Questions to ask before hiring a contractor should be used to check their experience and license, insurance, pricing, references, timeline and strategy for your project. A solid contractor has several things to offer: They should be able to explain the scope of work, deliver a written estimate, talk about payment plans, and answer questions about permits and subcontractors. By asking the appropriate questions before signing a contract, you can fairly compare contractors, avoid additional expenses, and minimize delays and substandard work. It also helps you gauge if the contractor is suitable for your project.
Employment of a contractor is a significant decision. From finishing a basement to building an addition, from installing a new roof to remodeling a kitchen, it is important to understand that the contractor you select can make a difference in your budget, timeline and results.
While a low price might seem appealing, it isn’t necessarily a good deal. Similarly, an experienced and well-qualified contractor might not be the best option for a particular project.
Before hiring, ask questions to make an informed decision. The responses can assist you with comprehending what you are paying for, recognizing potential issues and would allow you to compare multiple contractors equally.
These are the key questions you should ask before hiring a contractor!
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
A contractor’s first line of questioning should be whether he/she is licensed to do the job at hand. Please note, licensing depends on where your project is and what the project is, so please check in your area.
Request and check the contractor’s license from the local or state office (where appropriate). Don’t take a person’s word for it.
It’s also a good idea to inquire about insurance. A business and employee should be covered by a professional business and employee’s contractor. This could be general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, depending on the project.
Ask:
- Which type of contractor’s license do you have?
- Is the licence still in force?
- Is it possible to confirm your license number?
- Have general liability insurance?
- Have workers’ compensation insurance?
- Do you have proof of insurance?
This step is important as accidents and property damage can occur even in well-managed projects. The right insurance can offer valuable cover to you and the contractor.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have With This Type Of Project?
Not all contractors are experienced. A bathroom remodeling contractor may not be the ideal company for a big structural addition.
You should inquire about the length of time the contractor has been in business, and their experience in similar projects. If applicable, ask them for samples of their work.
It is also a possibility to inquire about the obstacles they anticipate facing. An expert contractor will be able to spot the typical problems before starting.
Useful questions include:
- What is the number of years you have been a contractor?
- How many projects similar to mine have you done?
- Have an expertise in this field?
- Are there any projects that are similar?
- What are some of the issues you face with projects like this?
- What would you do if those problems arose?
Notice if the contractor’s answer is clear. Generally, someone who has already done similar projects should be able to describe the process practically.
While perfect work cannot always be achieved through experience, the same goes for the right kind of experience, which can help you foresee issues and handle the project well.
3. Can You Provide References From Recent Clients?
The contractor should be able to give references from other customers. Request references from projects that are like yours and have been recently completed.
Don’t only ask a referral if he or she was satisfied. Come up with a way to get a handle on the whole situation.
You could ask:
- Did the project get done on time?
- Was the actual expense the same as the estimate?
- Did impended unexpected expenses?
- Was communication with the contractor successful?
- Was work area reasonably clean?
- When issues arose did the contractor respond in a timely manner?
- Would you have the contractor come back to do another job?
While online reviews can be helpful, they should not be the only ones you consider. Don’t look for just one positive or negative review.
A contractor who has consistently good reviews and solid references might be more trustworthy than a contractor who just states that they’ll provide the best results!
4. What Is Included In The Estimate?
Price can be one of the most significant considerations for hiring a contractor, but the lowest bid may not be the best.
Request each contractor to submit a written estimate that outlines the details. It should define what work will be completed and the materials, labor and other costs covered.
Here are some useful estimates that can be used:
- Labor costs
- Materials and quantities
- Equipment costs
- Permit fees
- Demolition or removal
- Cleanup
- Subcontractor costs
- Taxes or other applicable charges
- Potential allowances or exclusions
Have the contractor explain any aspect that you don’t understand.
It’s also important to ask about what’s not covered. This is particularly significant as two contractors can give you estimates that look alike, but the range of work isn’t the same.
For instance, there are two estimates that could include painting, and one that wouldn’t. If you don’t understand the detail behind the numbers you can come to a wrong conclusion when comparing the final totals.
Watch out for a contractor that quotes you a very low price with no explanation. Sometimes, a low starting price can rise later due to work that was not done in the beginning, change orders, and/or unforeseen costs.
5. What Is The Payment Schedule?
When selecting a contractor, be sure to know the terms of payment and how it will be made.
Request a written payment plan. Don’t pay too much in advance unless local custom and contract require it and significant work has been done.
These are some questions to ask:
- What is the initial cost?
- When will more payments be made?
- Are payments based on project milestones?
- Which methods of payment do you have?
- What happens if it does not go on schedule?
- What are some other methods for approving additional charges?
The payment schedule should be set so that it is clear to both parties what their obligations are.
Another warning sign to watch for is a contractor who wants payment in full for the work before it has been finished. A reasonable payment structure should provide protection for both the homeowner and the contractor.
Most importantly, ensure that payment terms are written into the contract; don’t assume that there is a verbal agreement.
6. Who Will Actually Do The Work?
The individual you meet at the initial consultation might not be the individual who will be doing the most work. Some contractors hire subcontractors for plumbing, electrical, roofing, floor or other special services.
Inquire about who will do the work and if there is a subcontractor.
You can ask:
- Will you be personally responsible for the project?
- Depending on your project, will you need to hire subcontractors?
- What parts of the project will they work on?
- Do subcontractors hold licenses as necessary?
- Who will I have to communicate with most often?
- Who is the organizer for various trades?
Having a sense of the number of workers that will work on the project and if the same number of workers will be on the project for the entirety of the project should also be helpful.
When multiple companies or subcontractors are involved, communicating becomes more challenging. Some confusion can be avoided if you know this at the outset.
7. What Is The Project Timeline, And How Will Changes Be Handled?
Another significant consideration in hiring the contractor is a realistic time frame. Inquire about the time the contractor anticipates to be active in the job.
Remember that construction times may vary for weather, materials availability, inspections, design modifications, or unforeseen issues. A reputable contractor ought to be ready to discuss these options.
Ask:
- When can you start?
- When do you think the work will be finished?
- What is the number of working days you think it will take for the project?
- What could cause delays?
- What is the best way for me to know of schedule changes?
- What is the consequence if the project is delayed?
It’s also important to inquire about what will be done if the original plan changes.
When renovating, you might want to replace materials, add in work or alter the design. The contractor should inform the client about the impact of these changes on the price and schedule.
Any major change should be recorded and given approval prior to the additional work being carried out.
A change-order process that is documented on paper can be helpful in avoiding conflicts over what was requested and how much is going to cost.
Final Thoughts
The key to hiring a contractor is not just to look for the cheapest option. Basically, it’s about hiring a competent individual with a clear understanding of your project, explaining things effectively, offering a realistic quote, and ensuring they’re willing to put key details in writing.
Ask questions before deciding, such as: Licensing, Insurance, Experience, References, Pricing, Payment Schedules, Subcontractors, Timelines, Permits, and Scope of Work changes.
Spend time researching contractors by considering the whole picture. If it involves better materials, stronger communication, appropriate insurance, and a more comprehensive number of services, it might be worth it to pay a bit more.
First and foremost, don’t sign a contract without understanding it first. Thoroughly read the agreement and ensure it covers the work, cost, payment schedule, timeline, responsibilities, and change management procedures.
Before you start work, the answers can provide a lot of information about your contractor. Knowing what you are looking for and having answers to any questions you may have ahead of time will help you to make your hiring decision with greater confidence and minimize the risk of any costly surprises along the way in your project.