12 Valuable Questions to Ask a Contractor
Don’t be afraid to raise your hand to ask some questions before starting your project
Whether hiring a plumber to replace a toilet or a general contractor for a massive home remodel, there are some questions that you, as a homeowner, need to have answered before the project starts. You might not know what to ask if this is your first (or second or third) time hiring a pro—you don’t know what you don’t know. We’ve compiled a list of the top questions to ask your contractor during the entire process, from gathering prospects to project completion and everything in between.
Before Hiring a Contractor
Before hiring someone for any job, big or small, it’s important to speak with and get quotes from at least three different pros. This helps you find the best pro for your job and someone you are aligned with, both from a money perspective and work ethic.
Are You Insured?
Perhaps the most important thing to ask any contractor up front is if they are insured. A reputable contractor will have liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.
Liability insurance offers financial protection if you are held legally accountable for injuries or property damage to another person. This coverage includes expenses related to legal proceedings and compensation if you are deemed lawfully responsible.
Workers' compensation is another layer of protection that ensures you are not liable if a worker is injured while working on your property. Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from them to obtain evidence of a contractor's insurance coverage.
Do You Have a License?
A valid contractor's license is an essential prerequisite because it demonstrates that the contractor has met specific qualifications, undergone necessary training, and complied with local regulations. In a nutshell, it's a sign of professionalism and competence. Ask for their license number and verify it with your local licensing authority to ensure it's current and in good standing.
Remember, working with an unlicensed contractor comes with consequences. Failure to hire a licensed professional could lead to legal and financial troubles if accidents or subpar work occurs. Some states don’t have set regulations on certain contractors, but hiring a licensed contractor is always the best idea. You can check if your state has licensing requirements.
How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
Having an experienced contractor might cost you a little bit more overall, but that’s only because they have put in the time and effort to be an expert in their field. Hiring a contractor with minimal experience isn’t necessarily a bad thing—after all, everyone has to start somewhere. But if your project requires significant remodeling or specialty work, it might be worth it to hire someone with many years of experience doing the job you are hiring for.
Do You Have References?
This is an important question, especially if you’re hiring for a significant project. Your contractor should be able to provide you with some names and contact information of recent clients so you can ask them directly how their projects went. Additionally, for large projects such as pool installation, your pro should be able to show you images of the final project outcome. This is not the time to be shy—as a homeowner, you want to ensure that you are hiring the right pro for your project and that the work you’re paying for is up to your standard.
Before Signing the Contract
Now that you’ve selected a contractor to take on your home improvement project, you might think you’re done with questions. However, the savvy homeowner knows that more project-specific questions must be answered before signing on the dotted line of a legally binding contract.
What Is the Estimated Cost and Timeline for the Project?
Perhaps the biggest clarifying point before signing the contract is the estimated project cost and when it’s expected to be completed. Don’t be afraid to review your contract before signing to understand your expected cost. Within the contract, your pro should list an expected project completion date (smaller projects completed within one day might not state this outright)—if you have any questions on this, follow up with your pro.
How Are Unexpected Costs Handled?
With significant projects like a new kitchen remodel, your contractor could run into unexpected situations they did not initially account for. These usually happen within the walls or under existing flooring, so your contractor might not be able to quote you for repairs or replacements on these problems right away. It’s critical to discuss how any additional charges will be handled with your pro:
Will additional charges be waived up to a certain amount?
Will additional charges need to be paid as needed or at the end of the project?
Is a contingency already in place with the total project cost for unexpected cost changes? And if not used, will this be refunded?
What Type of Payment Do You Accept, and When Is It Due?
Depending on the scope of your project, your pro might require payment up front once the job is done. However, larger projects can often be broken down into smaller monthly payments. Additionally, how you pay for your project can vary, with some accepting personal checks, credit cards, or financing options. And for larger projects, some contractors require a down payment up front before work can begin.
Before signing a contract with your pro, make sure you understand how and when you’re expected to make payments. Failing to pay on time might result in a delay in your project or more severe penalties.
Who Will Acquire Permits?
Depending on your project's size and location, building permits may be required before your pro can start work. Ask questions to clarify what permits are needed, if any, and who will be in charge of obtaining all necessary building permits before the project starts. You can also go to your municipal building department yourself to ask questions and file for all required permits if needed.
Who Will Be Doing the Work?
This might not apply to small projects since the contractor you sign the contract with will likely do the work, but for major reconstruction projects, you’ll have many pros helping with the job. For example, a bathroom remodel might need a general contractor, a plumber, and an electrician, depending on the project's scope. It’s important to ask questions to understand who will be part of the project and who will be responsible for what part.
Is Clean-up Included?
Clarifying if clean-up and removal are part of the project will ensure there's no surprise mess left after the work is completed. You can approach this by asking, "Does the project estimate include clean-up and waste removal expenses, or are these services billed separately?" This straightforward question ensures transparency and prevents any unexpected additional costs for hiring a junk removal company.
A few factors that can inflate clean-up costs are dumpster rentals and professional junk removal. The average cost for a dumpster rental is $390. Junk removal costs average around $250 but can balloon to $800, depending on the amount and type of discarded materials.
After Project Completion
Now that your home improvement project is completed, you’re almost at the finish line. You have just a few more questions to ask your contractor before you can thoroughly say that the project is done. Some of these questions might not apply to you and your project, but they may spark additional questions you didn’t think of asking previously.
How Does It Work?
Some projects you’d hire a pro for, like carpet installation, are pretty straightforward. However, other projects require a bit more instruction once the project is completed. If you have significant work done on your home, ask your contractor questions about how it works. Some example questions include:
How do I start/stop it?
How do I maintain it?
How do I clean it? How often?
What information do I need to know to operate it?
Is There a Warranty?
A warranty from your contractor ensures the quality and longevity of their work. When discussing the project, ask the contractor to provide details about their warranty, including the scope of coverage, duration, and any conditions or limitations.
To obtain proof of the warranty, request a written document outlining these terms and conditions and keep it on record for reference in case any issues arise during the warranty period. Doing so protects your investment and establishes clear expectations for the contractor's accountability in delivering satisfactory results—a win-win.