15 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

Why the Right Questions Protect Your Home and Your Wallet

Hiring a contractor is one of the highest-stakes decisions a homeowner makes. You are inviting someone into your home, trusting them with your property, and paying them thousands of dollars. Yet most homeowners hire based on little more than a quote and a gut feeling.

The contractors who do the best work welcome tough questions. In fact, how a contractor responds to your questions tells you as much about their professionalism as their actual answers do. Evasive, vague, or defensive responses are warning signs. Clear, confident, and documented answers are signs of a professional you can trust.

We organized these 15 questions into four categories that cover every critical area. Use them as a checklist before you sign any contract — or better yet, use our interactive Contractor Checklist tool that tracks all of these for each contractor you evaluate.

Credentials and Insurance (Questions 1 - 4)

1. Is your contractor's license currently active?

Why ask: A license proves the contractor has met minimum competency standards set by your state or municipality. It also gives you recourse through the licensing board if something goes wrong.

Good answer: "Yes, here is my license number — you can verify it on the state licensing board website." They may hand you a card or direct you to a specific URL.

Bad answer: "I do not need a license for this type of work" (often untrue), "My license is being renewed" (may be expired), or an unwillingness to provide the number.

2. Do you carry general liability insurance?

Why ask: General liability insurance covers damage to your property caused by the contractor's work. Without it, you could be financially responsible for repairing damage the contractor caused.

Good answer: "Yes, I carry $1 million in general liability coverage. I can provide a certificate of insurance before work begins."

Bad answer: "I'm careful, so insurance isn't necessary" or "I'll get it before we start" (they likely will not).

3. Do you carry workers' compensation insurance?

Why ask: If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor does not carry workers' comp, you could be held liable for medical bills and lost wages. This is not hypothetical — it happens regularly.

Good answer: "Yes, all my employees are covered by workers' compensation. Here is the certificate."

Bad answer: "I work alone, so I do not need it" (may be true for sole proprietors in some states, but verify) or "My guys are independent contractors" (a common misclassification tactic to avoid insurance costs).

4. Are you bonded?

Why ask: A surety bond provides financial protection if the contractor fails to complete the job, does not pay subcontractors, or otherwise breaches the contract. Being bonded adds another layer of accountability.

Good answer: "Yes, I carry a $25,000 surety bond" with willingness to provide documentation.

Bad answer: Confusion about what a bond is, or claiming it is the same as insurance (it is not).

Experience and References (Questions 5 - 8)

5. How many years have you been in business?

Why ask: Longevity in the contracting business is a meaningful signal. The industry has high turnover, and companies that survive more than five years tend to have established systems, reliable subcontractors, and a track record of satisfied clients.

Good answer: "We have been operating for 12 years" with the ability to back it up through business records, online presence, or references spanning multiple years.

Bad answer: Vague answers like "a long time" or an inability to provide any history.

6. Have you completed projects similar to mine?

Why ask: A contractor who specializes in kitchen remodels may not be the right choice for a foundation repair. Relevant experience means they understand the specific challenges, building codes, and best practices for your type of project.

Good answer: "Yes, we completed three similar projects in the last year. I can share photos and connect you with those homeowners."

Bad answer: "We can handle anything" without specific examples or evidence.

7. Can you provide three references from recent projects?

Why ask: References let you hear directly from past clients about the contractor's work quality, communication, timeliness, and professionalism. Recent references (within the last 12 months) are more relevant than older ones.

Good answer: Immediate willingness to provide names and phone numbers of recent clients, ideally for projects similar to yours.

Bad answer: "I don't really keep track of past clients" or offering only references from years ago.

What to ask references: Was the project completed on time and on budget? How was communication? Were there any surprises? Would you hire them again?

8. Will you use subcontractors for any part of this project?

Why ask: Many general contractors subcontract specialty work (electrical, plumbing, tile). This is normal, but you need to know who will actually be in your home. You should also confirm that subcontractors are licensed and insured.

Good answer: "Yes, I use a licensed electrician for wiring work. Here is their information and license number."

Bad answer: "I'll figure out the crew as we go" or unwillingness to identify subcontractors.

Project Details (Questions 9 - 12)

9. Will you provide a detailed written estimate?

Why ask: A written estimate protects both parties. It establishes exactly what work will be done, what materials will be used, and what it will cost. It also serves as the basis for the contract.

Good answer: "Absolutely. I will provide an itemized estimate breaking down labor, materials, permits, and timeline within a week of our site visit."

Bad answer: "I'll give you a ballpark" or reluctance to commit anything to paper.

Use our Cost Calculator to understand typical pricing before estimates arrive so you can evaluate them with confidence.

10. What is the projected timeline from start to completion?

Why ask: A clear timeline sets expectations and holds the contractor accountable. Without a timeline, projects drag on indefinitely.

Good answer: "Based on the scope, I estimate three weeks of active work starting on April 15th, with a completion target of May 6th. I will update you weekly on progress."

Bad answer: "It depends" or "These things take as long as they take."

11. Will you pull the required permits?

Why ask: Most structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires permits. Permits ensure the work meets building codes and is inspected by the municipality. Unpermitted work can create legal and financial problems when you sell your home.

Good answer: "Yes, I will pull all necessary permits and schedule the required inspections. The permit costs are included in my estimate."

Bad answer: "We don't need permits for this" (often false) or "Permits just slow things down and add cost" (a major red flag).

12. How do you handle change orders?

Why ask: Change orders occur when the scope of work changes after the project begins — for example, discovering mold behind a wall during a bathroom remodel. A clear change order process prevents billing disputes.

Good answer: "Any changes to the original scope are documented in a written change order that includes the additional cost and any timeline impact. Work on the change does not begin until you sign the change order."

Bad answer: "We'll figure it out as we go" or no defined process at all.

Payment and Warranty (Questions 13 - 15)

13. What is your payment schedule?

Why ask: The payment schedule should be tied to project milestones, not front-loaded. Paying too much upfront gives you less leverage if problems arise.

Good answer: "10% deposit to secure the start date, 30% when materials are delivered, 30% at the midpoint of construction, and the final 30% upon completion and your satisfaction."

Bad answer: "50% upfront and 50% when we're done" or worse, full payment before work begins. Never pay more than a third of the total cost upfront.

14. What warranty do you offer on your work?

Why ask: A warranty demonstrates that the contractor stands behind their work. Industry standard for labor warranties is one to two years, though some contractors offer longer coverage.

Good answer: "I offer a two-year warranty on all labor. Materials are covered by the manufacturer's warranty, which I will provide documentation for."

Bad answer: "Everything should be fine" or no warranty at all.

15. Will you provide lien waivers?

Why ask: A lien waiver is a document from the contractor (and their subcontractors and material suppliers) confirming they have been paid. Without lien waivers, a subcontractor or supplier who was not paid by your contractor could place a lien on your home — even though you paid the contractor in full.

Good answer: "Yes, I provide lien waivers with each payment milestone and a final lien waiver upon project completion."

Bad answer: Unfamiliarity with what a lien waiver is, or resistance to providing them.

Track Everything with Our Free Contractor Checklist

Remembering all 15 questions across three or four contractor interviews is a lot to manage. That is why we built the Contractor Checklist — a free interactive tool that lets you:

• Track multiple contractors side by side
• Check off each credential and question as you verify them
• Score and compare contractors objectively
• Generate a summary report for your records

Combine it with our Cost Calculator to understand fair pricing for your project, and you will be fully prepared to hire with confidence. A little preparation upfront saves enormous headaches — and potentially thousands of dollars — down the road.