Questions to Ask a Contractor: Find Red Flags or A Partner

Key Points

Always ask about licensing, insurance, and how many similar projects the contractor has completed.
Understanding contract types, payment schedules, and the permitting process protects your budget and timeline.
Clear communication, daily cleanup routines, and a strong warranty all help create a smooth experience.

Don’t Just Sign the Dotted Line—Ask These First

ChatGPT Image of a homeowner asking a contractor questions

Thinking about remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or maybe the whole house, whether near the Mukilteo Lighthouse or up by the Cascade mountains? Wondering how to tell a great contractor from one who’ll ghost you after demo day?

In this post, you’ll learn what to ask before hiring a contractor—plus how to make sense of the answers.

By the end, you’ll feel confident, informed, and ready to start your project without second-guessing your choices.

Testimonials from our clients.

Questions Evaluating the Contractor’s Experience & Credibility

1. How many years of experience do you have?

When talking to a general contractor, ask how many years they’ve been working under their current business name.

Experience won’t guarantee perfect results, but around here—whether you’re working near the Snohomish riverfront or in a Kirkland craftsman home—it gives you a strong foundation to build trust.

A long track record often signals stability and consistency.

Experience also affects how well they manage the job site, coordinate subcontractors, and keep your timeline on track.

2. Do you specialize in residential or commercial construction?

Some contractors try to handle both commercial and residential work, but those are two very different worlds.

Residential jobs usually involve working in occupied homes, keeping the space safe, and communicating with homeowners on a daily basis.

Commercial projects may focus more on scale, codes, and team logistics.

If you’re a homeowner planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you want a contractor who specializes in homes, not offices or warehouses. This kind of specialization makes them more familiar with common design challenges, permitting issues, and finishes typically used in home improvement projects.

3. Are you affiliated with any professional associations?

Memberships with organizations like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry or the Better Business Bureau can help confirm you’re working with a reputable contractor.

While it’s not a guarantee of quality, it’s a sign that the contractor is invested in staying current on training, ethics, and standards.

These associations also often have codes of conduct and dispute resolution processes that can protect you if something goes wrong. It’s not just about logos on their website—it’s about being connected to a wider network of accountability and professionalism.

4. How many similar projects have you completed in the last 3 years?

A contractor might have been in business for decades, but that doesn’t always mean they’re actively completing the kind of job you need today.

Ask how many projects they’ve completed recently that resemble yours in size, scope, or style—like a second-story addition on a classic Kenmore split-level or a basement finish in an Everett midcentury home.

A good contractor will be able to speak to recent work and share relevant examples or even photos.

This isn’t just about quantity; it’s about relevance.

Whether it’s a full home renovation or a single room update, recent and relevant experience tells you whether this contractor is still actively working on jobs like yours—and succeeding.

5. Do you have strong relationships with suppliers?

This is one of the most overlooked contractor questions, but it’s incredibly useful.

A contractor with reliable supplier relationships usually has easier access to building materials, more predictable delivery schedules, and better rates. It also means fewer delays and less finger-pointing if a delivery goes missing or arrives damaged.

During your conversation, ask if they have preferred vendors for flooring, cabinetry, tile, and other key materials.

A contractor who has long-standing connections with suppliers is better positioned to keep your job moving and your budget under control.

Contracts, Pricing & Permit Questions to Ask a Contractor

6. What type of contract do you use?

There are a few common contract formats in construction: fixed price, time and materials, and cost plus.

A fixed price contract gives you one number upfront and is best for clearly defined projects.
Time and materials contracts bill you as the job progresses, but can be harder to track.
Cost-plus contracts charge the actual cost of labor and materials plus a percentage markup.

The right contract depends on your project, but whichever route you go, it needs to be clearly outlined in writing. Don’t sign anything that leaves room for confusion or vague terms about pricing and responsibility.

7. Will you accept a materials budget?

Many homeowners want some control over their finishes and how much they spend.

A materials budget sets limits on selections like tile, countertops, fixtures, and appliances.

Some contractors allow you to make selections within those allowances, while others prefer to handle all the ordering themselves.

Be clear upfront about your expectations and ask how they handle budget overruns. The answer will help you determine whether this general contractor is a good fit for your level of involvement and financial comfort zone.

