Verified badge only when both are on file — so the filter happens before the first message, not after the first problem.

Then match the credential to the job. A handyman is perfect for doors, fixtures, and punch lists; permitted electrical, gas lines, and structural work belong with licensed specialty trades. The most expensive sentence in property maintenance is 'my guy can do that too.'

Finally, vet the bid, not just the bidder. A real pro itemizes labor and materials, names a timeline, and puts warranty terms in writing. Vague bids produce vague outcomes.