How to Choose the Right Contractor — 8 Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Handy Geeks • December 2, 2025

Hiring the right contractor can make all the difference in how smoothly a home project goes — and how satisfied you feel at the end. Whether it’s a small repair or a significant renovation, the relationship between homeowner and contractor requires trust, communication, and clarity.

Asking the right questions early helps you avoid headaches like delays, unexpected costs, and work that doesn’t meet expectations. Here are eight smart questions every homeowner should ask before signing a contract.

1️⃣ Can you show proof of licensing and insurance?

Proper licensing demonstrates:

Qualification to perform the work
Knowledge of local building codes
Accountability through regulatory oversight

Insurance is equally important — it protects both the contractor and the homeowner if something goes wrong on site. If a contractor hesitates to provide proof, that’s a red flag.

2️⃣ Do you have experience with this specific type of work?

Even highly skilled professionals may specialize. Some contractors focus on:

Bathroom remodels
Basement finishing
Structural repairs
Electrical or plumbing upgrades

Asking for examples of similar completed projects helps ensure they understand the workflow, common challenges, and materials involved.

3️⃣ What will the written estimate include?

A clear scope protects both sides from confusion and assumptions. A strong estimate typically defines:

Detailed task breakdowns
Cost expectations
Cleanup responsibilities
Warranty information (if any)

The more detailed the breakdown, the easier it is to compare proposals — not just bottom-line price.

4️⃣ How do you handle scheduling and communication?

Communication styles vary — and misalignment can cause stress. Ask early:

Who is the main point of contact?
How are updates provided? (call, text, email)
What happens if weather or supply issues delay progress?

Understanding expectations helps prevent frustration later.

5️⃣ Who is responsible for the materials?

Different contractors use different approaches:

Some purchase all materials
Some allow homeowners to provide items
Some do a mix of both depending on the project

This affects:

Product quality
Warranty terms
Return policies
Schedule delays if items arrive late

There’s no single right answer — clarity is what matters.

6️⃣ What is the payment schedule?

A professional contractor should provide:

Transparent deposit requirements
Clear progress payment timing
Exact conditions for final payment

You should know:

How much is due upfront
What milestones trigger payments
Accepted forms of payment

Avoid situations where full payment is required before work begins.

7️⃣ Do you have references or reviews I can check?

Even a handful of references can offer insight on:

Reliability
Professionalism
Cleanliness during job
Responsiveness
Accuracy of estimates

Online reviews can help — but for bigger projects, direct references often provide better detail and context. Look for consistent quality rather than perfection — every project has its challenges.