Educational checklist only: This page helps you prepare and organize. It is not legal, medical, insurance, safety, construction, travel, veterinary, or professional advice.
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Define the problem
Use plain facts: what happened, where, when, and how often.
Include close-up and wider-location photos where safe.
Separate inconvenience from active leaks, electrical concerns, structural issues, or hazards.
Weather, renovations, power outages, new appliances, or previous repairs may matter.
Prepare records
Previous repair records can save time.
Appliances, equipment, pumps, panels, and fixtures may have labels.
Pets, gates, parking, keys, elevators, or crawlspace access may affect the visit.
Know what you can approve immediately and what needs a written estimate.
Questions to ask
Requirements vary by trade and location.
Clarify visit fees, diagnostic fees, written quotes, deposits, and payment terms.
Materials, cleanup, disposal, permits, and warranty should not be assumed.
Get realistic scheduling and completion expectations.
After the call
Record company, person, date, and promised next step.
Keep emails, texts, and photos together.
For non-emergencies, compare scope and terms before approving work.
Scope changes, price changes, and schedule changes should be recorded.
How to use this checklist
Review the items before the task starts, not only at the last minute. Check off what applies, copy the unfinished items if you need a short action list, and save relevant receipts, photos, dates, and contact names in your own records.
Some items may not apply to your situation. Local rules, official guidance, product instructions, building policies, insurance requirements, and qualified professional advice should take priority where they apply.