10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

Most home projects that go wrong don't fail because of bad luck — they fail because the wrong person got hired. The good news is that a short conversation up front tells you almost everything you need to know. Before you sign anything or hand over a deposit, ask these ten questions.
The 10 questions
- Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
- Can you share references or reviews from recent, similar jobs?
- Will you provide a written, itemized quote?
- Who will actually be doing the work — you, employees, or subcontractors?
- What's your estimated timeline, start to finish?
- How do you handle changes or surprises once work begins?
- What does your payment schedule look like?
- Do you pull permits when the job requires them?
- What warranty or guarantee do you offer on the work?
- How will we stay in touch during the project?

What good answers sound like
A trustworthy contractor answers these calmly and specifically. They're happy to show proof of insurance, they put everything in writing, and they explain their payment schedule without pressure. Vague answers, reluctance to itemize, or a demand for a large cash deposit up front are all reasons to keep looking.
A note on payment
Be especially careful around money. A reasonable deposit is normal; paying for the entire job in cash before work starts is not. Keeping quotes, messages, and payments in one place gives you a record of what was agreed and real recourse if something goes sideways.

You don't need to be an expert to hire well. Ask these ten questions, listen for clear and confident answers, and you'll quickly separate the professionals from the people you'll regret hiring.



