1. An official status: osek or company
A registered tradesperson works as an osek patur (small VAT-exempt sole trader), an osek murshe (VAT-registered sole trader) or through a company (hevra be'am). Ask for the number: it's the basis for a valid invoice.
2. The right licence for regulated trades
Electricians must hold a licence issued by the Ministry of Labour, with several levels depending on the size of the installation. Gas technicians need specific certification too. Ask for the number and check it online.
3. The contractors' register for big jobs
For major construction work, the contractor must be listed in the contractors' register (Pinkas HaKablanim), which you can search online on the government site. It isn't needed for small jobs.
4. A detailed written quote
Ask for a written hatsaat mehir (a detailed WhatsApp message is better than nothing), item by item: materials, labour, rubble removal, VAT included or not. Compare at least two or three quotes: the gaps are often large.
5. Who supplies the materials?
Tiles, taps, worktop: agree who buys what. It's the number-one source of misunderstandings and price differences between quotes.
6. Staged payments
For a job lasting several days, never pay everything upfront. A reasonable deposit (mikdama), then payments tied to progress, and the balance at the end once the work is checked.
7. An invoice (heshbonit)
An invoice proves the work for insurance, warranty and, when you sell, the value of the property. A registered tradesperson must be able to issue one.
8. A written warranty
For waterproofing, plumbing or a renovation, ask for a written warranty (ahrayut) with its duration. Keep photos and messages: they'll help in case of a dispute.
The simplest option: compare pros who are already vetted
On travaux.co.il we check the identity and status of tradespeople before sending them requests. You get up to three quotes and choose freely, at no cost.