Questions to Ask a Contractor

When you’re about to embark on a significant home improvement project, hiring the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re installing a new roof, remodeling your kitchen, or even renovating an entire home, the contractor you choose will significantly influence the success of your project. A trustworthy professional with a solid reputation, experience, and skills can make your vision a reality. At the same time, a poor choice can lead to costly mistakes, delays, and even legal issues.

But how do you ensure you’re hiring a reliable contractor who can meet your needs and deliver the expected quality of work? It’s not just about finding someone with the lowest bid or the most impressive sales pitch. You need to ask the right questions during the interview process and, most importantly, know how to evaluate the quality of their answers. In this guide, we’ll explore the most important questions to ask a contractor before you commit to a home project, as well as how to gauge the answers they provide.

1. How long have you been in business?

This is one of the most fundamental questions you can ask, as a contractor’s experience level directly correlates with their ability to deliver high-quality work. Contractors who have been in business for several years or even decades typically have a proven track record of successfully completing projects similar to yours. Longevity in the industry often indicates that the contractor is reliable and has built a strong reputation over time.

A newer contractor might be just as competent, but there are fewer guarantees regarding their ability to handle unexpected challenges or deliver on promises. When asking this question, pay attention to the contractor’s response and ask them to provide examples of projects they have completed over the years. An experienced contractor should be able to point to various projects and demonstrate expertise in the specific work you’re hiring them for.

2. How local is your business?

Local contractors often have a deeper understanding of the regional building codes, weather conditions, and unique challenges that might come up during your project. When hiring a contractor, look for someone in your local area who is familiar with the market. A local contractor is also more likely to have established relationships with suppliers, which could help streamline your project and reduce costs.

Additionally, hiring locally means that your contractor is more likely to be available for quick visits, inspections, or follow-ups if needed. Out-of-town contractors might be more challenging to reach when issues arise and could cause delays in completing your project. Ask your contractor how long they’ve served the area and their experience with local projects.

3. Who owns your business, and for how long have they owned it?

Knowing who owns the business can give you valuable insight into the company’s leadership and stability. A contractor’s reputation is often tied directly to ownership, so knowing how long the current owner has been involved with the company is essential. Contractors who have owned their business for many years tend to have a deep personal investment in its success and may go above and beyond to ensure high-quality service.

On the other hand, if the ownership has recently changed, why? A change in ownership could signal potential issues such as financial instability or operational changes. It’s essential to understand how the leadership structure could impact the way your project is handled.

4. What jobs do you have that I can go see?

A reputable contractor should be willing to show you examples of their work. Asking to see previous jobs is one of the best ways to get a feel for the contractor’s capabilities and attention to detail. Ideally, they should provide you with a portfolio of projects, including before-and-after photos, or even allow you to visit some current job sites. This allows you to see the quality of their work firsthand and gauge their level of professionalism.

It could be a red flag if the contractor is hesitant or unwilling to share this information. A good contractor should have no problem showcasing their successful projects and providing you with references or examples of their work.

5. Who, exactly, will be installing my roof?

If you’re hiring a contractor for roofing or other specialized work, it’s essential to ask who will actually be performing the work. Will it be the owner and their experienced crew, or will the job be subcontracted to workers with little experience? The contractor should be able to tell you who will be doing the work and provide information about their qualifications, experience, and certifications.

Subcontracting isn’t inherently bad, but you want to ensure that the workers are qualified, trained, and dependable. The contractor should also oversee the work and ensure that everything is completed to the highest standards.

6. Can I visit a project you are working on and see them in action?

Visiting a current job site can give you a real-time sense of how the contractor operates. This is your chance to observe their work in progress, evaluate the quality of craftsmanship, and see how the crew conducts themselves on site.

When asking this question, be sure to observe several key factors:

• Cleanliness and organization: A tidy and organized worksite can signify a professional contractor who values their work environment.
• Professionalism: Pay attention to how the workers interact with one another and whether they seem focused on the task at hand.

Safety protocols: Note whether safety equipment is used and if the site looks well-managed.

