Hiring Guide January 7, 2026 13 min read

10 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

Protect your home and investment by asking these essential questions before signing any contract. Learn what to verify, red flags to avoid, and how to ensure you're hiring a qualified, trustworthy professional.

CH

Contractor Hiring Expert

Consumer Protection Advocate

Happy worker and his clients shaking hands at constriction site. Copy space.

Hiring a contractor is a major decision that can make or break your home improvement project. A great contractor delivers quality work on time and on budget. A bad one? Costly delays, shoddy workmanship, and legal headaches. The good news: asking the right questions upfront helps you identify qualified professionals and avoid expensive mistakes. Here are the 10 most important questions every homeowner must ask.

Why These Questions Matter

The Stakes Are High:

  • • Average remodel costs $20,000-100,000+
  • • Unlicensed contractors cause $1B+ in damages yearly
  • • Bad workmanship can cost 2-3x to fix
  • • Legal battles average $15,000-50,000
  • • Home insurance may not cover contractor errors

Protect Yourself:

  • ✓ Verify credentials and qualifications
  • ✓ Ensure adequate insurance coverage
  • ✓ Confirm transparent pricing
  • ✓ Check references and past work
  • ✓ Understand warranty protection
1

Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

Foundation of contractor credibility

What to Ask:

  • "What is your contractor license number, and can I verify it?"
  • "Can you provide proof of general liability insurance?"
  • "Do you carry workers' compensation insurance?"
  • "Are you bonded, and what does that bond cover?"

Why This Matters:

  • • Licensing: Proves basic competency and accountability
  • • General Liability: Covers property damage ($1M+ recommended)
  • • Workers' Comp: Protects you if worker injured on your property
  • • Bonding: Financial guarantee if contractor abandons job

Red Flags:

  • ✗ Refuses to provide license number
  • ✗ "I'm working on getting licensed"
  • ✗ License expired or from different state
  • ✗ Can't provide current insurance certificates
  • ✗ Claims "insurance isn't necessary for small jobs"

Pro Tip:

Always verify credentials independently. Check your state contractor licensing board website and call insurance companies directly to confirm active policies. Don't just accept photocopies—they can be faked or outdated.

2

How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience and stability matter

What to Ask:

  • "How many years have you been operating under this business name?"
  • "How many projects like mine have you completed?"
  • "What percentage of your work is this type of project?"

What to Look For:

Ideal: 5-10+ Years

Established track record, survived economic cycles, refined processes

Acceptable: 2-5 Years

Building reputation, check references carefully, may offer competitive rates

Caution: Under 2 Years

Limited track record, higher risk, ensure strong references and insurance

3

Can You Provide References and Examples?

Past performance predicts future results

What to Ask:

  • "Can you provide 3-5 references from projects completed in the last 12 months?"
  • "Do you have photos or addresses of similar completed projects I can see?"
  • "Can I speak with your most recent clients, not just your best ones?"

Questions to Ask References:

  • ✓ Was the project completed on time and on budget?
  • ✓ How did they handle unexpected issues?
  • ✓ Was the work site kept clean?
  • ✓ Were workers professional and respectful?
  • ✓ Did they communicate well throughout?
  • ✓ Would you hire them again?
  • ✓ Any surprises or concerns?

Where to Find Reviews:

  • • Google Business: Check overall rating and recent reviews
  • • Yelp: Look for patterns in complaints
  • • Better Business Bureau: Check complaint history and resolution
  • • Angi/HomeAdvisor: Verified customer reviews
  • • Nextdoor: Neighborhood recommendations

Warning Signs:

If a contractor can't or won't provide references, walk away. Also beware of references that are vague, refuse to answer questions, or are all from 5+ years ago. Drive by completed projects to see quality firsthand.

4

Will You Provide a Detailed Written Estimate?

Get everything in writing

What to Ask:

  • "Can you provide an itemized estimate breaking down materials and labor?"
  • "What exactly is included in this price, and what costs extra?"
  • "How do you handle change orders and unexpected costs?"

A Complete Estimate Should Include:

  • ✓ Detailed scope of work
  • ✓ Materials specified (brands, grades, colors)
  • ✓ Labor costs broken down
  • ✓ Project timeline with milestones
  • ✓ Payment schedule
  • ✓ Permit costs (who obtains/pays)
  • ✓ Cleanup and disposal
  • ✓ Warranty information
  • ✓ Exclusions clearly stated
  • ✓ Total cost with taxes

⚠️ Avoid Vague Estimates

Estimates like "about $20K" or "we'll figure it out as we go" are recipes for disputes. Insist on specificity. If a contractor won't commit to detailed pricing, they're either inexperienced or planning to inflate costs later.

