20 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Contractor

The questions you ask before hiring a contractor reveal more than any advertisement, review, or sales pitch ever could. A professional contractor will answer these questions confidently and thoroughly. An unqualified one will dodge, deflect, or pressure you to move forward without answers.

Here are 20 essential questions, why each matters, and what good answers look like.

Licensing & Insurance Questions

1. "What is your CSLB license number and classification?"

Why it matters: This is the single most important question. It immediately separates licensed professionals from unlicensed operators.

Good answer: They give you the number without hesitation. "My license number is 1234567, and I hold a B and C-10 classification."

Bad answer: Hesitation, can't remember the number, claims they're "working on it," or says licensing isn't necessary for your project.

Your action: Verify at cslb.ca.gov before the conversation goes any further.

2. "Can you provide current certificates for general liability and workers' compensation insurance?"

Why it matters: Insurance protects you from financial liability for property damage and worker injuries.

Good answer: "Absolutely. I'll email you both certificates today. Here are my coverage amounts: $1M general liability and full workers' comp through [insurance company]."

Bad answer: "I'm insured" without providing documentation, or expired/photocopied certificates.

Your action: Call the insurance company to verify coverage is active and adequate.

3. "Will you pull all required building permits for this project?"

Why it matters: Permits ensure work meets building codes. Unpermitted work creates legal and financial problems.

Good answer: "Yes, permitting is part of our standard process. We handle all applications, fees, and inspection scheduling."

Bad answer: "You don't need a permit for this" (for significant work) or "You should pull the permit yourself."

4. "Are all your subcontractors licensed and insured?"

Why it matters: Even if the general contractor is licensed, unlicensed subcontractors on your property create liability.

Good answer: "All our subs are licensed in their specialty and carry their own insurance. I can provide their license numbers."

Bad answer: Evasive answer, claims they don't use subs when they clearly will, or can't provide sub license numbers.

Experience & Qualifications

5. "How long have you been licensed and working in the Sacramento area?"

Why it matters: Local experience means familiarity with Sacramento's building codes, permit processes, climate considerations, and soil conditions.

Good answer: Specific years of experience with knowledge of local conditions. "I've been licensed since 2010 and have completed over 200 projects in the greater Sacramento area."

Bad answer: Vague answers, recent arrival with no local references, or inability to discuss local building requirements.

6. "Have you completed projects similar to mine in scope and type?"

Why it matters: A roofer with 20 years of experience may not be the right choice if they've never worked with your specific roofing material. Experience with similar projects reduces surprises.

Good answer: "Yes, we completed a very similar kitchen remodel in Roseville last month. Let me show you photos and connect you with the homeowner."

Bad answer: "I can do anything" without specific examples.

7. "Can you provide three references from the past 12 months for similar projects?"

Why it matters: Recent references for similar work are the best predictor of your experience.

Good answer: Three names and phone numbers provided without hesitation. Bonus: they offer to show you a current or recent job site.

Bad answer: "I don't really keep references" or provides contacts who can't describe specific projects.

8. "Who will be my day-to-day point of contact, and will you be on site regularly?"

Why it matters: Knowing who to call when questions arise prevents frustration and miscommunication.

Good answer: "I'll be on site for the first and last hour of each day, and my foreman [name] will be here full-time. Here's both our cell numbers."

Bad answer: Vague about who will be present, or the contractor seems to have too many projects running simultaneously.

Project Specifics

9. "Can you provide a detailed, itemized written estimate?"

Why it matters: Detailed estimates allow apples-to-apples comparison and reduce surprise costs.

Good answer: A multi-page document breaking down labor, materials (by specific product), permits, and any other costs.

Bad answer: A one-line quote, a verbal estimate, or a total number without breakdown.

10. "What is your realistic timeline for this project?"

Why it matters: Unrealistic timelines lead to frustration. Understanding the actual timeline helps you plan.

Good answer: "We'll start on [date], and based on the scope, we expect completion in 6-8 weeks, barring weather delays or material supply issues."

