Summary

18 items · 20–40 minutes

Why These Questions Matter Before Any Tool Is Lifted

Choosing a contractor based on a referral or a handful of online reviews is a reasonable starting point — but it's rarely enough. The real vetting happens in the conversation you have before a contract is signed. Asking direct, specific questions accomplishes two things: it gives you concrete information to compare across bids, and it tells you a great deal about how a contractor operates simply by observing how they respond.

Contractors who are experienced, licensed, and professional will answer these questions readily. Those who hedge, deflect, or pressure you to skip the paperwork are showing you something important. Think of this checklist as a structured interview — one where the answers protect your home, your budget, and your legal standing.

If you're still weighing whether to hire out or handle a project yourself, see our guide on DIY vs. hiring a contractor to understand where professional help is typically worth it. And if your project will involve financing, our debt evaluation checklist can help you assess whether taking on new debt makes sense for your situation.

Licensing and Insurance

Ask for the contractor's license number and verify it with your state licensing board before agreeing to anything. Must
Request proof of general liability insurance and confirm it covers property damage and injuries occurring on your property. Must
Ask whether the contractor carries workers' compensation coverage for all employees working on your home. Must
Confirm that any subcontractors used are also licensed and insured, and ask how you can verify this. Should

Scope and Contract Clarity

Ask for a written, itemized contract that specifies exactly what work will be done, what materials will be used, and what is explicitly excluded. Must
Clarify who is responsible for pulling permits, and confirm that all required permits will be obtained before work starts. Must
Ask how change orders are handled — any agreed changes to scope should be documented in writing with updated cost estimates. Must
Request a realistic project timeline with start and estimated completion dates included in the contract. Should
Ask what allowances, if any, are built into the bid for materials, and what happens if costs exceed those allowances. Should

Payment Practices

Ask for a payment schedule tied to project milestones rather than a large percentage due upfront. Must
Clarify what the final payment triggers — it should be tied to project completion and your satisfaction, not the contractor's schedule. Must
Ask whether the contractor uses lien waivers, which protect you from suppliers or subcontractors claiming unpaid debts against your property. Should
Confirm which payment methods are accepted and whether any carry additional fees. Nice to have

Communication and Accountability

Identify a single point of contact — typically the contractor or project manager — who will be your primary communicator throughout the job. Must
Ask how frequently you can expect updates and through which channel (phone, email, text), and confirm they'll respond to questions within a reasonable window. Should
Ask for references from recent, comparable projects and actually follow up with those references to ask specific questions about communication and cleanup. Should
Clarify who will be on-site daily and whether the contractor themselves will be present or supervising from a distance. Should
Ask about cleanup and debris removal — confirm whether disposal of materials is included in the quoted price. Nice to have

How to Use This Checklist Effectively

Print or save this checklist before your first contractor meeting. Work through each group methodically — don't rely on memory during a conversation that may also include estimates, timelines, and material choices competing for your attention.

Take notes on each answer and compare responses across multiple bids. A significant difference in how contractors answer questions about permits, insurance, or payment structure is a meaningful data point, not just a minor variation. If a contractor can't or won't provide proof of licensing or insurance in writing, that's a clear signal to pause.

Unpermitted Work Can Cost You Later

If a contractor performs work that legally requires a permit and doesn't obtain one, you — as the homeowner — may be held responsible. Unpermitted work can complicate a home sale, trigger fines, or require expensive removal and replacement to bring the work up to code. Always confirm which permits are required for your project through your local building department, and verify that your contractor has actually pulled those permits before work begins.

If your project involves a home inspection report as a starting point, our article on reading a home inspection report explains how findings are typically categorized and which issues usually warrant a specialist's attention before work begins.

Required

State Contractor Licensing Board

Verify that a contractor's license is active and in good standing before agreeing to any work.

Required

Written Contract Template

Use a plain-language contract template as a reference to confirm all key terms are covered in the contractor's proposed agreement.

Required

Certificate of Insurance

Request this document directly from the contractor's insurer to verify coverage amounts and policy dates.

Optional

Project Journal or Notebook

Keep a running log of conversations, decisions, and change orders throughout the project for your own records.

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The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.