Homeowner TipsJune 18, 2026· 5 min read
12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor
Print this list and ask every question of every contractor before signing. The answers separate the pros from the problems.
By QOTA Team
The 12 questions
- What is your license number, and can I verify it on the state board today?
- What's your general liability policy limit, and can you have your insurer email me a COI?
- Do you carry workers' compensation? Can I see the certificate?
- Who will be on-site every day, and what's their direct cell?
- Are you pulling the permit, or am I?
- What's your payment schedule? (Anything more than 10% up front is unusual.)
- How do you handle change orders — verbal, written, what's the markup?
- What's the workmanship warranty in writing?
- What materials are you specifying — exact brand, model, and grade?
- What's the start date, milestone dates, and finish date in the contract?
- Who handles cleanup and disposal? Is dumpster cost in the quote?
- Can I see one finished and one in-progress project in person or by video?
What good answers sound like
A real pro will answer all 12 without hesitation, hand you a printed COI on the spot, and walk you to their license board on their phone. If they push back on any of these, you've found a red flag.
Bonus: contract must-haves
- Full legal business name and license number
- Total contract price and detailed payment schedule
- Scope of work, room by room
- Materials brand, model, and finish
- Start date and substantial completion date
- Permit responsibility
- Change-order process and rates
- Warranty period
- Dispute-resolution clause
- Signatures and date