8. Do you include a termination clause in your contract?

Termination clauses aren’t just legal fluff—they’re essential for protecting both you and the contractor if things go south.

This clause lays out under what circumstances the contract can be ended, how remaining money will be handled, and what each party’s obligations are at that point.

If your contractor doesn’t have a termination clause or seems hesitant to discuss one, that’s a red flag.

A trustworthy contractor will be transparent about these terms and happy to explain how they protect everyone involved in the project.

9. Who handles permitting and inspections?

Most home improvement projects that affect structure, plumbing, or electrical systems require permits.

The general contractor should know which permits are needed for your job and be willing to pull them on your behalf. This includes managing the inspection process, responding to city officials, and adjusting the project if a correction notice is issued.

It’s not your job to chase down approvals or worry about compliance.

A good contractor handles all that for you and builds it into your project timeline and cost estimate.

Timeline, Schedules & Daily Workflow Questions to Ask a Contractor

10. What’s your estimated project timeline?

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is not nailing down a project timeline in the beginning.

Ask when the job will start, how long it will take, and how completion will be measured.

Don’t accept vague estimates.

The contractor should provide a schedule that includes milestones like demolition, framing, rough-ins, and final inspection. That helps you track progress and ensures there are no surprises halfway through.

It also shows that they’ve thought through the logistics of jobs like yours.

11. Do you finish projects within that timeframe?

It’s easy to say a kitchen remodel takes eight weeks—but does that actually happen?

Ask the contractor how often they finish on time and what causes delays.

Most contractors have had to manage setbacks, so you’re not looking for perfection.

You’re looking for honesty and a plan.

If they’re juggling too many jobs or relying on inconsistent subcontractors, it might be hard to keep your timeline on track.

The best contractors build in buffers and communicate clearly when things shift.

12. What’s your daily work schedule like?

Understanding the daily rhythm of your job site helps you plan your own schedule and manage expectations.

Ask what time the crew typically arrives and leaves, how they handle access if you’re not home, and whether they clean up daily. Also, find out if they work weekends or take extended lunch breaks.

These may seem like small things, but they add up.

A reliable daily routine helps create a cleaner, safer site and a more predictable experience overall.

13. What happens if the weather delays the project?

Rain, snow, or extreme heat can cause delays on exterior jobs, and sometimes even affect interior timelines.

Ask your contractor how they handle weather delays and whether those days are built into the schedule. A good answer includes flexibility, communication, and plans to pivot if needed.

For example, if they can’t work outside, can they use that time to handle ordering materials or do prep work off-site?

The more they plan for the unexpected, the less it will derail your entire project.

Subcontractors, Safety & Site Protection Questions to Ask a Contractor

14. Will you be using subcontractors on this job?

It’s common for a general contractor to bring in subcontractors for specialized tasks like plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or tile work.

That’s not a problem in itself, but you’ll want to know who will actually be working on your job.

Ask how subcontractors are selected, how long the contractor has worked with them, and whether they’re licensed and insured. It’s also important to know whether subcontractors are consistent or if new people rotate in and out.

A trustworthy contractor will introduce you to key workers and provide a clear chain of responsibility so you’re not left wondering who’s in charge on your job site.

15. What insurance covers you and your crew?

Insurance is non-negotiable.

At a minimum, your contractor should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

Liability coverage protects your property if something gets damaged.

Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses if someone gets hurt on the job.

Ask for proof of both before signing any contract. This step not only protects your investment but also gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re not financially liable for accidents on your property.

If a contractor dodges this question or says it’s not needed, move on quickly.

16. What measures will you take to protect my home?

Protecting your home during a renovation takes planning and discipline.

Ask what steps the contractor takes to safeguard your floors, furniture, and belongings while construction is underway. This might include using plastic sheeting, sealing off work zones, laying floor protection, and creating clear walkways.

For exterior projects, they should protect landscaping and clean up any debris daily.

These details matter, especially if you’re living in the home during construction. A reputable contractor understands that your house isn’t just a job site—it’s your home.

17. What happens if someone is injured on-site?

Accidents can happen, even on the best-managed projects.

A responsible contractor should be able to explain what their process is if a crew member or subcontractor is injured on your property. This includes filing reports, contacting the insurance provider, and ensuring you’re not caught in the middle.

The presence of a workers’ compensation policy is your first layer of protection.

