21 Questions to Ask a Contractor Before Hiring
The essential questions that separate trustworthy contractors from potential nightmares. Plus the answers you should expect to hear.
The difference between a great contractor and a disaster often comes down to the questions you ask before signing a contract. Most homeowners hire based on price and gut feeling — but the right questions reveal whether a contractor is truly trustworthy.
Pro Tip
Take notes during your conversation. How a contractor answers is often as important as what they say. Hesitation, irritation, or vague responses are warning signs.
1Licensing & Insurance
"Are you licensed to work in Indianapolis/Indiana?"
Why ask: Verifies they're legally allowed to perform the work.
Good answer: They should provide a license number you can verify. Be wary if they dodge the question.
Red flag: Claims they don't need a license or can't provide documentation.
"Do you carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation?"
Why ask: Protects you from liability if workers are injured or property is damaged.
Good answer: They should offer to provide a Certificate of Insurance immediately.
Red flag: Offers a discount to "skip" insurance or claims they're covered under your homeowner's policy.
"Can I get a copy of your insurance certificate?"
Why ask: Allows you to verify coverage is active and sufficient.
Good answer: They should provide this within 24 hours, no questions asked.
Red flag: Delays, excuses, or a certificate that looks altered.
2Experience & References
"How long have you been in business?"
Why ask: Established contractors have a track record you can verify.
Good answer: Clear answer with verifiable history. Ask follow-up questions about the business journey.
Red flag: Vague answers or claims of "decades" with no online presence.
"Have you done projects similar to mine?"
Why ask: Experience with your specific type of project matters.
Good answer: Specific examples with details they can share or show you.
Red flag: Generic claims without specifics or photos.
"Can you provide 3-5 references from the past year?"
Why ask: Recent references reflect current work quality.
Good answer: Names and phone numbers provided readily. Email-only references are less reliable.
Red flag: Only willing to provide email addresses or references from years ago.
"Can I see photos of your recent work?"
Why ask: Visual proof of quality and craftsmanship.
Good answer: A portfolio of completed projects, ideally with before/after shots.
Red flag: No photos available or only stock images.
3Project Specifics
"Will you provide a detailed written estimate?"
Why ask: Protects both parties and prevents misunderstandings.
Good answer: Yes, itemized by labor, materials, and other costs.
Red flag: Verbal estimates only or a single lump sum with no breakdown.
"What's included in the estimate, and what's not?"
Why ask: Prevents surprise charges later.
Good answer: Clear explanation of scope, including cleanup and disposal.
Red flag: Vague descriptions or irritation at the question.
"How do you handle unexpected issues or changes?"
Why ask: Projects often encounter surprises. Know the process upfront.
Good answer: Written change orders with pricing before any additional work begins.
Red flag: "We'll figure it out" or claims they'll "just add it to the final bill."
"Who will actually be doing the work?"
Why ask: You want to know if it's the contractor, employees, or subcontractors.
Good answer: Clear answer about crew composition and supervision.
Red flag: They won't say, or the answer keeps changing.
4Timeline & Availability
"When can you start, and how long will it take?"
Why ask: Helps you plan and sets expectations.
Good answer: Realistic timeline with buffer for unexpected delays.
Red flag: Promises to start "tomorrow" or unrealistically fast completion times.
"Will you be working on other projects during mine?"
Why ask: Contractors juggling too many projects often cause delays.
Good answer: Honest answer about their current workload.
Red flag: Claims you'll be their only project (unlikely for most contractors).
"What hours will work be happening?"
Why ask: Impacts your daily life and potentially neighbors.
Good answer: Standard business hours with advance notice of any exceptions.
Red flag: Plans to work at odd hours or unwilling to commit to a schedule.
5Payment & Contract
"What's your payment schedule?"
Why ask: Protects you from paying too much upfront.
Good answer: Deposit (10-30%), progress payments at milestones, final payment at completion.
Red flag: Demands 50%+ upfront or full payment before starting.
"Do you require a deposit? How much?"
Why ask: Deposits are normal, but excessive amounts are risky.
Good answer: 10-30% to cover initial materials.
Red flag: More than 50% or cash only.
"What warranties do you offer on your work?"
Why ask: Shows confidence in their workmanship.
Good answer: At least 1 year warranty on labor, plus manufacturer warranties on materials.
Red flag: No warranty or warranty that seems too short.
6Permits & Code
"Will this project require permits?"
Why ask: Unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home.
Good answer: Clear answer about which permits are needed.
Red flag: "Don't worry about permits" or suggesting you pull them yourself.
"Will you handle pulling the permits?"
Why ask: The contractor should handle this, not you.
Good answer: Yes, and the permit cost should be in the estimate.
Red flag: Asks you to pull permits or offers a discount to skip them.
"Will the work be inspected?"
Why ask: Inspections ensure work meets code.
Good answer: Yes, inspections are scheduled as part of the project.
Red flag: Dismissive attitude toward inspections.
Bonus: Questions to Ask Their References
- • Was the project completed on time and on budget?
- • How did they handle problems or unexpected issues?
- • Were they easy to communicate with?
- • Did they clean up after themselves?
- • Would you hire them again?
- • Is there anything you wish you had known before hiring them?
Skip the Interrogation
Asking all these questions takes time, and evaluating the answers requires experience. Most homeowners don't know what a "good" answer sounds like versus a rehearsed one.
Vetted Crews asks these questions for you — and we know exactly what to look for. We've rejected contractors who fooled homeowners for years.
Get a Vetted Contractor