15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Contractor

Before you sign a contract with any home improvement contractor, arm yourself with the right questions. These 15 questions help you evaluate competence, professionalism, and trustworthiness — and separate great contractors from the rest.

Licensing and Insurance

1. "What is your California contractor's license number?" This is non-negotiable for any project over $500. Write down the number and verify it at cslb.ca.gov. Check that the license is active, the classification matches your project type, and there are no unresolved complaints.

2. "Can you provide proof of insurance?" Ask for certificates of both general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Contact the insurance company directly to verify coverage is current. Without workers' comp, you could be liable if a worker is injured on your property.

3. "Will you pull the required permits for this project?" A professional contractor should handle permitting. If they say permits aren't needed for significant work, or suggest you pull the permit yourself, that's a major red flag. Permits protect you by ensuring the work meets building codes.

Experience and References

4. "How long have you been in business in the Sacramento area?" Local experience matters. A contractor familiar with Sacramento's climate, soil conditions, building codes, and permit processes will deliver better results than one new to the area.

5. "Have you completed projects similar to mine?" Ask for photos and references from projects similar in scope and type to yours. A roofer with 20 years of experience may still be the wrong choice if they've never worked with your specific roofing material.

6. "Can you provide three references from recent clients?" References should be from the past 12 months and for projects similar to yours. Actually call them — many homeowners are happy to share their experiences, both good and bad.

Project Specifics

7. "Can you provide a detailed written estimate?" A professional estimate should itemize labor, materials, permits, and any other costs. Vague estimates lead to vague results and surprising bills. Compare estimates line by line, not just bottom lines.

8. "What is your anticipated timeline for this project?" Get a realistic start date and completion date in writing. Ask about factors that could cause delays and how they'll be communicated. Build in a reasonable buffer for unexpected issues.

9. "Who will be working on my project daily?" Will the contractor be on-site regularly, or will you primarily work with a crew or subcontractors? Knowing who your daily point of contact is helps manage communication expectations.

10. "How do you handle change orders?" Changes during a project are common. Your contractor should have a clear process for documenting changes, adjusting costs, and getting your approval before proceeding. This should be specified in the contract.

Financial Questions

11. "What is your payment schedule?" Remember California law limits down payments to 10% of the contract price or $1,000 (whichever is less). Payments should be tied to project milestones, not dates. Never pay for work that hasn't been completed.

12. "What is included in your warranty?" Understand both the workmanship warranty (from the contractor) and any manufacturer warranties (on materials). Get warranty terms in writing. A typical workmanship warranty is 1–5 years.

Communication and Process

13. "How will you communicate progress and any issues?" Establish expectations for communication frequency and method (phone, text, email, project management app). Good communication is the number one factor in a successful contractor relationship.

14. "What is your process for cleanup and final walkthrough?" Professional contractors clean up daily and conduct a thorough final walkthrough with you before requesting final payment. The walkthrough is your opportunity to create a punch list of any items that need attention.

15. "What sets you apart from other contractors?" This open-ended question reveals a lot. Good contractors will talk about their quality standards, customer service approach, team expertise, or specific capabilities. Vague or purely price-based answers may indicate a less professional operation.

Bonus Tips

• Get everything in writing — verbal promises are unenforceable
• Trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is
• Don't let anyone pressure you into signing immediately
• California gives you 3 business days to cancel a home improvement contract
• Take notes during your conversations with each contractor

Asking these questions takes time, but it's an investment that pays off in a better project outcome, fewer surprises, and greater peace of mind throughout the construction process.