Hiring a contractor is one of the largest purchasing decisions homeowners make. A wrong hire can mean failed work, property damage, legal disputes, and insurance headaches. The good news: most problems are preventable with the right questions asked before you sign anything.
Here are the questions to ask every contractor before hiring.
Licensing and Insurance
"Are you licensed for this type of work in [state/county]?" Different trades have different licensing requirements. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work typically requires state or municipal licenses. General contracting requirements vary by state. Ask for the license number and verify it at your state contractor licensing board.
"Can you provide a current certificate of insurance?" You want to see general liability insurance and workers' compensation. Request the actual certificate, not just a verbal "yes." The certificate should show your address as the certificate holder for the project.
A contractor who hesitates to provide these documents is a red flag.
Experience and Portfolio
"Have you done this type of work before? Can I see examples?" Relevant portfolio examples are more informative than years in business. Ask for before-and-after photos of similar completed projects, references from those specific jobs, and any photos or documentation of the work process.
Contractors who document their work — and can show you organized, timestamped photos of completed projects — demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail.
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Project Specifics
"How many active projects will you be running during mine?" A contractor spread across too many jobs simultaneously either delays your project or sends subcontractors you've never met to your home. Understand their current capacity.
"Who will actually be doing the work — your employees or subcontractors?" Both can be fine. If subcontractors are used, ask whether they're licensed and insured separately, and whether the general contractor is responsible for overseeing their work.
"What does your quote include and exclude?" Scope disputes are the most common source of contractor conflict. A detailed written quote that specifies what's included — materials, labor, disposal, permits — prevents misunderstandings.
Permits and Code Compliance
"Will this work require a permit? Who pulls it?" Significant work — structural changes, electrical panels, HVAC installations, additions — requires permits in almost all jurisdictions. The contractor should pull the permit (not the homeowner, which can create liability issues). Work done without required permits can cause problems when you sell the property.
Timeline and Payment
"What's the estimated timeline? What could extend it?" Get a realistic timeline with milestones. Ask what commonly delays their projects and how they communicate delays when they occur.
"What's the payment schedule?" Never pay 100% upfront. Standard practice is a deposit to start, progress payments tied to completion milestones, and a final payment on completion. Be wary of contractors who ask for more than 30-40% upfront.
References
"Can you provide references from similar projects completed in the last year?" Call the references. Ask specifically: Did the project finish on time? On budget? Would you hire them again?
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Bottom Line
The right questions — asked before you hire — protect you from the most common contractor problems. License, insurance, portfolio, scope, permit responsibility, payment schedule, and references are the foundation.