Must Ask Questions

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If you are looking for a contractor for your home improvement project, you need to do your homework. It is not enough to look for reviews, ratings, or licenses. You also need to compare prices and ask questions.

Many homeowners feel intimidated by contractors and pay more than they should. They also do not know enough about their project and rely on the contractor's advice. This can lead to misunderstandings, delays, or poor-quality work.

That is why we recommend that you use our service to find the best Pros in your area. We connect you directly with qualified and insured contractors who offer transparent and competitive pricing. You can easily see their previous work, read their testimonials, and contact them.

But don't take our word for it. We encourage you to check other sources and come to us last. We are confident that you will find the best deal and the best quality with us.

Before you hire a contractor, make sure you ask these must-ask questions:

How long have you been working in the industry or business?
What you want to know is that they’ve been in business long enough to establish a credible track record of successful work experience

Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
You want to know that they’re licensed (and it’s current) and carry worker’s comp and liability insurance to cover any accidents. Being bonded is not a universal requirement, so not all contractors are. Think of bonding as an insurance policy for the homeowner that protects you if the job heads south.

Do you guarantee your work in writing?
While a verbal guarantee is nice, it offers no guarantees that the contractor will stand behind their work. You want a written guarantee that states exactly what is and isn’t covered.

Can you provide references?
Ratings and reviews are a great resource, especially when coupled with references from previous customers. Ask your contractor to provide a list of references you can contact. Think twice before hiring them if aren’t able to.

Do you pull all the required permits?
Failing to pull the required permits can cost you big time. However, many homeowners are unsure as to what permits they’re required to pull for a project. While you can obtain the permits, you’ll want your contractor to as it indicates that they’re going to stand behind their work and, more importantly, have the licenses required to pull the permits. If your contractor is hesitant to pull the permits it could be a red flag.

Who will be managing the project?
Knowing who will manage the project is key, especially if your project is large enough to require sub-contractors. If the individual you’re dealing with during the estimate process is not the one who will be managing the project, insist on meeting the project manager so you can get a read on whether or not you’ll feel comfortable working with them.

What is the project timeline and daily work schedule?
The nature of construction is often dynamic. Workers get sick, orders get delayed, and weather can cause interruptions. However, an organized contractor should be able to provide you with a work schedule that clearly outlines when the project will start and end, as well as the hours the crew will be working.

Will you need water or bathroom facilities?
Most contractors are self-sufficient enough to bring their water. However, there’s a good chance they’ll need to use your facilities. Asking them before the project gets started allows you to tell them which bathroom you prefer them to use.

Will you need keys to my house or my garage code? Who will have access to either?
Many homeowners don’t feel comfortable giving their contractors the keys to their homes. That being said, unless you plan on staying home during construction, you’re going to need to give your contractor access to your home. Knowing exactly who has the key to your home or your garage access code gives you the peace of mind you need to know your home is safe.

Will you sign a contract?
Over 50 percent of homeowners’ primary concerns when hiring a Pro is that the Pro won’t follow through with their service guarantee. Any contractor worth dealing with will be willing to write out a contract that spells out the work to be done, materials to be used, time frame in which the project will be completed, project costs, as well as stipulations outlining what will happen if the project becomes more problematic than anticipated (what’s known as a “time and materials” contract). The contract should also include a termination clause that spells out circumstances in which both parties are allowed to terminate the contract.

*You want to feel comfortable with the pro you choose for the job.