Finding the right home repair pro can save you thousands and spare you a lot of headaches. It’s tempting to rush, but not asking the right questions? That’s how you end up with shoddy work, surprise bills, or even legal messes.
Asking seven key questions before you hire anyone protects your investment and helps you get the job done right. These questions touch on licensing, insurance, warranties, and payment terms. Take a little time upfront—it’s honestly the best way to spot red flags and find someone reliable.
Key Takeaways
- Always check that contractors have the right licensing and insurance before they start
- Ask for written estimates and get references from past clients to judge their quality
- Talk about payment schedules, warranties, and permits from the start to avoid surprises
Verify Licensing and Insurance
Licensing and insurance protect you and your project. If a contractor has these credentials, you know they meet legal requirements and can handle problems if they pop up.
Check Licensing Status
Some states require licenses, others just regulate. Either way, you should ask for their license number and double-check it on your state’s licensing board site.
In certain cities, like New York City, projects over $200 need a city-licensed pro. Local rules can catch people off guard.
Licensed contractors usually complete training and pass tests. They also have to show proof of insurance before getting licensed.
Key licensing questions to ask:
- What’s your license number?
- Does your license cover this type of work?
- When does your license expire?
Jobs like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC need specialized licenses. Sometimes, a general contractor brings in licensed specialists for these parts.
Confirm Insurance Coverage
Insurance keeps you from footing the bill if something goes wrong. Contractors should carry both liability and workers’ comp insurance.
Always ask for written proof of insurance. A certificate of insurance lists the policy details and coverage. Honestly, call the insurance company to make sure it’s real and active.
Essential insurance types include:
- General liability insurance – Covers property damage and injuries
- Workers’ compensation – Covers injured workers’ medical bills and lost wages
If your contractor isn’t properly insured, you could get sued or stuck with medical bills. Your homeowner’s policy probably won’t help in these cases.
Make sure the insurance actually covers the work you’re having done. Some policies have weird exclusions.
Ask About Liability Insurance
Liability insurance protects against damage to your property or injuries to you or visitors. This is different from workers’ comp.
The policy should cover the contractor and any subcontractors. Ask for proof that everyone working on your project is covered.
Coverage amounts change depending on state and project size. Bigger jobs usually need higher limits.
Liability insurance covers:
- Damage to your home or structures
- Injuries to you or your guests
- Property damage from contractor mistakes
- Cleanup after accidents
Don’t just take their word for it—look at the actual insurance certificate. Make sure the coverage lasts through your whole project, plus a little extra time just in case.
Evaluate Experience and References
Checking out a contractor’s past work and talking to their former clients gives you the real scoop on what they can do. It’s the best way to avoid expensive mistakes and get solid results.
Review Relevant Project Experience
Look for a contractor whose experience lines up with your specific project. Someone who remodels kitchens all day may not be the best pick for a roof repair.
Ask about similar jobs they’ve done in the last couple of years. If they have photos, great—if you can visit a past job site, even better.
Key experience factors to evaluate:
- Type of work (like electrical, plumbing, flooring, etc.)
- Project size and complexity
- Years in the field
- How well they know local building codes
Pros with the right experience tend to estimate time and costs more accurately. They know the usual hiccups and how to handle them.
Request and Contact References
Good contractors hand over at least three recent references without blinking. These should be from jobs they finished in the last year.
Reach out to each reference yourself. Don’t just trust written testimonials—ask about work quality, communication, and whether they’d hire the contractor again.
Essential questions for references:
- Was the work finished on time and on budget?
- How did they handle unexpected problems?
- Did they keep the job site clean and safe?
- Would you recommend them to your friends or family?
If a reference hesitates or seems lukewarm, that’s a sign to dig deeper.
Assess Track Record
Don’t just look at a couple of jobs—check out the contractor’s overall history. Online reviews, BBB ratings, and local licensing boards can reveal complaints.
A good track record means steady quality, fair prices, and professionalism. Watch out for multiple unresolved complaints, frequent delays, or lawsuits.
Double-check their license and insurance are current. Ask how long they’ve been in business and if they’ve worked locally for a while.
Warning signs to avoid:
- Won’t give references
- No local business address
- Pushes you to sign a contract right away
- Wants full payment upfront
Understand Written Estimates and Additional Costs
A written estimate shields you from surprise fees and holds your contractor to their word. If you get a clear cost breakdown, you’re much less likely to blow your budget or end up in an argument.
Request a Detailed Written Estimate
Always get a written estimate before anything starts. Verbal promises won’t help you if things go sideways.
