Home › How to Hire Home Help Safely in Prescott
How to hire home help safely
Here's what I'd want anyone I care about to know before letting a handyman, contractor, cleaner or caregiver into the house. It takes about two minutes to read.
1. Check the license when one is required
In Arizona, a contractor's license is generally required for work that totals $1,000 or more in labor and materials, or that needs a building permit. Smaller jobs that don't need a permit can be done by someone without a license, but they must say "not a licensed contractor" in their advertising. (Source: Arizona Commerce Authority.)
You can look up any contractor's license for free with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors' contractor search (my step-by-step help is here), or call 1-877-692-9762. The Registrar advises checking that the license is current on the day you sign the contract. (Source: Arizona Registrar of Contractors.)
2. Get it in writing
- A written estimate with the price, what's included, and when the work will be done.
- Who is responsible for permits, if any are needed.
- What the warranty covers, and for how long.
3. Pay safely
- Please don't pay the whole amount before the work starts.
- Pay by check or card so there's a record. Be wary of anyone who wants cash only or a wire transfer.
- Don't feel rushed. A good business will still be there tomorrow.
4. Watch for common scams
- Door-knockers who "just finished a job down the street" and have leftover materials.
- Tech support calls or pop-ups saying your computer has a virus. Hang up or close the window, and never let a stranger connect to your computer. You haven't done anything wrong; they count on you feeling worried.
- Pressure to decide today, or a price that suddenly goes up once the work has started.
The Arizona Attorney General has more on protecting older adults: azag.gov/seniors.
Public help numbers
| Who | What they do | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| NACOG Area Agency on Aging | Free information and referrals, Medicare counseling, help arranging in-home support for people 60 and older, adults with disabilities and caregivers in northern Arizona. Weekdays 8 to 5. Call to confirm they serve your address. | 877-521-3500 |
| Arizona Adult Protective Services | Report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. 24 hours a day. | 1-877-767-2385 |
| Arizona Registrar of Contractors | Check a contractor's license or ask about a complaint. | 1-877-692-9762 |
| People Who Care | Free volunteer rides and help for adults who can't drive. Weekdays 9 to 4. | 928-445-2480 |
| 211 Arizona | Search for community services across the state. | Search online |
Numbers checked November 2, 2026 from each agency's own site or its 211 Arizona listing. In an emergency, call 911.