20 Questions to Ask a Contractor Before You Hire
These questions are not gatekeeping — they're how good contractors distinguish themselves from bad ones. Any contractor who bristles at these questions is telling you something.
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“Are you licensed in this state?”
Why it matters: Verify independently at your state licensing board — never trust a verbal answer. An unlicensed contractor creates liability for you if someone is injured.
“Can you provide a certificate of insurance for general liability and workers' compensation?”
Why it matters: Get the actual certificate, not a promise to provide it. Call the insurance carrier to confirm it's active. Without workers' comp, you may be liable for injuries on your property.
“How long have you been doing this specific type of work?”
Why it matters: Total years in business ≠ years doing your specific project type. A general contractor with 20 years experience may have done 3 decks.
Scope & Materials
“Can I get a line-item breakdown of materials vs. labor?”
Why it matters: A contractor who refuses to itemize is hiding something — markup, material quality, or scope gaps. This is non-negotiable for any project over $5,000.
“What specific materials are you using — brand, product line, grade?”
Why it matters: Vague specs allow substitution after signing. "Composite decking" or "tile" are not specs. Require exact product names.
“Who are your subcontractors for plumbing/electrical/other trades?”
Why it matters: Know who is doing the work. Subcontractors should also be licensed and insured. Your contract is with the GC, but the work is done by subs.
Permits & Code
“Are you pulling all required permits?”
Why it matters: The answer must be yes. Unpermitted work causes problems at home sale and can void homeowner's insurance. Never let a contractor suggest skipping permits "to save time."
“Have you done this type of project in my municipality before?”
Why it matters: Local permit requirements vary. A contractor familiar with your town's inspectors and requirements will have fewer delays.
“How do you handle code compliance for [specific project requirements]?”
Why it matters: Ask about the specific code items for your project: frost line for decks, GFCI for kitchens/baths, ice shield for roofs. A blank stare is informative.
Payment & Contract
“What is your payment schedule?”
Why it matters: Standard: 10–20% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, final payment after completion and punch list. More than 33% upfront is a caution. 50%+ is a red flag. Full payment before work = walk away.
“What does the contract include — can I see it before signing?”
Why it matters: Review the contract before committing. It should specify scope, materials, timeline, payment schedule, change order process, and warranty terms.
“How do you handle change orders?”
Why it matters: Every change should be authorized in writing before work proceeds. Ask for their specific process. "We'll figure it out" is not a process.
Timeline & Logistics
“What is the realistic start date and completion date?”
Why it matters: Get these in the contract. "A few weeks" is not a timeline. Understand what the material lead times are — cabinets take 4–8 weeks, for example.
“How many projects will you be running simultaneously?”
Why it matters: A contractor who is your only job is different from one managing 10 projects. Ask directly whether you'll have dedicated crew or shared resources.
“Who is my point of contact and how do I reach you during the project?”
Why it matters: Know before you start. Unreachable contractors are a common complaint. Get a direct number and expected response time.
Quality & Warranty
“Can I visit or speak to someone from a recent comparable project?”
Why it matters: Photos are curated. A real reference from a homeowner with your same project type in your same region tells you what you actually need to know.
“What is your labor warranty, and what does it cover?”
Why it matters: Material warranties come from manufacturers. Contractor labor warranties are separate. One year is minimum standard; two years is better. Get it in writing.
“What is your punch list process at project completion?”
Why it matters: The last 5% of a project is where quality separates. Ask specifically: "How do you handle touch-ups, adjustments, and items that don't meet spec?"
“What could go wrong on this project and how would you handle it?”
Why it matters: This question reveals competence. An experienced contractor answers specifically. A contractor who says "nothing should go wrong" has never done your project type.
“What is your contingency plan if you encounter something unexpected (rot, code issue, structural problem)?”
Why it matters: Hidden conditions are inevitable on renovation work. Understand how change orders are priced and communicated before they happen, not during.
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Upload your bid and BidLens generates the specific questions you should ask this contractor based on what's missing or vague in the bid — in addition to checking pricing, code compliance, and payment terms.
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