Bad answer: Overly optimistic timeline ("We'll have your kitchen done in a week") or inability to commit to any timeline.

11. "How do you handle change orders?"

Why it matters: Changes during construction are common. A clear process prevents disputes.

Good answer: "Any changes require a written change order signed by both parties before work proceeds. It includes the scope change, cost adjustment, and timeline impact."

Bad answer: "We'll figure it out as we go" or a process that doesn't require your written approval.

12. "What materials will you use, and can I see or approve samples?"

Why it matters: Material quality varies enormously and directly affects durability, appearance, and cost.

Good answer: "We spec [specific brands/models] in our estimate. We can visit our supplier's showroom together, or I'll bring samples to our next meeting."

Bad answer: "We use standard materials" without specifying brands, models, or grades.

Financial Questions

13. "What is your payment schedule?"

Why it matters: California law limits deposits and ties payments to milestones.

Good answer: "10% at signing, 30% when materials arrive, 30% at rough-in completion, 30% on final walkthrough and approval." (Or similar milestone-based schedule.)

Bad answer: "50% upfront" (illegal in California) or payments tied to dates rather than milestones.

14. "What forms of payment do you accept?"

Why it matters: Paper trails protect you.

Good answer: "Check, credit card, or bank transfer — all made out to [business name]. We provide receipts for every payment."

Bad answer: "Cash only" or requests to make checks out to an individual rather than the business.

15. "What is included in your warranty?"

Why it matters: Understanding warranty coverage before work begins prevents disputes after completion.

Good answer: "We provide a 2-year workmanship warranty covering any defects in our labor. Materials are covered by manufacturer warranties which we'll provide documentation for."

Bad answer: "We stand behind our work" without specific terms, duration, or written documentation.

Communication & Process

16. "How will you communicate progress, schedule changes, and issues?"

Why it matters: Communication is the #1 factor in contractor satisfaction.

Good answer: "We send weekly progress updates via email with photos. For any issues or schedule changes, I call you directly within 24 hours."

Bad answer: "Just call me if you have questions" with no proactive communication plan.

17. "What is your process for cleanup during and after the project?"

Why it matters: A messy job site is a safety hazard and quality indicator.

Good answer: "We clean up at the end of each work day and do a thorough final cleanup before the final walkthrough. We also roll out floor protection and use dust barriers."

Bad answer: "We clean up when we're done" or no mention of daily cleanup.

18. "What happens if you discover unexpected issues during the project?"

Why it matters: Hidden problems (rot, outdated wiring, asbestos) are common in renovation. The response process matters.

Good answer: "We stop work in that area, document the issue, contact you immediately, and provide options with costs before proceeding."

Bad answer: "We'll handle it" without a clear notification and approval process.

19. "Will you conduct a final walkthrough with me before requesting final payment?"

Why it matters: The walkthrough is your opportunity to create a punch list of items needing attention.

Good answer: "Absolutely. We schedule a dedicated walkthrough where we go room by room. You create a punch list, we address every item, and only then do we request final payment."

Bad answer: "Just look it over and let me know" or rushing to collect final payment before completion.

20. "What sets your company apart from other contractors?"

Why it matters: This open-ended question reveals priorities, values, and professionalism.

Good answer: Specific, substantive response about quality standards, customer service approach, team expertise, training, or unique capabilities. Mentions specific examples.

Bad answer: "We're the cheapest" or generic, unsubstantiated claims about being "the best."

How to Use These Questions

1. Ask every contractor the same questions — this creates a fair comparison 2. Take notes — write down their answers during or immediately after the conversation 3. Compare answers — the differences will be revealing 4. Trust patterns — one weak answer might be nerves; multiple weak answers are a pattern 5. Follow up — verify everything they tell you (license, insurance, references)

The contractor who answers all 20 questions confidently, specifically, and transparently is almost certainly the one who will deliver a great project. The one who dodges, pressures, or gives vague answers is telling you everything you need to know — just not with words.