You've read the reviews, collected estimates, and verified licenses. But those are just the basics. Here are the deeper questions that actually reveal whether a contractor will deliver quality work on time and on budget.
Questions About Their Business
"How long have you been operating under this business name?"
Contractors sometimes close and reopen under new names to escape bad reviews. A long history under the same name suggests stability and accountability.
"Who will be on my job site daily?"
You want to know if you'll see the same people consistently or a rotating cast. Consistent crews know the project and maintain quality. Also ask: "Will you be personally supervising, or do you have a project manager?"
"What percentage of your work is from referrals?"
High referral rates (50%+) indicate satisfied customers. Contractors who rely heavily on advertising or lead-generation sites may have customer retention issues.
Questions About Your Project
"What's the biggest challenge you see with this project?"
A good contractor identifies potential issues upfront rather than discovering them mid-project. If they say "no challenges" on a complex project, they may not be looking closely enough.
"How do you handle change orders?"
Changes happen on every project. You want a clear process: written documentation, pricing agreed before work proceeds, and a reasonable markup structure.
"What's your current workload and when can you start?"
Busy contractors are usually good contractors. But if they're overcommitted, your project may suffer from delayed starts or infrequent site visits. A 4-8 week wait for start is normal; 6+ months might indicate capacity issues.
Questions About Communication
"How will you keep me updated on progress?"
Weekly updates? Daily logs? Photo documentation? The best contractors have systems for keeping clients informed. Vague answers here predict communication problems later.
"What's your response time for questions or issues?"
This is crucial. A contractor who takes days to return calls during the sales process won't improve once they have your money.
Questions About Quality
"Can I visit a job site you're currently working on?"
A clean, organized job site reflects how the contractor runs their business. Chaos on site often translates to problems with the finished product.
"What's your warranty on workmanship?"
Industry standard is 1-2 years. Be wary of contractors who offer no warranty or make vague promises. Get it in writing.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Pressure to sign quickly or offers that expire immediately
- Requests for large deposits (more than 10% or $1,000)
- No physical business address
- Unwillingness to provide references
- Verbal estimates without written proposals
- License numbers that don't match their name
- Significantly lower prices than other bids
The Bottom Line
The best contractor for your project isn't necessarily the cheapest or the most expensive—it's the one who communicates clearly, plans thoroughly, and has systems in place to deliver consistent results. Trust your instincts: if something feels off during the sales process, it won't improve during construction.