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Hiring 5 min read

10 Questions to Ask a Contractor Before You Hire

The ten questions that separate a reliable contractor from a risky one — copy them into your next walkthrough.

By RenovateRadar ·

A good contractor welcomes hard questions; a risky one deflects them. Bring this list to your walkthrough and pay as much attention to how they answer as to what they say.

The ten questions

  • Are you licensed and insured, and can I see current documents?
  • Will you pull the permits for this work?
  • Who is actually on site each day — your crew or subcontractors?
  • Can I see a written, line-itemed estimate?
  • What is the payment schedule, and how much is due up front?
  • How do you handle change orders and unexpected conditions?
  • What is your projected start and finish, and what could delay it?
  • What warranty do you offer on labor?
  • Can you share references from jobs like mine?
  • How will we communicate during the project?

What good answers sound like

Strong contractors give specific, confident answers, put everything in writing, and never pressure you for a large cash deposit. Vague answers, all-cash demands, and no written scope are your cue to keep looking.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I pay a contractor up front?
A modest deposit to reserve the schedule and order materials is normal; a demand for a large share of the total before work begins is a warning sign. Tie payments to completed milestones.
How many contractor quotes should I get?
Get at least three written, line-itemed quotes so you can compare scope and price on equal terms — the cheapest bid is not always the best value.

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