But just as important is knowing that your contractor has a protocol to follow and won’t leave you scrambling to figure it out on your own.

Communication & Project Management Questions to Ask a Contractor

18. Will you personally oversee my project?

Some contractors are hands-on, while others delegate to a site supervisor or project manager.

There’s no right or wrong approach, but you need to know who will actually be managing the job. If the contractor won’t be on-site daily, ask who will be, how often they check in, and how they handle updates or problems.

Clear lines of communication are crucial.

You don’t want to find out mid-project that your contact person is hard to reach or unaware of what’s happening at your home.

19. Is there a dedicated project manager?

Larger or more complex projects often require a full-time project manager to coordinate labor, deliveries, inspections, and customer communication.

Ask whether there will be someone dedicated to your job and whether that person is on-site regularly or managing multiple jobs.

A skilled project manager is worth their weight in gold—they help resolve issues quickly, reduce mistakes, and ensure that the job runs smoothly from start to finish.

If you’re investing in a major home improvement project, this role can make a huge difference in the quality of your experience.

20. How often will you provide updates?

The answer you’re looking for here is: consistently and clearly.

Whether it’s a weekly call, daily texts, or shared documents, your contractor should have a preferred method for keeping you informed.

This includes updates on progress, issues, schedule shifts, and pending decisions.

Establish this communication rhythm early in the process so you’re not left wondering what’s going on once the demo is done.

Lack of updates is one of the most common complaints homeowners have during remodeling—so ask upfront and get on the same page before the project begins.

Changes, Cleanup & Warranty Questions to Ask a Contractor

21. Do you have a change order process?

Even with the most detailed plans, changes happen.

You might choose a different finish, uncover hidden damage, or decide to add something new.

A professional contractor should have a written change order process to handle these shifts.

Ask how they document changes, what kind of approvals are needed, and how it affects the cost and schedule.

This protects you from unexpected bills or scope creep. It also protects the contractor from disputes later on.

22. Do you clean up daily or only at the end?

A messy job site isn’t just annoying—it can be dangerous.

Ask if the crew does daily cleanup or only tidies up once the job is done. Daily cleanup includes sweeping, storing tools, removing debris, and securing the site.

It matters even more if you’re living in the house during construction. A clean site shows attention to detail and respect for your property.

It also makes the final walk-through smoother and keeps your stress level low during a disruptive process.

23. Do you offer a workmanship warranty?

While manufacturers typically provide product warranties, the contractor should offer a workmanship warranty that covers how things were installed.

Ask how long the warranty lasts, what it covers, and how to initiate a repair if needed.

Many good contractors offer a one-year or two-year warranty on workmanship. This is your protection against things like cabinet doors not aligning, grout cracking, or doors sticking after settling.

A contractor who stands behind their work is one you can trust to deliver quality long after the last nail is driven.

24. Do you conduct satisfaction surveys after the project?

Some of the best insights into a contractor’s performance come after the job is done.

Ask whether they gather feedback at the end of the project—and how they use it. A contractor who sends surveys, follows up, or invites you to share your experience is one who cares about constant improvement.

This isn’t just about getting a good review online.

It’s about building a process that leads to better service, better communication, and a better result for every future client, including you.

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Ask Before You Renovate: Home Run Solutions Has the Answers

When you’re planning a home improvement project, the contractor you choose makes all the difference. At Home Run Solutions, we can confidently answer your questions, proving that we can provide you with a smooth, successful renovation.

Ready to work with a trustworthy contractor who values transparency, quality, and thoughtful communication? Fill out our contact form today or give us a call.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a “contractor” and a “general contractor”?

The main difference between a contractor and a general contractor is scope. A general contractor manages the full project, including permits, materials, labor, and subcontractors. A contractor usually specializes in one trade, such as plumbing or electrical work.

How much should the down payment be, and when do I pay?

Down payments typically range from 10–20% of the total project cost and are due before work begins. Remaining payments follow project milestones, and the final balance is paid after all work is completed and approved.

How do I check if a contractor is licensed, insured, and legit?

Check if a contractor is licensed and insured by asking for their business license and proof of insurance. Verify that documents meet local requirements and request references from similar projects. You can also look them up online using their contractor number.

Avoid Remodeling Regrets with These Must-Ask Questions