Question 1

How do homeowners use FixaPros?

Accepted Answer

Choose a service, enter your location, describe your project, and review the available options and next steps.

Question 2

How does FixaPros match me with the right contractor?

Accepted Answer

When you submit a service request, the available options depend on your service type, location, project scope, and other details. Review contractor profiles before deciding.

Question 3

How quickly will I hear from a contractor after submitting a request?

Accepted Answer

Response times vary by service, location, and contractor availability.

Question 4

How many contractors will contact me after I submit?

Accepted Answer

Initial estimate matching can include up to three relevant contractors, subject to available coverage. This does not promise three quotes or responses. Marketplace lead access can expand over time as explained on Contractor Pricing. A posted-fee appointment request goes to only the one contractor you select and remains pending until accepted.

Question 5

What should I review before hiring a contractor?

Accepted Answer

Review the contractor's profile, license and insurance information, references, scope of work, price, schedule, and contract terms that apply to your project.

Question 6

How can I check a contractor's license or insurance?

Accepted Answer

Ask the contractor for current license and insurance information, then confirm it with the relevant state or local authority and insurer when appropriate.

Question 7

What happens to my information after I submit a request?

Accepted Answer

Review the privacy policy and the request terms shown in the flow. Only provide information you are comfortable sharing for your project.

Question 8

Can I request multiple services at once?

Accepted Answer

Requests are organized by service type. If you need more than one service, submit the applicable requests separately.

Question 9

Do I need to create an account to request information?

Accepted Answer

Account requirements and available tracking features are shown during the request process.

Question 10

What should I do before a contractor arrives for an estimate?

Accepted Answer

Make a list of everything you want addressed, take photos of the problem area, clear access to the work zone, and note any questions about timeline or materials. Having this ready makes the estimate faster and more accurate. Always ask the contractor to provide the quote in writing before any work begins.

Question 11

What if I'm not happy with the contractor I was matched with?

Accepted Answer

If you have an issue with a contractor you found through FixaPros, contact our support team at info@fixapros.com and include the relevant project details.

Question 12

What areas does FixaPros serve?

Accepted Answer

Current coverage varies by ZIP and service. State and city guides describe locations, not a fully covered contractor network. Use the homepage ZIP lookup for active public profiles registered in that ZIP. Nearby contractors may serve you too; confirm service area directly. No matches or responses are guaranteed.

Question 13

How do I leave a review for a contractor I hired?

Accepted Answer

After your project is complete, sign in to your FixaPros account and go to your Dashboard. Find the completed request and click 'Leave a Review.' Reviews can help other homeowners compare contractor experiences.

Question 14

Is FixaPros better than Angi or HomeAdvisor for finding contractors?

Accepted Answer

FixaPros provides contractor and project information for homeowners to review. Compare the available profiles, credentials, pricing, and terms before choosing a contractor.

Question 15

What happens after I claim a lead?

Accepted Answer

The homeowner’s name is shown in the preview. A successful claim unlocks their phone number and email so you can contact them directly. You and the homeowner agree on the job and payment between yourselves.

Question 16

Can I choose which leads to claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Browse and preview a request first, including the homeowner’s name, service, description, urgency, approximate location, submission time, and displayed price. Phone and email are hidden until claim. Claim only if it looks right for your business.

Question 17

How is the price for each lead decided?

Accepted Answer

Standard prices use $15, $25, $45, or $75 tiers. The service category sets a base tier, and the homeowner’s selected project budget can move it to a higher tier. Some leads may have a custom recorded price. The exact amount appears before claiming.

Question 18

How do prepaid credits work?

Accepted Answer

Each credit is used for one lead claim, regardless of the lead’s displayed dollar tier. Packs are $65 for 3 credits, $100 for 5, or $175 for 10. Pack purchases are one-time and do not renew.

Question 19

How many other contractors can see the same lead?

Accepted Answer

For the first 15 minutes, up to 3 matched contractors total can view it. If it remains unclaimed, it opens to eligible contractors in the homeowner’s state from 15 to 30 minutes, then more broadly after 30 minutes. The first successful claim makes it unavailable as an unclaimed lead.

Question 20

What can I see before I claim?

