Most homeowners either ask no questions or the wrong ones when hiring a contractor. These ten questions cut through the sales pitch and tell you what you actually need to know.
The questions -- and what the answers tell you
Ask each of these before signing anything or making a payment:
- ✓1. Are you licensed for this type of work in [your state]? (Ask for the license number -- verify it online)
- ✓2. Can you provide a certificate of general liability and workers' comp insurance? (Should be immediate -- they have it on file)
- ✓3. Will you pull the necessary permits? (If the job requires one and they say no, walk away)
- ✓4. Who will actually be doing the work -- you, employees, or subcontractors? (Know who's in your home)
- ✓5. Can you provide references from jobs similar to mine in the last 6 months?
- ✓6. What's your payment schedule, and do you require anything upfront? (More than 30% upfront is a risk)
- ✓7. What warranty do you offer on your labor?
- ✓8. What happens if the project takes longer or costs more than quoted? (How are change orders handled?)
- ✓9. Who is responsible for cleanup and debris removal?
- ✓10. What could go wrong with this job, and how would you handle it?
How to read the answers
A legitimate contractor has immediate, confident answers to all of these. They're not insulted by the questions -- they get asked them regularly by informed customers. A contractor who gets defensive, vague, or dismissive about licensing, insurance, or permits is telling you something important. Hesitation on the permit question is an especially reliable filter: a contractor who doesn't pull permits is either cutting costs at your legal and safety risk, or isn't qualified to do the work.
Bottom line
These questions take five minutes and can save you thousands. The best contractors welcome them -- they're proof you're a serious customer who will respect the process.
Need handyman work done?
Novum sends its own licensed crew. Flat upfront quote before we touch anything.