12 Questions to Ask Every Contractor
Bring this list to every bid conversation. The answers — and how confidently they're given — tell you most of what you need to know.
Licensing & insurance
- Are you licensed in my state? What's your license number?
- What's your insurance coverage — general liability and workers' comp? Can I see proof?
- Do you carry a contractor's bond?
- Are subcontractors licensed and insured too?
Scope & payment
- Can you provide an itemized written quote (labor, materials, permits, disposal as separate lines)?
- What's the deposit and payment schedule?
- What's the change-order process for unexpected work?
- Who's the on-site point of contact day-to-day?
Warranty & permits
- Who pulls permits and schedules inspections?
- What's the workmanship warranty? (1 year minimum, 2+ ideal)
- What's the manufacturer warranty on materials?
- How do you handle warranty calls after the job?
How to vet a contractor in 30 minutes
How to vet a contractor in 30 minutes
- 1Verify the license
Check your state's contractor license board online. Confirm name, address, and active status.
- 2Pull insurance proof
Ask for a current certificate of insurance (COI) emailed directly from their insurer.
- 3Read 2 review sources, not 1
Cross-check Google + BBB + state license complaints. Look for patterns, not isolated reviews.
- 4Call 2 recent references
Ask: did you stay on schedule, on budget, and would you hire them again?
- 5Get the contract before paying
Read scope, schedule, payment, change orders, warranty, and dispute resolution sections in full.
- "I'm not licensed — it's not required for this kind of work."
- "I need 50% upfront in cash."
- "I don't do written contracts."
- "Don't worry about permits, this won't trigger inspection."
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Frequently asked questions
How much deposit is normal for a contractor?
10% or $1,000 — whichever is less — is the legal max in many states (CA, FL, NY among them). For larger projects, a progress-payment schedule tied to milestones is standard.
How many contractor quotes should I get?
Three minimum. Two won't show you the spread; four+ rarely changes the decision but burns calendar time.
Should I always pick the lowest bid?
Usually no. The lowest bid often omits something — permits, disposal, change-order overhead — that you'll pay for later. Compare line-by-line.
What's a workmanship warranty?
A contractor's guarantee against installation defects (separate from the manufacturer's material warranty). 1 year is minimum, 2–5 years is solid, 10+ years suggests confidence in the install.
What if a contractor refuses to pull permits?
Walk away. Unpermitted work can void insurance claims, complicate resale, and force you to remove and redo the work at your cost.
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Estimates and guidance are educational. Always confirm with a licensed local professional before making decisions.