Choosing the Right Contractor: What Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring

Hiring the right contractor can make or break your entire project. A good one brings your vision to life. A bad one leaves you with missed deadlines, surprise costs, and a whole lot of regret.

Whether you're planning a remodel, addition, or full-home renovation, asking the right questions upfront protects your investment and your peace of mind.

Here’s what every homeowner should ask before signing that contract:

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This isn’t optional. A license proves the contractor meets local legal and safety standards. Insurance protects you if someone is injured or if property damage occurs during the project.

✅ Pro Tip: Ask for proof of both. If they hesitate, that’s a red flag.

2. Can I See Your Portfolio and References?

You want to work with someone who has real, visible experience in projects like yours. A professional contractor will be proud to show off their work and share contact info for happy clients.

✅ Ask: “Can I speak with your last 2–3 clients?”

3. Do You Provide Written Estimates and Timelines?

You need more than a handshake and a number scribbled on a napkin. A written estimate keeps both parties accountable and outlines clear expectations on cost, scope, and timing.

✅ Watch out for vague or open-ended quotes.

4. Who Will Be On-Site Every Day?

Some contractors hire out to subcontractors or crews you’ve never met. You deserve to know who’s coming into your home and who’s running the job day-to-day.

✅ Ask: “Will you be personally supervising the job?”

5. What’s the Payment Schedule?

A reputable contractor won’t ask for full payment upfront. Typical schedules include a deposit, mid-project payment(s), and final payment upon completion and satisfaction.

✅ Avoid: Anyone asking for 100% upfront.

6. How Do You Handle Permits and Inspections?

Your project may require permits depending on scope. A great contractor will know exactly what’s needed and take care of it on your behalf.

✅ MISTI Tip: We pull all necessary permits, so you don’t have to deal with the red tape.

7. What Happens If There’s a Delay or Change Order?

No renovation is 100% predictable. You need to know how the contractor handles unexpected issues — and how they communicate changes or delays.

✅ Ask for their process for managing project scope changes.

8. Do You Offer a Warranty?

A solid contractor stands behind their work. A workmanship warranty shows they’re confident in their quality and gives you peace of mind long after the job is done.

✅ Ask: “What kind of warranty do you offer, and for how long?”

Final Thoughts

Your home is one of your biggest investments. Don’t gamble on a contractor you can’t trust. Do your research. Ask the tough questions. And choose a team that treats your home like their own.

✅ Download Our Free Contractor Interview Checklist

Don’t go into your next renovation blind.
Grab our free checklist and confidently hire the right pro for your project.