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10 Questions You Need to Ask Your Contractor Before You Hire Them
Author:Â Jamie Milam
Date: January 9, 2026
Hiring the right contractor for a large project can mean the difference between a successful remodeling project and a nightmare. The contractor is responsible for hiring the best tradesmen, budgeting, ordering raw materials, timing, and much more.
Before you meet with a contractor, it’s important to prepare. Not only should you be clear about the scope and goals for the project, but you also need to have questions about their business and their process. These 10 questions can help you ensure you are hiring the best person for your needs.
1. Are you licensed and bonded? Can you provide information about your insurance coverages and exclusions?
You should always use a licensed contractor. Not only have they met and maintained specific standards, but this protects you in the event something goes wrong. In many states, you have no legal recourse if the worker is not licensed. Every state has a licensing board where you can check the validity of the license.
2. What kind of project management system do you use? What is your communication cadence with your team and with me?
Professional contractors often use project management software to track progress and share updates in real-time. Ask about their communication frequency—daily texts, weekly meetings, or bi-weekly emails—and who your primary contact will be. The best contractors establish a regular cadence (like weekly Thursday walk-throughs) and respond to questions within 24 business hours.
3. What is your policy regarding the cleanliness of the job site? How do you ensure employee safety on the job site?
Professional contractors maintain orderly work areas and perform end-of-day cleanup, including sweeping debris, organizing materials, and keeping walkways clear. For occupied homes, expect dust barriers, floor protection, and designated entry/exit points to minimize dirt tracking.
Most importantly, verify the contractor carries workers' compensation insurance—this protects you from liability if someone is injured on your property. Ask to see their current certificate of insurance and confirm it covers all workers and subcontractors, Without proper insurance, you could be held financially responsible for medical bills and lost wages if an accident occurs.
4. Do you have a portfolio of similar projects and recent work with photos and/or videos? Will you give me some references of recent past clients?
Past performance is the best predictor of future results. Ask to see photos or walk through three recently completed projects (within the past 12-24 months) similar in scope to yours. Request references from these clients and ask specific questions:
- Did the project stay on budget and schedule?
- How did the contractor handle unexpected issues?
- How was communication?
- Would they hire this contractor again?
Be cautious if a contractor can't provide recent references or only offers projects from several years ago—this may indicate they're new to the business, have unhappy clients, or haven't stayed active in the field.
5. What parts of this project will require a permit and will you pull them with the county?
Proper permitting protects you legally, ensures work meets code requirements, and prevents future issues when selling your home. Most structural changes, electrical work, plumbing modifications, HVAC installations, and additions require permits.
Cosmetic updates like painting, flooring, or cabinet installation typically don't, though exceptions exist. A reputable contractor should pull all necessary permits in their name (not yours), include permit costs in their bid, schedule required inspections at appropriate project phases, and address any issues inspectors identify.
Request copies of all permits and final inspection approvals. While the permit process can be frustrating due to inspector availability, it ensures your project meets safety standards and building codes.
6. Can you provide me with a sample contract in advance for review?
Your contractor should provide you with a list of written disclosures prior to starting the project. These discuss the scope of work, materials to be used, timelines, total cost, and change procedures. Your disclosures should also clearly state your right to cancel within the regulations laid out by the local authority.
7. How are selections and allowances handled?
Understanding the selection process prevents budget surprises and delays. Some contractors require all selections to be purchased and delivered before work begins. Others use a phased approach, requiring decisions by specific milestones. Many have preferred vendors that may offer better pricing or priority ordering.
Allowances are placeholder amounts in your budgeted quote for items you haven't selected. For example, a $5,000 countertop allowance means you pay the difference if you choose $6,500 countertops, or receive a credit if they cost $4,200. Ask what allowances are based on (builder-grade, mid-range, or high-end) and whether they include just materials or installation too.
Be sure you understand the contractor's policy on selection delays. Missing deadlines can push your project back weeks, and some contractors charge fees for delays you cause.
8. What penalties will you pay for delays caused by your team? How is fault defined for delays? Is this in the contract?
Understanding delay accountability protects you financially and keeps projects on schedule. Your contract should distinguish between contractor-caused delays (poor scheduling, crew issues) and excusable delays (severe weather, permit delays, material unavailability, or changes you request).
All policies must be in writing with clear definitions of what constitutes project completion, what delays are excusable, and how fault is determined. Some contracts include "liquidated damages" provisions (daily penalties) the contractor pays for delays beyond the agreed completion date, while most offer a "schedule goal" instead of a guaranteed completion date. The contractor's willingness to discuss accountability measures reveals their confidence in meeting deadlines.
9. How are payments handled? Will you provide a payment schedule?
It’s common for contractors to ask for a deposit prior to starting work. This can be anywhere between 10-50% of the total cost of the project. It helps them obtain the material and cover their labor costs. Reputable contractors provide a clear payment schedule tied to project milestones. Never pay the final installment until all work is complete, county permits are closed out, you've conducted a thorough walkthrough, and any punch-list items are addressed.
10. What is the estimated time frame for planning, start date, and completion?
Realistic timelines help you plan your life around the construction and identify contractors who may be overcommitted or inexperienced with accurate scheduling. Professional contractors who are in demand typically book 4-12 weeks out. Ask how many other active projects they're managing and how they'll balance your project with their other commitments. A contractor juggling too many jobs simultaneously may leave your project understaffed or delay progress.Â
Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Project
A home remodel involves weeks or months of workers, delays, and adjustments—but aiming to hire the right contractor puts you in the best position for success. The best contractors welcome these questions and provide thorough, confident answers because they know informed clients make better partners. If a contractor seems defensive, evasive, or dismissive, consider it a warning sign.
While price matters, it shouldn't be your only consideration. A slightly more expensive contractor with clear systems, excellent communication, and strong accountability will almost always deliver better value than the lowest bidder who cuts corners. Document all answers in writing—easily done by emailing a recap of your conversation and requesting confirmation—compare responses across multiple contractors, and trust your instincts. Your home is likely your largest investment—protect it by hiring a contractor who demonstrates professionalism from the very first conversation.
If you’d like a recommendation or few for contractors for your next project, reach out to me and I’ll happily point you in the direction of some of our trusted contractors.
To asking the right questions,
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About Me
I'm Jamie Milam, a determined AF woman who's embraced life after divorce by finding peace through self-awareness, intentional decision-making, and thrilling new travel adventures.
As a Realtor® in Charlotte, NC (and your connection to top agents nationwide), I’m passionate about guiding you through your homeownership and design goals—while also helping you create space for the things you love. My mission is to empower you to create a life of alignment too - at home, abroad, and within.
Whether it’s through real estate tips, home design inspiration, or solo travel experiences, I hope this space encourages you to discover deeper self-awareness and build a life that aligns with your passions and needs.
Have you scoped the podcast series that empowers women to make aligned decisions in a divorce?
Your Free Charlotte City Guide
Jamie Milam is a Realtor® in the Charlotte, NC area, licensed in both NC & SC, and has the ability to refer you to a number of agent partners across the nation, regardless of where you may live. She is an enthusiast for the power of awareness and believes it can be used in all facets of life to support aligned living.
**Disclosure** This post may contain affiliate links and they are at no additional cost to you, though I may earn a small commission. Don't worry, I only recommend products or services that I have tried or believe would be of great value to you! All opinions expressed are those of my own!
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