Hiring the wrong contractor is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. The right questions, asked early, tell you almost everything before a single dollar changes hands.
Most people focus on price. But what goes wrong is communication, licensing, scheduling, and accountability. Below are the questions we’d want a client to ask us.
1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Non-negotiable. A proper contractor carries a current state license, is bonded, and holds liability plus workers’ comp insurance. Ask for proof.
“If a contractor hesitates to show you their license and insurance, that hesitation is your answer.”
2. Who is actually on my job site?
Some contractors subcontract nearly everything. Ask who manages the site day-to-day, whether crews are in-house, and who your single point of contact will be.
3. Can I see a written, itemized estimate?
A one-line quote is a red flag. You want line items for materials, labor, permits, and contingencies — so nobody can quietly pad the bill later.