Accepted Answer

The preview shows the homeowner’s name, service, project description, urgency, approximate location, city, ZIP code, state, submission time, and price. It does not promise a street address. Phone and email are unlocked after claiming.

Question 21

What if a lead is invalid?

Accepted Answer

You must have claimed the lead. Report it from your contractor dashboard within 72 hours of the lead’s creation; you can report a claim once. The in-app report returns one lead credit, not cash. Listed reasons include a fake or disconnected phone, wrong service area, no response, duplicate, or a job already completed. The formal refund policy is a separate process.

Question 22

Can I get my money back for a lead?

Accepted Answer

The dashboard’s instant report returns a lead credit. The published refund policy separately describes possible refunds to the original payment method for specified cases; see that policy for its eligibility and deadline.

Question 23

Can I claim leads before my account is approved?

Accepted Answer

Some accounts are marked pending review. Those accounts can browse but cannot claim leads until approved. Your dashboard shows your account status.

Question 24

Are there recurring charges?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no monthly subscription, setup fee, or contract. Prepaid credit packs are optional one-time purchases.

Question 25

How do I stop using FixaPros?

Accepted Answer

Stop claiming leads. There is no subscription to cancel.

Question 26

Does a lead guarantee that I’ll get work?

Accepted Answer

No. A lead does not guarantee a homeowner response, appointment, accepted quote, or completed or paid job.

Question 27

Is a lead a confirmed appointment?

Accepted Answer

No. It is a homeowner request, not a confirmed appointment or booked job. Contact the homeowner after claiming to check details and arrange next steps.

Question 28

How is estimate matching different from Instant Book?

Accepted Answer

Matching is for projects that need estimates, such as furnace replacement, installations, or renovations. Up to three contractors are initially matched; that does not guarantee three proposals or an appointment. Instant Book is a separate appointment-request flow: the homeowner selects one contractor, reviews that contractor’s fee for a supported visit, and requests an available time. The request remains pending until the contractor confirms it.

Question 29

What must I publish before homeowners can request an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Set a service-specific visit fee and your available times in Availability & Bookings. Supported visits include HVAC diagnostics and tune-ups, plumbing and electrical diagnostics, appliance diagnostics, and roof inspections. Without a posted fee for the selected service, your profile is not offered for that appointment. The fee covers the visit only; additional repairs or replacement require a separate quote. FixaPros does not collect the visit fee.

Question 30

Is a posted visit fee the same as a paid lead?

Accepted Answer

No. A paid lead is a request you choose to claim at the displayed FixaPros lead price or with a prepaid credit. An appointment request goes directly to the one contractor the homeowner selected in the appointment flow; it does not claim a marketplace lead or use a lead credit. The posted visit fee is the contractor’s charge to the homeowner, handled directly between them—not a payment to FixaPros.

Question 31

Does FixaPros collect payment for the home project?

Accepted Answer

No. FixaPros does not process payment for work at the home. The contractor and homeowner handle job terms and payment directly.

Question 32

Where can I read the invalid-lead rules?

Accepted Answer

The published refund policy explains its formal request process. It is separate from the automatic credit return available through the dashboard’s invalid-lead report.

Question 33

How much does the average home repair or renovation cost?

Accepted Answer

Home repair and renovation costs vary widely by project type, materials, and location. Common benchmarks: HVAC repair ($150–$500), roof replacement ($8,000–$14,000), kitchen remodel ($15,000–$50,000+), bathroom remodel ($5,000–$20,000), plumbing repairs ($200–$600), and electrical panel upgrades ($1,500–$4,000). Use our free Cost Guides at fixapros.com/articles for detailed breakdowns.

Question 34

Why do contractor prices vary so much for the same job?

Accepted Answer

Prices vary based on contractor experience and reputation, labor market conditions in your area, material quality, project complexity, current demand (busy seasons cost more), and business overhead. Always get at least 3 quotes to understand the fair range for your market before choosing a contractor.

Question 35

How can I get accurate cost estimates before hiring a contractor?

Accepted Answer

Use the FixaPros Cost Guides at fixapros.com/articles to research project price ranges. Request itemized written estimates that separate labor, materials, and markup so you can compare them accurately.

Question 36

What is a fair markup for materials by a contractor?