A solid written estimate spells out all the work, materials, labor, and timelines. If something’s vague, ask for more detail.
Key elements to look for:
- Project scope and detailed description
- Material costs and specifics
- Labor charges by task
- Start and finish dates
- Payment schedule and terms
If permits are needed, the estimate should mention those fees. Some contractors sneak these in later.
Compare estimates from a few contractors to get a sense of fair pricing. Don’t settle for an estimate with fuzzy language. If a contractor won’t give you details, that’s a red flag.
Clarify Additional Costs
It’s almost a given—unexpected costs can pop up during a project. Talk about this with your contractor before work begins.
Ask them what might lead to extra charges. Sometimes it’s hidden damage, sometimes it’s extra permits.
Typical additional costs include:
- Change orders for extra work
- Material price hikes
- Permit fees not included at first
- Fixing surprise damage
Decide together how you’ll handle these extras. The contractor should explain how they’ll get your approval before charging more.
Some estimates include a contingency fee for small surprises. It’s not always a bad thing, but know what’s covered.
Don’t let extra work start without your written okay. That’s how you avoid surprise charges on your final bill.
Discuss Scope of Work
The scope of work spells out exactly what’s included—and what’s not. Clear boundaries mean fewer misunderstandings.
Go over every part of the proposed work. If something’s fuzzy, ask until you get it.
Make sure cleanup and debris removal are included. Some pros charge extra for hauling away old stuff.
If the project uncovers more repairs, ask how they’ll handle it. The contractor should walk you through their process for surprises.
Important scope details:
- Exact tasks included
- Materials the contractor supplies
- Areas of your home affected
- Cleanup and disposal duties
Get any changes to the original scope in writing. Verbal promises can turn into extra charges later.
The written estimate should match what you actually discussed. If it doesn’t, ask for it to be fixed before you sign anything.
Discuss Payment Terms and Scheduling
Clear payment terms and a solid timeline protect both you and your contractor. If you set these early, you avoid confusion and keep your project moving.
Agree on Payment Terms
Never pay the full amount upfront. Most jobs use a one-third down payment, with the rest tied to milestones.
Red flags to avoid:
- Wants 100% payment before starting
- Insists on cash only
- Doesn’t give receipts or invoices
- Pushes you to pay right away
Reputable contractors accept checks, cards, or bank transfers. Always get a receipt for every payment.
Payment terms should say exactly what triggers each payment—like materials delivered or certain phases finished. That way, you’re not paying for work that isn’t done.
Review Project Timeline
A realistic timeline shows your contractor gets the project. Ask for start and finish dates in writing.
Weather can cause delays, especially for outdoor work. Good contractors build in some buffer time and tell you how delays might change things.
Timeline should include:
- Start date
- Major milestones
- Expected finish date
- Possible delay factors
Contractors often juggle a few jobs at once. Ask about their current workload and how it might affect your timeline. If they seem rushed, the work might suffer.
Establish Payment Schedule
The payment schedule should follow project progress, not just calendar dates. That way, payments actually match the work getting done on your home improvement project.
Standard payment schedule:
- Initial payment: 10-20% to secure materials
- Progress payments: 25-35% at key milestones
- Final payment: 10-15% after completion and inspection
Never agree to a large upfront payment, especially if it’s more than a third of the total cost. Keeping initial payments smaller protects you if the contractor bails or does a lousy job.
Make sure you put the payment schedule in writing in the contract. Spell out exactly what work has to be finished before each payment—this keeps arguments about payment timing to a minimum.
Some contractors throw in discounts for early payment, but honestly, only consider that if you’ve checked their references and they seem trustworthy.
Clarify Warranty and Guarantee Policies
A contractor’s warranty and guarantee policies say a lot about their confidence in their work. They also help you avoid surprise costs down the road. It’s worth knowing exactly what’s covered and for how long before you start a project.
Review Warranty Coverage
Most contractors offer two basic types of warranties. Workmanship warranties cover labor and installation problems. Material warranties come from manufacturers and protect you from product defects.
Ask how long each warranty lasts. Many states require at least two years for workmanship, but some contractors offer more.
Make sure you know what the warranty actually covers. Does it include:
- Installation defects
- Material failures
- Labor costs for repairs
- Emergency repairs
Don’t forget to ask about exclusions. Most warranties won’t cover normal wear and tear or accidental damage.
Find out who handles warranty repairs. Some contractors use their own crews, others hire third-party services. In-house teams usually mean better quality control, in my experience.
Get every detail about the warranty in writing before work begins.
