Questions to ask before you hire a contractor

The difference between a renovation you brag about and one you warn people about usually comes down to a decision made before any work starts: who you hire. These ten questions will tell you more than any glossy portfolio.

The paperwork questions

1. Are you licensed and insured — and can I see proof? Any reputable contractor will provide certificates of insurance without hesitation. If there's hedging here, stop.

2. Will the quote be fixed and in writing? A detailed written estimate protects both sides. Vague allowances and "we'll figure it out" line items are where surprise invoices are born.

3. Who pulls the permits? The right answer is: they do, as part of the job. A contractor who suggests skipping permits is volunteering you for problems at inspection, insurance, and resale time.

4. How do you handle changes mid-project? Listen for a change-order process: documented scope, documented price, your signature before work proceeds.

The people questions

5. Who is my single point of contact? Renovations run on communication. You want one name, not a rotating cast.

6. Who actually does the work? Employees, long-term trade partners, or whoever answered a post this week? Stable crews produce consistent quality.

7. Can I speak to two or three recent clients? Then actually call them. Ask what went wrong — every project has something — and how it was handled. That answer is the whole ballgame.

The protection questions

8. What does your warranty cover, and for how long? A workmanship warranty in writing says a company plans to exist — and stand behind the work — years from now.

9. What's the payment schedule? Progress payments tied to milestones are normal. Large upfront deposits are not.

10. What happens to my house during the work? Daily cleanup, dust barriers, floor protection, and secured tools tell you how a crew treats a home they're guests in.

One last tell

Notice how the estimate process feels. A contractor who is thorough, punctual, and clear before they have your money is showing you exactly how they'll behave after. That's the audition — for both of you.