Accepted Answer

Most contractors mark up materials 10–30% above their cost. This is standard and covers their purchasing time, delivery coordination, and warranty on materials they supply. If the markup seems excessive (over 50%), ask for an itemized breakdown or consider supplying certain materials yourself — discuss this with the contractor upfront.

Question 37

Should I get multiple quotes before hiring a contractor?

Accepted Answer

Comparing multiple estimates can help you understand the price range for your market and evaluate differences in scope, materials, experience, and availability.

Question 38

Are contractor prices higher during certain seasons?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HVAC work is most expensive in summer and winter (peak demand). Roofing and exterior painting are priciest in spring and early fall. You can often save 10–20% by scheduling non-urgent work during off-peak seasons — late fall for exterior work, or spring for HVAC servicing. Planning ahead gives you more negotiating leverage.

Question 39

How do I know if a contractor's quote is too high or too low?

Accepted Answer

Compare against FixaPros cost guides for your specific project type and region. A quote significantly below the market average (more than 20–30% lower) is a red flag — it may signal unlicensed work, poor materials, or a contractor who will add charges later. An unusually high quote isn't necessarily better; ask for an itemized breakdown to understand what you're paying for.

Question 40

What should be included in a written contractor estimate?

Accepted Answer

A proper written estimate should include: a detailed scope of work, materials specified by brand/grade, labor cost broken out separately, project start and estimated completion date, payment schedule (never pay 100% upfront), permit responsibilities, and what's explicitly NOT included. Any reputable contractor will provide this willingly.

Question 41

How much should I pay upfront to a contractor?

Accepted Answer

A standard deposit for most jobs is 10–30% of the total project cost. Never pay more than 50% upfront, and never pay 100% before work begins — this is a major red flag for fraud. Payment schedules tied to project milestones protect both you and the contractor. Always pay by check or credit card — never cash.

Question 42

How do I verify a contractor's license before hiring?

Accepted Answer

Ask the contractor for their license number, then verify it directly on your state's contractor licensing board website. Most states have a free online lookup tool. Search '[your state] contractor license verification' to find the official portal. A legitimate contractor will give you their license number willingly — hesitation is a red flag.

Question 43

What insurance should a contractor carry before working on my home?

Accepted Answer

At minimum, every contractor should carry: (1) General Liability Insurance — covers property damage or injury during the job, minimum $1M per occurrence; and (2) Workers' Compensation Insurance — covers their employees if injured on your property. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) directly from their insurer, not just a photo of a card.

Question 44

What are the biggest red flags to watch for when hiring a contractor?

Accepted Answer

Key red flags include: demanding full payment upfront, no written contract or vague scope of work, no verifiable license or insurance, unusually low bid far below other quotes, pressure to start immediately or skip permits, asking you to pull the permit yourself, no physical address or only a PO Box, and poor or unverifiable online reviews. See our full guide at fixapros.com/contractor-red-flags.

Question 45

Do I need a permit for my home improvement project?

Accepted Answer

Permits are required for most structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and major renovation work. Requirements vary by city and county. Your contractor should pull the necessary permits — if they suggest skipping permits to save money, that's a red flag. Unpermitted work can void homeowner's insurance, cause problems when selling, and create safety risks. See our Permit Guide at fixapros.com/permits.

Question 46

What should a valid contractor contract include?

Accepted Answer

A proper contract must include: full names and contact info of both parties, contractor's license number, detailed scope of work, materials list with specifications, start and completion dates, total price and payment schedule, change order process, lien waiver terms, and warranty on workmanship. Never start work without a signed contract.

Question 47

Can a contractor place a lien on my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In most states, contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers can file a mechanic's lien on your property if they are not paid. To protect yourself, use a written contract, pay on a milestone schedule, request lien waivers from the contractor (and any subcontractors) after each payment, and consider a joint check arrangement for large projects with subs.

Question 48

What should I do if a contractor does poor quality work?

Accepted Answer

Document everything with dated photos and written notes. Contact the contractor in writing (email creates a paper trail) and request they remedy the defects within a reasonable time. If they refuse or are unresponsive, contact your state contractor licensing board, file a complaint with the BBB, post an honest review, and consult a construction attorney if the amount warrants it. If hired through FixaPros, contact info@fixapros.com — we take action on documented complaints.

Question 49

Is it safe to hire a contractor I found online vs. a referral?

