Home & Living

Hiring a Contractor: Questions to Ask Before Anyone Sets Foot in Your Home

Updated Sep 11, 2024 5 min read
A homeowner reviewing contract paperwork with a contractor at a residential front door.

In This Article

Key Takeaways

  • Always verify a contractor's license and insurance before signing any agreement.
  • Request at least three references and actually follow up with them.
  • Get every project detail—scope, timeline, and payment schedule—in writing.
  • Understand which parts of your project require permits before work begins.
  • Never pay the full project cost upfront; agree on a milestone-based payment plan.
30–60 min

Summary

20 items · 30–60 minutes

Why the Questions You Ask Before Work Starts Matter Most

Hiring the wrong contractor is one of the most costly mistakes a homeowner can make. Incomplete work, surprise charges, code violations, and insurance gaps are all problems that tend to surface after someone is already on your property and your money has changed hands. The good news: a systematic set of questions asked during the screening phase can help you filter out high-risk candidates before a single nail is driven.

This checklist is designed for any home improvement project that involves a hired professional — from a bathroom remodel to a new roof. Use it when you're gathering bids, interviewing candidates, or evaluating a contractor someone has referred to you. If you're still weighing DIY versus professional help, our guide on common DIY pitfalls can help you decide when to call in a pro.

Required

State Licensing Board Website

Verify a contractor's license number and current standing in your state.

Required

Certificate of Insurance Template

Provides the correct format to request from a contractor's insurer so you can confirm coverage details.

Required

Written Scope of Work Document

A structured template for capturing all project specifications, material choices, and exclusions in writing before signing.

Optional

Reference Call Script

A set of consistent questions to ask each reference so you can compare answers across multiple candidates.

Optional

Change Order Form

Standardizes how mid-project changes are documented, priced, and approved by both parties.

The Contractor Vetting Checklist

Work through these items in roughly the order listed — credentials first, contract details last. Don't skip ahead; a contractor who can't answer the early questions rarely improves at the later ones.

Credentials & Legal Standing

Verify the contractor holds a current license for the type of work you need in your state or municipality — ask for the license number and confirm it through your state licensing board's website. Must
Confirm they carry general liability insurance and request a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured for the duration of the project. Must
Ask whether their workers are covered by workers' compensation insurance — if a worker is injured on your property without it, you may be liable. Must
Check that the business name on their license, insurance certificate, and any contract all match — discrepancies can signal a problem. Must

Experience & References

Ask how long they've been doing this type of work specifically — a general contractor may have limited experience with the particular trade your project requires. Must
Request at least three references from recent, comparable projects and call each one to ask about quality, communication, timeline adherence, and how issues were handled. Must
Search the contractor's name and business on your state attorney general's website or the Better Business Bureau to check for complaints or legal actions. Should
Ask if you can see a recently completed project in person — a reputable contractor who does quality work will generally welcome this request. Nice to have

Scope, Permits & Subcontractors

Confirm who is responsible for pulling the necessary permits — in most jurisdictions the licensed contractor should do this, not the homeowner. Must
Ask whether any portion of the work will be subcontracted and, if so, whether those subcontractors are also licensed and insured. Must
Clarify who will be on-site daily and whether a project manager or supervisor will oversee the crew — knowing who's in charge prevents accountability gaps. Should
Request a written, itemized scope of work that specifies materials, dimensions, brands (if applicable), and any work that is explicitly excluded from the contract. Must

Timeline & Payment Terms

Get a written project timeline with a start date and a realistic completion estimate — ask what could cause delays and how those would be communicated. Must
Agree on a milestone-based payment schedule tied to completed work stages rather than paying a large sum upfront. Must
Ask about the policy for change orders — any changes to the original scope should be documented in writing and signed before additional work proceeds. Must
Clarify what portion of payment, if any, is held until final inspection and punch-list completion — this is a standard and reasonable practice. Should

Warranty & Cleanup

Ask what warranty the contractor provides on their labor — a typical range is one to two years for workmanship, though this varies by trade and region. Must
Clarify daily site cleanup expectations and confirm how debris and materials will be disposed of when the project is complete. Should
Ask for a written lien waiver upon final payment — this protects you if the contractor has not paid their suppliers or subcontractors. Should
Confirm the process for raising concerns or disputes during the project before one arises — knowing the escalation path prevents frustration on both sides. Nice to have

Unusually Low Bids Deserve Extra Scrutiny

A bid that comes in significantly below others isn't automatically a bargain — it often signals that a contractor plans to cut corners on materials, use unlicensed labor, or skip permits. When you receive multiple bids, ask each contractor to itemize costs so you can compare line by line. A wide gap in a single category (labor, materials, or disposal) is worth clarifying before you decide.

Once you've confirmed a contractor meets your standards, the next step is understanding what permits their work will require. Our overview of when home projects require official approval walks you through how the process generally works in the US.

If you're financing the work, it's worth reviewing common renovation financing options before you commit to a payment structure with your contractor.

Never Pay the Full Amount Upfront

Requiring full prepayment before work begins is a red flag in any home improvement context. Legitimate contractors typically ask for a deposit (often 10–30% to cover materials) with the balance tied to project milestones or completion. If a contractor insists on full payment before starting, it is reasonable to walk away and find another candidate. Always get the payment schedule in writing as part of your signed contract.

Home & Living Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.

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