What Questions Should I Ask a Remodeling Contractor Before Hiring?

You may have names, a referral, or an initial conversation but not yet have a written proposal. It can be hard to know which questions belong in this first conversation and which can wait until there is a document to review.

An introduction or example of past work tells you something, but it does not tell you who will be responsible for your project, what the proposed work includes, or how decisions will be recorded.

The answers help you understand the business and the proposed working relationship before you make a commitment. Written details let you revisit what was discussed instead of relying on memory.

This early conversation is different from comparing proposals. Once you have written bids, you can compare what each bid includes and then consider whom to hire after comparing bids.

Start by asking for information about the business and the people. Independently check the credentials or registrations that apply to the specific work and your location.

• Exact contracting business: What is the exact legal name of the contracting business, and who is the primary person responsible?
• Similar-work experience: Can you describe your experience specifically with projects similar to this one?
• References and examples: Can you provide references or examples of past work that I can review myself?
• Credentials and registration: What license, registration, or trade credential applies to this work here, and who holds it? Colorado does not have one statewide general-contractor license. Requirements vary by trade and local jurisdiction; ask the relevant state or local authority what applies where your home is located.
• Current insurance evidence: What insurance applies to this work, and can you provide current documentation for me to review and confirm with the issuer if needed?
• The team on site: Who will be my daily point of contact, and who will actually be performing the work—your employees or subcontractors?

Once you understand who the business is, the next questions are about how the project will operate. This is where you connect their answers to the actual documents.

• Written proposal and scope: Does the written estimate or proposal clearly define the scope, along with specific inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, and allowances? This is crucial when you compare bids.
• Payments: What are the specific triggers for progress payments? Understand what the initial deposit covers and how the overall payment structure relates to documented progress.
• Changes: How will a proposed change be described, priced, and approved in writing before the changed work begins? See what to review before approving a change order.
• Permits: Who exactly is responsible for permits and inspections before work starts?
• Schedule and deadlines: What is the expected schedule, and when are my deadlines for making decisions on finishes and materials?
• Warranty and closeout: What warranty terms and final records will I receive, and what will be checked before the project is treated as complete?
• Records to keep: Which proposal versions, signed agreements, approvals, payment records, permits, selections, and communications should I keep together as the project moves forward?

Ask which answers will be written into the proposal or agreement and what still needs to be decided before you sign the contract.