5

What Is Your Payment Schedule?

Protect your money

What to Ask:

  • "What is your payment structure, and when are payments due?"
  • "Do you require a deposit, and how much?"
  • "What happens if I'm unhappy with the work at any stage?"

Reasonable Payment Terms:

  • • Deposit: 10-25% to start
  • • Progress payments: 25-35% at key milestones
  • • Final payment: 10-25% upon completion
  • • Tied to work: Never pay for work not yet done

💰 Example for $50K project: $7,500 deposit, $15K at framing, $15K at rough-in, $7,500 at final

Payment Red Flags:

  • ✗ Demands 50%+ upfront
  • ✗ Wants full payment before starting
  • ✗ "Cash only" deals
  • ✗ Pressure to pay today for "discount"
  • ✗ No written payment schedule
  • ✗ Requests payments to personal accounts

Protection Strategy:

Never pay in full until the job is 100% complete, inspected, and you're satisfied. Keep that final 10-25% as leverage to ensure contractor returns to fix any punch-list items. Pay by credit card or check (never cash) for paper trail.

6

Who Will Actually Do the Work?

Know who's on your property

What to Ask:

  • "Do you use your own crew or subcontractors?"
  • "Who will be my main point of contact during the project?"
  • "Will you be on-site daily, or who supervises the crew?"
  • "Are subcontractors also licensed and insured?"

Why This Matters:

  • Quality control: Own crews typically have better oversight and training
  • Accountability: If subcontractor causes damage, who's responsible?
  • Communication: More people = more potential for miscommunication
  • Liability: Uninsured subs create risk if injured on your property

Note: Using subcontractors isn't necessarily bad—most general contractors do for specialized work (electrical, plumbing). Just ensure they're properly vetted and insured.

7

What Is the Project Timeline?

Set realistic expectations

What to Ask:

  • "When can you start, and how long will the project take?"
  • "What could cause delays, and how do you handle them?"
  • "Will workers be here daily, or is this part-time alongside other jobs?"
  • "Is there a penalty if the project runs significantly over schedule?"

Realistic Timeline Expectations:

  • • Small projects: 1-4 weeks (bathroom remodel, deck)
  • • Medium projects: 6-12 weeks (kitchen, addition)
  • • Large projects: 3-9 months (whole house, major addition)
  • • Buffer time: Add 20-30% for weather, permits, surprises

Common Delay Causes:

  • • Permit approval delays (1-6 weeks)
  • • Weather (rain, extreme temps)
  • • Material backorders or shipping delays
  • • Unexpected structural issues discovered
  • • Change orders from homeowner
  • • Contractor juggling multiple projects

🚩 Warning Sign:

Be wary of contractors who promise unrealistically fast timelines ("We can do your kitchen in 2 weeks!") or who can't provide a specific schedule. Both indicate they're either inexperienced or not being truthful. Get the timeline in writing with key milestones.

8

What Warranties Do You Offer?

Protect your investment long-term

What to Ask:

  • "What warranty do you provide on your workmanship?"
  • "What manufacturer warranties come with the materials?"
  • "What does your warranty cover, and what's excluded?"
  • "How do I make a warranty claim if something goes wrong?"

Minimum Warranty Standards:

  • • Workmanship: 1-2 years minimum
  • • Structural: 5-10 years for additions
  • • Materials: Per manufacturer (1-50 years)
  • • Systems: HVAC, electrical, plumbing 1+ years

Better contractors offer 3-5 year workmanship warranties

What Should Be Covered:

  • ✓ Defects in workmanship
  • ✓ Installation errors
  • ✓ Material defects (if contractor supplied)
  • ✓ Code violations from their work
  • ✓ Water intrusion from improper flashing

Get It in Writing:

Verbal warranty promises mean nothing. Ensure warranty terms are clearly stated in your written contract, including duration, what's covered, claim process, and any maintenance requirements. Keep warranty documents with your home records.

9

Will You Obtain Necessary Permits?

Stay legal and protected

What to Ask:

  • "What permits are required for this project?"
  • "Will you obtain and pay for the permits, or is that my responsibility?"
  • "Will the work be inspected by the building department?"
  • "What happens if work fails inspection?"

