Questions to ask before hiring a contractor
5 min read · Updated September 5, 2026
Most home project disputes come from unclear scope and unclear payment terms, not from bad workmanship. Settle both in writing before work begins.
Licensing and insurance
Ask for the license number and current general liability and workers compensation coverage. Ask for the certificate of insurance directly from the insurer rather than a photo of a card.
If subcontractors will be on site, ask who carries coverage for them.
Scope in writing
A useful estimate names materials, brands, quantities, and what is explicitly excluded. If demolition uncovers hidden damage, the estimate should say how that is priced.
Get the change order process in writing: who approves, in what form, and at what rate.
Payment schedule
Tie payments to completed milestones, not to dates. A modest deposit, progress payments at inspected milestones, and a final payment after your walkthrough is a healthy structure.
Be cautious about large cash deposits before any material is ordered.
Warranty and cleanup
Ask how long labor is warranted, how manufacturer warranties are registered, and who hauls away debris. Put the answers in the same document as the scope.
Key takeaways
- Verify license and insurance with the issuing source
- Price the scope, the exclusions, and the change order process
- Attach payments to inspected milestones
- Write down the labor warranty and cleanup terms
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