Essential Questions to Ask a Contractor Before Hiring

Why the Right Questions Matter

Asking the right questions before hiring a contractor could save you thousands of dollars, prevent construction nightmares, and ensure your project goes smoothly. The contractors you interview should be able to answer all these questions confidently and thoroughly.

For a broader guide on finding the right professional, see our article on how to choose a contractor in Cleveland. Use this guide as a checklist during your contractor interviews. A reputable contractor will appreciate these questions; hesitation or vague answers are red flags.

Questions About Credentials and Experience

1. Are you licensed and registered?

While Ohio does not have statewide contractor licensing, many municipalities require local registration. Ask for license numbers and verify them with local building departments.

2. Do you have liability insurance and workers' compensation?

This is critical. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify they are current. Coverage should include:

• General liability: At least $1 million per occurrence
• Workers' compensation: Required if they have employees

3. How long have you been in business?

Look for established contractors with at least 3-5 years in business. Longer track records provide more stability and references to check.

4. Have you done projects similar to mine?

Experience with your specific project type matters. A bathroom remodeling expert may not be the best choice for a major addition.

5. Can you provide references from recent similar projects?

Ask for 3-5 references from projects completed in the last 1-2 years. Follow up and actually call them.

Questions About the Project

6. Will you provide a detailed written estimate?

Estimates should include:

• Line-item breakdown of costs
• Material specifications (brands, models)
• Labor costs
• What is included and excluded
• Allowances for items not yet selected

7. Who will be the project manager and my daily contact?

Know who you will communicate with. Larger companies may have dedicated project managers; smaller ones may have the owner on site.

8. Will you handle permits and inspections?

Reputable contractors handle all permitting. This ensures they take responsibility for code compliance and proper inspections.

9. What is your timeline for this project?

Get specific start and completion dates. Ask what could cause delays and how they will communicate schedule changes.

10. Who will actually be doing the work?

Will the contractor use their own employees or subcontractors? If subcontractors, are they insured and vetted?

Questions About Communication

11. How often will you update me on progress?

Establish expectations for communication: daily, weekly, or at key milestones. Know how they prefer to communicate (phone, email, text).

12. What is the best way to reach you?

Get contact information and expected response times. Know who to contact for urgent issues.

13. How do you handle change orders?

Changes happen. Understand the process:

• How are changes requested and approved?
• How are additional costs calculated?
• How do changes affect the timeline?
• Is everything documented in writing?

14. What happens if there is a disagreement?

Ask about their dispute resolution process. Contracts should outline how conflicts are handled.

Questions About Payment

15. What is your payment schedule?

Standard practice includes:

• 10-15% deposit at signing
• Progress payments tied to completed milestones
• Final payment upon satisfactory completion

Red flag: Requests for more than 25% upfront or full payment before work is complete.

16. What payment methods do you accept?

Credit cards or checks provide documentation. Be wary of cash-only requests.

17. How do you handle cost overruns?

Ask what happens if the project exceeds the estimate. Who absorbs additional costs? At what point do they need your approval?

Questions About the Worksite

18. What are your working hours?

Know when crews will be on site. Typical hours are 7am-5pm, but this can vary and affect your daily routine.

19. How do you protect my home during construction?

Ask about dust barriers, floor protection, and securing the work area if you are living in the home.

20. How do you handle cleanup?

Daily cleanup expectations, debris removal, and final cleaning should be discussed and included in the contract.

21. Where will workers park and access the property?

Multiple vehicles and workers can affect your neighborhood. Discuss logistics upfront.

Questions About Quality and Warranty

22. What warranties do you offer?

Understand warranty coverage:

• Workmanship warranty (typically 1-2 years)
• Materials warranties (manufacturer provided)
• How warranty claims are handled

23. What happens if something goes wrong after the project?

A good contractor stands behind their work. Ask about their callback policy and response time for issues.

24. Do you provide a punch list walkthrough?

The final walkthrough identifies items needing attention before final payment. This should be standard practice.

Questions to Ask References

When you call references, ask:

• Was the project completed on time and within budget?
• How did the contractor handle unexpected issues?
• Was communication consistent and clear?
• Was the job site kept clean and organized?
• Were there any surprises or hidden costs?
• Did they honor their warranty?
• Would you hire them again?
• Is there anything you wish you had known beforehand?

Red Flags to Watch For

Print This Checklist

Bring these questions to every contractor interview. Take notes and compare responses. The right contractor will appreciate your thoroughness; it shows you are a serious, organized client.

At Best Construction, we welcome all questions and provide transparent answers. With over 30 years in Cleveland, we have nothing to hide and plenty of satisfied customers to reference. Contact us to experience what working with a truly professional contractor is like.

Frequently Asked Questions