Why Permits Matter:

  • • Safety: Ensures work meets building codes
  • • Insurance: Unpermitted work may void home insurance
  • • Resale: Buyers demand permits; could kill sale or reduce price
  • • Liability: You're responsible for unpermitted work, not contractor
  • • Fines: $500-5,000+ for permit violations; may require expensive rework

Projects That Usually Need Permits:

  • ✓ Structural changes (walls, beams)
  • ✓ Additions or new construction
  • ✓ Electrical work (new circuits, panels)
  • ✓ Plumbing changes (moving fixtures)
  • ✓ HVAC installation or modification
  • ✓ Roofing replacement
  • ✓ Decks over 30" high

Red Flag Phrases:

  • ✗ "We don't need a permit for this"
  • ✗ "Permits are a waste of money"
  • ✗ "I'll give you a discount if we skip permits"
  • ✗ "Nobody gets permits for this type of work"
  • ✗ "We can pull it after if there's a problem"

✅ Best Practice:

Legitimate contractors handle permits as part of their service (cost typically included in estimate or itemized separately). They schedule inspections and make corrections if work fails. If a contractor resists permits, that's a major red flag—walk away.

10

How Do You Handle Problems and Disputes?

Plan for the unexpected

What to Ask:

  • "What's your process if I'm not satisfied with something?"
  • "How do you communicate project updates and issues?"
  • "What if unexpected problems are discovered (rotted wood, old wiring)?"
  • "Is there a dispute resolution process in your contract?"

Good Signs:

  • Clear change order process in writing
  • Daily or weekly communication schedule
  • Project manager assigned as single point of contact
  • Willingness to fix issues at no extra charge
  • Mediation/arbitration clause for major disputes

Red Flags:

  • "All sales are final" or "No refunds"
  • Defensive or hostile when questioned
  • "You'll have to pay extra for any changes"
  • Poor communication or slow to respond
  • No written process for handling issues

Communication Best Practices:

  • • Regular updates: Daily text/email or weekly in-person check-ins
  • • Document everything: Take photos, keep emails, note conversations
  • • Address issues immediately: Don't wait until final payment to complain
  • • Written change orders: Any scope or cost changes must be in writing
  • • Escalation path: Know who to contact if project manager doesn't resolve issue

Bonus Tips for Hiring Success

Before You Hire:

  • ✓ Get 3-5 detailed written estimates
  • ✓ Never choose based on price alone
  • ✓ Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is
  • ✓ Google the contractor's name + "complaints" or "lawsuit"
  • ✓ Ask how they handle rain days, holidays, delays
  • ✓ Clarify who provides materials and when they're ordered

During the Project:

  • ✓ Document daily progress with photos
  • ✓ Keep a project journal of discussions/decisions
  • ✓ Don't be afraid to ask questions
  • ✓ Address concerns immediately, not at the end
  • ✓ Withhold final payment until 100% satisfied
  • ✓ Get lien waivers from contractor and all subs

Your Complete Contractor Vetting Checklist

Print this checklist and bring it to every contractor interview:

✓ License number verified
✓ Insurance certificates reviewed
✓ Years in business confirmed
✓ 3-5 references contacted
✓ Online reviews checked
✓ Past projects viewed
✓ Detailed written estimate received
✓ Payment schedule is reasonable
✓ Workers and subs identified
✓ Timeline is realistic
✓ Warranty terms in writing
✓ Permits will be obtained
✓ Dispute resolution process clear
✓ Contract reviewed by lawyer

✅ All boxes checked? You're ready to hire with confidence!

Missing more than 3? Keep looking—the right contractor is worth waiting for.

Biggest Red Flags: Walk Away If...

  • No license or refuses to provide it
  • Can't prove insurance coverage
  • Won't provide references
  • Demands 50%+ payment upfront
  • Pressure tactics ("today only" pricing)
  • Won't put estimate in writing
  • Says permits aren't necessary
  • Only accepts cash payments
  • No physical business address
  • Terrible online reviews or BBB rating

🚨 Even ONE of these red flags is reason enough to keep looking!

The Bottom Line

Hiring a contractor is about more than price—it's about trust, communication, and quality. The cheapest bid often becomes the most expensive when you factor in delays, mistakes, and do-overs.

Take your time. Ask these questions. Verify everything. A reputable contractor welcomes scrutiny because they have nothing to hide. If someone seems annoyed by your questions, that's your sign to keep looking.

Your home is likely your biggest investment. Protecting it starts with hiring the right professional. These 10 questions give you the framework to make a smart, informed decision that you won't regret.

Ready to Hire a Trusted Professional?

Our licensed, insured, and highly-rated contractors are ready to answer all your questions and provide detailed estimates for your project.

Get Free Estimate View Our Services

Share this guide:

Topics:

Hiring Contractors Home Improvement Consumer Protection Remodeling Tips

Related Articles

Understanding Contractor Contracts

What should be in your contract and what to watch out for.

How to Get Accurate Estimates

Tips for comparing bids and avoiding scope creep.

What to Do If Things Go Wrong

Steps to take when you have a dispute with your contractor.