7. How will you remove any materials that are torn off of my roof?

This may seem minor, but it’s important to consider how debris will be handled during the project. A reputable contractor should have a plan for safely removing and disposing of torn-off materials, such as old roofing shingles. This includes handling the waste responsibly and ensuring that your property is left clean and undamaged.

Ask the contractor about their waste removal plan and whether they will provide a dumpster or other means of disposal. They should also ensure that nails and other debris don’t pose a safety hazard to you or your family.

8. What past customers can I talk to?

References from previous clients can provide valuable insight into the contractor’s reliability, professionalism, and quality of work. A trustworthy contractor should happily provide you with a list of references who can speak to their experience working with the company.

When reaching out to past customers, ask about:

• The overall satisfaction with the project
• Whether the job was completed on time and within budget
• How the contractor handled any challenges or issues that arose
• Whether they would recommend the contractor to others

If the contractor is unable or unwilling to provide references, it strongly indicates that something may be amiss.

9. When can you schedule my job?

Scheduling is a critical part of any home improvement project. Some contractors may have lengthy waitlists, while others may be able to start right away. Finding a contractor who can meet your project timeline without compromising on quality is important.

Ask the contractor when they can start your project and whether they have any upcoming availability. If your project has a tight timeline, discuss this upfront to ensure they can accommodate your needs.

10. How long will my project take?

Understanding the expected timeline of your project is crucial to planning and budgeting. The contractor should be able to give you a realistic estimate of how long the work will take, including any potential delays due to weather, materials, or other factors. While predicting every variable is impossible, a good contractor will have experience estimating timelines based on similar projects.

You should clearly understand when the project is expected to be completed and what the contractor’s communication process will be if there are delays.

11. Do you have General Liability Insurance?

General Liability Insurance protects you, the homeowner, in case of accidents or damage during the project. It’s essential to hire a contractor who carries this insurance to ensure you are not held financially responsible for any issues on the job.

Ask for proof of their General Liability Insurance and ensure it covers any potential accidents or damage related to your project.

12. Can I get a certificate of insurance in my name?

To further protect yourself, ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance that explicitly lists your name as the certificate holder. This ensures that you are covered in any issues arising during the project.

13. Is a building permit required for my project, and if so, will you be pulling one?

Certain home projects, such as roofing, electrical work, and major remodels, may require a building permit to ensure the work meets local codes and regulations. It’s essential to work with a contractor who is familiar with these requirements and can obtain the necessary permits.

Ask your contractor if a permit will be required and whether they will handle the process. A contractor experienced in navigating local regulations should be able to easily explain what permits are needed and how they will be obtained.

14. What steps do you take for the safety of your workers?

Safety should always be a top priority during any construction project. Ask the contractor about their safety protocols and how they protect their workers from injury. This includes providing proper safety gear and training and following industry-standard safety practices.

A good contractor will be able to explain their safety procedures and provide examples of how they have successfully prevented accidents on job sites.

15. What steps do you take to ensure my home and family’s safety?

In addition to protecting workers, the contractor should also ensure the safety of your home and family during the project. This includes securing the job site, protecting entryways, and minimizing the risk of damage to your property.

Ask about the contractor’s procedures for safeguarding your home during the work. Make sure they will take measures to protect areas like walkways, landscaping, and interior spaces.

16. How is payment handled?

Before the project begins, you need to understand the payment structure. Will you be required to pay upfront, or will payments be made in installments based on project milestones? How does the contractor handle billing, and are there any penalties or interest charges for late payments?

It’s essential to clearly understand the payment terms to avoid confusion later on. Be wary of contractors who demand large upfront payments or seem evasive about payment details.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right contractor for your home project is an important decision that will impact the quality of work, the timeliness of your project, and the overall experience. By asking the right questions and evaluating the answers carefully, you can make an informed decision and ensure your project is completed satisfactorily. Whether hiring a contractor for roofing, remodeling, or any other home improvement, taking the time to vet potential candidates will help you find a professional who can deliver the desired results.