What Questions to Ask a Contractor Before Hiring

Most homeowners don't ask enough questions before hiring. The ones who do protect themselves from bad surprises. Here are the questions that actually matter - and what good answers look like.

Questions About Credentials

"What is your contractor license number?" Good answer: A specific number. Verify at cslb.ca.gov before proceeding. Bad answer: Evasion, "I'm exempt," or a number that doesn't check out.

"Can you show me your insurance certificate?" Good answer: "Yes, I can send it to you today." You want general liability + workers' comp. Bad answer: Hedging about it, saying it's not necessary, or promising to bring it later.

"Are you licensed for this specific type of work?" Good answer: Clear confirmation with the relevant license classification (C-10 for electrical, C-36 for plumbing, C-20 for HVAC). Bad answer: "I've been doing this for years" without naming a license.

Questions About the Project

"Have you done this type of work before? Can I see examples?" Good answer: Examples of similar completed work, possibly photos or a reference. Bad answer: "Yes, of course" without supporting evidence.

"Will you be doing the work yourself or using subcontractors?" Good answer: Clear answer about who will be on site. If subs are used: "We use licensed subcontractors for [specific portion] - here's who." Bad answer: Vague or evasive about who does the work.

"Is a permit required for this work?" Good answer: Clear knowledge of permit requirements for the job type in your jurisdiction. Bad answer: "I can do it without a permit" (for work that requires one) or genuine uncertainty.

"Who pulls the permit?" Good answer: "We pull all required permits." The contractor should be pulling permits, not you. Bad answer: Asking you to pull the permit (this is a red flag - see the contractor red flags article).

Questions About Pricing

"Is this a flat-rate quote or an estimate?" Good answer: Clear statement of which it is, with an explanation of what circumstances would cause a price change. Bad answer: Ambiguous answer that lets them change the price freely later.

"What's included in this price?" Good answer: Specific scope - what labor, what materials, what testing or cleanup. Bad answer: Vague "everything" without specifics.

"What's not included?" Good answer: Clear list of what's excluded - often painting after drywall, disposal fees, unknown existing conditions. Bad answer: "Nothing, it's all included" (nothing is always included).

"What happens if you discover something unexpected during the work?" Good answer: "We stop, explain the new situation, get your approval before proceeding with any additional charges." Bad answer: No clear protocol, or "we just handle it and bill accordingly."

Questions About Timeline

"How long will this job take?" Good answer: A realistic time range. "One day if there are no surprises; possibly two if we find X." Bad answer: Overconfident "a few hours" without any caveats.

"When can you start?" Good answer: A specific date or range. Booking out 2-3 weeks is normal for good contractors. Bad answer: "Right away!" (free schedule = low demand = possibly a reason)

"What could delay this project?" Good answer: Honest answer about common delays for this type of work (permit timing, backordered parts, etc.). Bad answer: "Nothing, it'll be fine."

Questions About Warranty

"Do you warranty your labor?" Good answer: Specific warranty period with clear terms. "1 year on our labor. If something we installed fails due to workmanship, we come back." Bad answer: "Of course" without specifics, or "all work is as-is."

"What does your warranty cover?" Good answer: Clear scope - workmanship defects, improper installation. Bad answer: Broad claims without specifics that won't hold up when tested.

Questions for Large Projects

"Can I speak with a recent client?" Good answer: Yes, immediately, with a name and number. Bad answer: Hesitation, "I'll have to check with them first," or never following through.

"What is your payment schedule?" Good answer: Milestone-based. "X% at start, X% at [specific milestone], X% at completion." Bad answer: "Half upfront" or any request for more than 25-30% before work begins.

"What are the terms for changes to the scope?" Good answer: "All changes get a written change order before we proceed." Bad answer: No clear process.

Reading the Answers

The quality of a contractor's answers tells you as much as the content. A contractor who answers questions directly, without defensiveness, and with specific details is running a professional operation. One who hedges, gets vague, or pushes back on basic questions is showing you how they'll handle problems during the job.

Bottom Line

These questions filter out contractors who will cause problems later. A good contractor answers them without hesitation. An evasive contractor is showing you who they are before you've paid a dollar.

Sources and editorial notes

Prices and permit requirements vary by location, property, equipment, and scope. Treat price ranges as planning estimates and confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and contractor.

• California Contractors State License Board - when a contractor license is required
• US Department of Energy - Energy Saver
• US Consumer Product Safety Commission - home safety

Related guides

• What to Check Before Hiring a Contractor (License, Insurance, Reviews)
• What Customers Look for When Hiring a Contractor
• What HVAC Certifications Should Your Technician Have?

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