Recommended Questions to Ask a Contractor
Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask a Contractor
A service professional's answers to some basic questions will give you a sense of whether or not you could comfortably work with that individual. Some important questions are:
- How long have you been in business?
- Have you completed projects like mine recently?
- Can you provide a list of references?
- To which professional associations do you belong?
- Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If so, are your subcontractors licensed to work in these areas (such as plumbing, roofing, etc.)?
- Are you licensed and registered with the city?
- Are you insured and covered by worker's compensation?
- Do you give written warranties?
- Will my project require a permit?
Interview References
Use the reference list to start making calls. Be sure to ask these important questions:
- Would you recommend this service professional?
- Would you use this service professional again?
- Were you happy with the project?
- Was the job completed on time?
- Did the service professional keep you informed of the status of the project?
- Were there any unexpected expenses?
- Were workers punctual?
- Did workers clean up after finishing the job?
- If the answers to these questions are satisfactory, request to visit the individual's home to see the work.