30 Questions to Ask Contractors Before Hiring

Ask which license applies to this scope and location. Record the license number, issuing authority, scope and verification date; check those details with the relevant authority.

Request the insurer, named insured, coverage limits, endorsements and policy dates. Ask the insurer and applicable project authority which coverage applies; do not assume one national minimum.

Request the applicable workers’ compensation records and ask about exclusions and the parties doing the work. Verify requirements and coverage with the relevant authority or issuer rather than treating a certificate as a guarantee.

If a bond is required or agreed, request its issuer, type, amount, beneficiary and claim conditions. Verify that it applies to the actual scope with the issuer.

Record the business history and ask for relevant project records. Years in business alone do not establish stability, quality or current availability.

Experience with your specific project type matters more than general experience.

Request project photos with the actual scope, date and permission to share. Photos alone do not verify workmanship or prove that the same team will do your project.

Ask for projects completed in the last 6-12 months.

Know your point of contact. Owner presence varies by company size.

Common for specialty trades. Ask about vetting and insurance requirements.

Ask who supervises your project and how staffing or concurrent commitments affect the proposed schedule. A project count alone does not establish attention or quality.

Agree proposed working hours, access and notification arrangements. Check any applicable site or local restrictions rather than assume one standard workday.

Ask for a proposed start date and the staffing, materials and approvals it depends on. A wait time alone is not proof of quality or a reason to reject a contractor.

Get specific duration, not vague estimates.

Weather, permits, material availability, discoveries. Understand the risks.

Helps track progress and tie payments to completion.

Request the written payment amounts, due events, deposit terms and completion criteria. Check the actual agreement and applicable rules before paying.

Ask for the deposit amount, purpose and refund or cancellation terms. Verify any applicable limit with the relevant authority and the actual contract; no universal maximum is given here.

Changes should be documented in writing with pricing before work proceeds.

Agree accepted payment methods, any fees and itemized receipts. Reference each payment to the project records; a payment method does not replace a written record.

Request a written agreement covering scope, price, payments, changes and responsibilities. Resolve open questions and check applicable requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser before hiring.

Request the actual labor-warranty issuer, term, start date, covered work, exclusions and claim contact. Do not assume a standard duration.

Understand the process before you need it.

Ask for the contract’s dispute process, notice contacts, deadlines and applicable forum. A qualified adviser can help you assess the terms for your situation.

Record the proposed brands, model numbers, specifications and substitution-approval process. Compare the actual product with project requirements; a brand name alone does not establish suitability.

Ask for the supplier and actual product specifications, availability and warranty or return terms. A supplier category alone does not guarantee quality.

Understand options and price implications.

Describe the actual project scope to the applicable permitting authority. Record any required permits, inspections, decision source and date; mark the requirement unknown until verified.

Record who will apply, pay fees and arrange inspections. Confirm those responsibilities against the contract and applicable authority requirements.

Know what’s included to avoid surprise charges.