Find a contractor with a checked shortlist and a ready quote request
A bathroom remodel or a new roof is a big job, and picking the first name online is risky. This prompt has your todo.is agent shortlist local contractors for your exact job, read their reviews, look for public license and insurance information, and write the message you send to get comparable quotes.
The prompt
- Help me find a contractor for [THE JOB] at my home in [CITY OR POSTCODE]. My rough budget is [BUDGET] and I would like work to start around [START DATE]. Find 6 to 8 local contractors who do this kind of job. For each give the name, website, years in business if shown, review rating and count, common praise and complaints, and whether a license or insurance is mentioned publicly. Check the official license lookup for my area if there is one. Rank the best 4. Then write a short quote request I can send them, with the details that let me compare quotes fairly, and a list of 10 questions to ask before hiring. Excel file for the list, message on [WHERE TO SEND IT].
What to change
- [THE JOB]: Be specific, e.g. "replace a 6 m² bathroom, keep the layout" or "repair a leaking flat roof".
- [CITY OR POSTCODE]: e.g. "Austin, TX 78704" or "Leeds LS6".
- [BUDGET]: A range, e.g. "$12,000 to $16,000", or "not sure yet".
- [START DATE]: e.g. "March" or "as soon as possible".
- [WHERE TO SEND IT]: Email, WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack or Discord.
Example result
- Shortlist: bathroom remodel, Austin 78704
- Budget $12,000 to $16,000, start around March. 7 contractors found, best 4 below.
- 1. Lone Oak Remodeling · 4.9 (210 reviews) · 14 years
- Praise: clean job sites, sticks to the schedule. Complaints: books up months ahead.
- License and insurance mentioned on website. Plumbing done by a licensed partner.
- 2. Barton Tile & Bath · 4.8 (96 reviews) · 8 years
- Praise: tile work, clear written quotes. Complaints: two reviews about slow replies.
- 3. Hillside Home Builders · 4.6 (154 reviews)
- Praise: handles permits. Complaints: final cost higher than quote in a few reviews.
- 4. Reyes Renovations · 4.7 (61 reviews)
- Smaller team, good value. No insurance mentioned online: ask for proof.
- Check each license yourself on the official lookup linked in the spreadsheet.
- Quote request to send
- Hi, I'm looking for a quote to remodel a 6 m² bathroom in 78704, keeping the current layout. Scope: remove the tub, walk-in shower with tile to the ceiling, new vanity and toilet, new floor tile, exhaust fan. I'd like to start around March. Could you give an itemized quote (labor, materials, permits), a timeline, your payment schedule and proof of license and insurance? I can share photos and measurements. Thanks, Dana
- 10 questions before you hire
- 1. Are you licensed and insured for this work, and can I see proof?
- 2. Who pulls the permits?
- 3. Will you or subcontractors do the work?
- 4. What is included, and what counts as an extra?
- 5. How do you handle hidden damage behind walls?
- 6. What is the payment schedule? Avoid paying most of it upfront.
- 7. How long will the bathroom be unusable?
- 8. What warranty do you give on labor?
- 9. Can I talk to two recent clients?
- 10. Will everything be in a written contract?
How to do it with todo.is
- Copy the prompt and describe the job, your area, budget and start date.
- Send it in todo.is or to your agent on WhatsApp, and attach photos of the space if you like.
- Your agent builds the shortlist, checks public license info and writes your quote request and questions.
- Send the request to your top picks yourself, then attach the quotes and ask your agent to compare them line by line.
Tips for a better result
- Get at least three itemized quotes with the same scope. Otherwise you are comparing different jobs.
- Verify the license on the official lookup yourself. Websites can be out of date.
- Be wary of large upfront deposits, cash-only deals and pressure to sign the same day.
- Read the 2- and 3-star reviews. They show how a contractor handles problems.
find a contractor: FAQ
- How many quotes should I get from contractors? Three is a common rule. It shows you a fair price range and helps you spot a quote that is far too high or suspiciously low.
- How do I check if a contractor is licensed? Many states and countries have an official online license lookup. Search the contractor's name or license number there and check it is active for your type of work.
- Does todo.is hire the contractor for me? No. Your agent researches, shortlists and drafts messages. You contact the contractors and make the decision.
- What should a contractor quote include? The scope of work, materials, labor, permits, timeline, payment schedule and warranty, all in writing.
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