Accepted Answer

Neither a platform listing nor a personal referral guarantees a safe or qualified hire. Review the specific recorded credential statuses, distinguish submitted documents from reviewed information, confirm current licenses and insurance independently, and use a written contract. See our credential-label explanation for what each status means.

Question 50

What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring them?

Accepted Answer

Ask: Are you licensed and insured for this type of work in my state? Can you provide references from similar recent projects? Will you pull the required permits? Who will be on-site — you or subcontractors? What's your payment schedule? What warranty do you offer on your work? How do you handle unexpected issues or cost overruns? A trustworthy contractor will answer all of these confidently and in writing.

Question 51

What is a mechanic's lien waiver and should I get one?

Accepted Answer

A mechanic's lien waiver is a signed document from your contractor (and ideally their subcontractors and material suppliers) confirming they have been paid and waiving their right to place a lien on your property for that amount. You should request a conditional lien waiver with each payment and a final unconditional waiver upon project completion. This is standard practice on any project over $5,000.

Question 52

How do I edit my profile information on FixaPros?

Accepted Answer

Sign in and go to your Account page (/account). Click 'Edit Profile' in the Overview tab. Homeowners can update their name, phone number, ZIP code, and home type. Pros can update their name, phone, bio/business description, service categories, and service radius. Click 'Save Changes' when done.

Question 53

Can I change my email address?

Accepted Answer

Email addresses cannot be changed through the account settings at this time. If you need to update your email, contact our support team at info@fixapros.com and we'll assist you directly.

Question 54

How do I change my password?

Accepted Answer

Go to your Account page (/account), click the 'Security & Account' tab, then click 'Change' next to Change Password. Enter your current password, your new password (at least 8 characters), and confirm the new password. Click 'Update Password' to save.

Question 55

How do I delist or deactivate my account?

Accepted Answer

Go to your Account page (/account), click the 'Security & Account' tab, then find the 'Danger Zone' section. Click 'Delist Listing' (for pros) or 'Deactivate' (for homeowners). Your account data is preserved and you can reactivate at any time — nothing is deleted.

Question 56

How do I reactivate my account after delisting it?

Accepted Answer

Sign in and go to your Account page (/account). If your account is delisted, you'll see a 'Reactivate Account' button in the Account Status card on the Overview tab, or in the Danger Zone section of the Security & Account tab. Click it and your account is live again immediately.

Question 57

How do I permanently delete my account?

Accepted Answer

Go to your Account page (/account), click the 'Security & Account' tab, scroll to the Danger Zone, and click 'Delete Account Permanently.' You'll be asked to type DELETE to confirm. Once deleted, all your data — profile, requests, messages, and history — is permanently removed and cannot be recovered.

Question 58

Will my data be deleted if I deactivate my account?

Accepted Answer

No. Deactivating (delisting) your account only hides it — your data is fully preserved. For pros, your profile is removed from search results and you won't receive new leads. For homeowners, your account goes inactive. You can reactivate at any time and everything will be exactly as you left it.

Question 59

I forgot my password — how do I reset it?

Accepted Answer

On the login page (/login), click 'Forgot password?' under the password field. Enter your registered email address and we'll send you a secure reset link. The link expires after 1 hour for security. If you don't see the email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk mail folder.

Question 60

How do I add or update my profile photo?

Accepted Answer

Go to your Account page (/account) and click 'Edit Profile.' Click on the profile photo area to upload a new image. We recommend a clear, professional photo — for contractors, a photo in work attire or with your team significantly improves trust and click-through rates from homeowners.

Question 61

How do I track the status of my service requests?

Accepted Answer

Sign in and go to your Dashboard (/dashboard). All your submitted service requests are listed with their current status — Pending, Matched, In Progress, or Completed. Click any request to see its details, the matched contractor's info, and any communication history.

Question 62

Can I have both a homeowner and a pro account?

Accepted Answer

At this time, each email address is associated with one account type — either homeowner or pro. If you need to use both, we recommend creating separate accounts with different email addresses. Contact info@fixapros.com if you need help managing multiple account types.

Question 63

Is my personal information safe on FixaPros?

Accepted Answer

FixaPros uses security measures for data in transit and at rest. See the Privacy Policy at fixapros.com/privacy for details about how information is handled.

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