7 Questions to Ask a Contractor Before You Hire

Hiring a contractor should not start and end with three bids and one final number. In this solo episode of Hire It Done, I break down the questions homeowners should ask before signing a home improvement contract. We talk about insurance, licensing, who will actually be in your house, what belongs in a detailed estimate, what is not included, how change orders should work, how payments should be scheduled, and what can delay a project. The goal is simple: help you compare trusted contractors more fairly, avoid surprise costs, and build a better working relationship before the first hammer swings. What should I ask a contractor before hiring? Ask about licensing, insurance, who will perform the work, who manages the site, the written scope, exclusions, change orders, payment milestones, warranties, cleanup, permits, and the project timeline. Why should I avoid choosing only by price? Contractor bids can be wildly different because the scope, supervision, labor, materials, assumptions, and installation quality may be different. The lowest number is not automatically the best value. What insurance proof should a contractor provide? Ask what type of coverage the contractor carries, including general liability and workers' compensation when applicable. Request a current certificate of insurance and verify any trade license required for the work. What should a contractor estimate include? A strong estimate should identify the work, materials, brands or grades, demolition, debris removal, cleanup, permits, responsibilities, payment schedule, and expected timeline. It should also explain what is not included. How should change orders be handled? Extra work should be priced, documented, and approved before the cost is added whenever possible. A text, email, or formal change order can prevent arguments at the end of the job. How much should I pay upfront? There is no single number for every project, but your payment schedule should match real costs and progress. Ask where the deposit goes and what milestone triggers each payment. What should I ask about the timeline? Ask for the expected start date, workdays, estimated duration, inspection schedule, material lead times, and common causes of delay. Clear communication matters when the schedule changes. Watch the full episode, keep this checklist nearby, and visit HireItDone.com when you need help finding a trusted contractor or reviewing an estimate. #HireItDone #HiringAContractor #HomeImprovement