8 Questions to Ask Your Home Contractor—Before You Hire Them

A home remodel can be a big, expensive, and time-consuming project with a lot of moving parts. When you're working with the right contractor all the headaches–like increased costs, delays on supplies, and living in a construction zone–can make the whole process go a bit smoother. To ensure you're partnering with a pro who will meet all your needs, you're going to want to ask a few key questions before you get started. 

How Long Have You Been Doing This? 

With experience comes wisdom, says Ben Neely, owner of luxury custom home builder and remodeler Riverbend Homes, which is why he suggests finding out just how long your contractor has been in the trade before getting started. "Not a huge problem if the contractor only has a short amount of time doing something, but generally you want someone who has gone through a lot of different remodel processes to anticipate things that will likely come up."

Dan Aikins, owner of Katy Roofing Co, says you should find out just how often they do jobs like they one you're hiring them for to "make sure they are experienced for this project." He also recommends finding out how long they've been working in your particular area to ensure they're not someone passing through town. 

How Long Have You Worked With the Subcontractors Doing the Work? 

When hiring a contractor for a big job, you'll likely also be bringing in several subcontractors who will oversee the different areas outside of the contractor's specialty. "A contractor is only as good as their subcontractors," Neely says. "It's important that he has a crew that he can count on and knows the work will be quality."

Aikins also suggests finding out exactly how much of the work will be subcontracted. "Most contractors will hire subcontractors, knowing what they subcontract and what they do directly is important," he says, adding that if they're subbing out all of the work you should ask how your project will be prioritized when it comes to scheduling. 

Another important question Neely says you need to ask is whether or not everyone has undergone a background check. He points out that these workers will be in your house and around your family, so safety should be a top priority.  

How Many Other Projects Do You Have Going On?

A good contractor may be in high demand, making them less available when you have questions (or worse, issues). "You want to make sure they are not spread too thin," explains Neely. A contractor juggling many jobs at once may not be as available as you'd like. 

Is Your Company an LLC?

Before you make any decisions, you should do your due diligence and look your contractor up online. Aikens says that knowing whether they operate under an LLC will help with your research and allow you to "more easily look up the company in your state's or county's records to ensure they are a legitimate business."

What Is the Expected Payment Schedule?

Neely says you should never work with someone who requires a large payment upfront, as this could be a red flag. "If they're a reputable contractor they won't be coming to you with their hand out looking for money before beginning work," he says, adding that while sometimes they may require a deposit to purchase materials, you should never be asked to put more than 15 percent down before the work starts. "It's important to have general milestones agreed upon as well, so you both understand what phases they will be paid at."

Do You Carry General Liability Insurance and Builder's Risk Insurance?

It's important to hire a contractor who carries general liability in the event that any accidents happen while they're working in your home. "If they don't, the injured person could come after your homeowner's policy as well as some type of builders risk policy to cover any structural accidents that happen while under construction," he says. You could also be on the hook for any fire damage, flooding, or anything else that happens as a result of their work.  

Who Is My Point of Contact?

Often remodelers are just the salesperson and there is a superintendent they have that manages the day-to-day, Neely says. "Make sure that you meet that person so they fully understand the scope and expectations of the project."

What's the Deal With the Warranty?

You should also find out which work is covered under the warranty before you begin so that there aren't any surprises down the line (like when something goes wrong, and you need to use your warranty).