Understand Guarantee Terms
Guarantees aren’t the same as warranties—they usually cover your satisfaction with the finished work. Some contractors promise to fix anything until you’re happy with the results.
Ask what the guarantee actually includes. Does it cover:
- Cosmetic touch-ups
- Minor adjustments
- Complete rework if needed
Check how long the guarantee lasts. Some only last 30 days after the job’s done, while others go for a few months.
Understanding how to make a claim matters. Ask how you report problems and how fast they’ll respond. The best contractors have clear steps for this stuff.
Ask if you’ll have to pay anything during guarantee work. Some cover all costs, but others might make you pay for materials even if labor is free.
Always get guarantee terms in writing as part of your contract.
Check for Required Permits and Compliance
Getting the right permits protects you from legal headaches and makes sure things are up to code. Nobody wants to deal with expensive fixes or safety risks later.
Determine Necessary Permits
Most home improvement projects need permits from your local building department. Your contractor should know which ones your job requires.
Common projects that need permits include:
- Electrical work and new circuits
- Plumbing changes or additions
- Structural changes to walls or roofs
- HVAC system installations
- Room additions or major renovations
Ask your contractor for a list of all required permits before work starts. A good contractor will take care of the application process and understand the local rules.
Some contractors try to cut corners and skip permits to save time or cash. That’s risky—it can mess up your home sale later, and insurance might refuse claims for unpermitted work.
Make sure your contractor gives you copies of all approved permits. Those documents prove the work’s legal and inspected.
Ensure Code Compliance
Building codes exist to keep people safe. Your contractor needs to follow current local codes for the whole project.
Codes change over time, so what worked years ago might not pass today. Your contractor should know the latest updates.
Key code areas include:
- Fire safety and egress requirements
- Electrical capacity and wiring methods
- Plumbing fixture placement and venting
- Insulation and energy efficiency standards
Your contractor should schedule inspections at each critical stage. If the work fails inspection, you’re looking at delays and extra costs to fix things.
You can double-check code compliance with your local building department. Many have online tools to show permit status and inspection results.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions help you make smarter choices when hiring a repair pro. They cover experience, credentials, payment, and timing—basically all the stuff you actually care about.
What experience do you have with this type of home repair project?
Experience matters. Ask your contractor how many similar jobs they’ve handled in the last year.
Get details about projects that match your repair type and size. Someone who’s done this before can point out likely challenges and how they’d handle them.
Contractors who regularly do your type of repair usually have the right tools and know-how. They can also give you a more realistic idea of time and cost.
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded for home repair work?
Licensing protects you from unqualified workers. Not every project needs a license, but many do—it depends on where you live.
General liability insurance covers damage to your stuff during the job. Workers’ comp protects you if someone gets hurt while working on your property.
Bonding adds another safety net if the contractor walks off the job or causes issues. Always ask to see proof of all three before you sign anything.
Can you provide references from previous clients?
Good contractors keep a list of happy customers. Ask for at least three recent references with similar projects.
Call these references yourself. Ask about the work quality, reliability, and whether the contractor finished on time and within budget.
References let you see real examples of their work, so you can feel more confident before hiring.
What is the projected timeline for the project, and how do you handle delays?
Timelines matter. Ask for start dates, daily work hours, and when they expect to finish.
Sometimes supply chain issues or other surprises cause delays. Good contractors will tell you what could go wrong and how they’ll deal with it.
Ask what days and hours workers will be in your home so you can plan ahead and know when to be around for questions.
How do you structure payment, and what are the terms?
Payment structure depends on the job and the contractor. Most want a small deposit and payments at milestones.
Steer clear of anyone demanding a big upfront payment. That way, you’re protected if something goes sideways.
Ask which payment methods they accept and when the final payment is due. Get all payment terms in writing before you start.
What warranties or guarantees do you offer on your workmanship?
Good contractors back up their work with warranties or some kind of guarantee. If something goes wrong because of poor workmanship, they’ll cover repairs.
Warranty length really depends on the project and the company. Make sure to ask what the warranty actually covers and how long it sticks around.
Always get the warranty details written into your contract. That way, if issues pop up weeks or even months later, you’re not left in the lurch.
Author: Danny Anderson
Danny Anderson is a seasoned home services professional with over 25 years of hands-on experience in residential construction, remodeling, and repair. After two decades in the field, Danny now shares his expertise through helpful guides, how-tos, and cost breakdowns aimed at making homeownership less stressful and more informed. His practical insights are trusted by homeowners nationwide.
