Licensing & Credentials
1. Are you licensed for this type of work in this state, and can you provide your license number?
A legitimate contractor answers this immediately and in writing. The license number lets you look them up on your state's licensing board portal to confirm the license is active, unexpired, covers the correct trade, and lists the business name they're operating under. A contractor who hesitates, changes the subject, or offers verbal assurances instead of a number is telling you something. Look up how to verify a contractor license by state.
2. Do you hold any specialty licenses or certifications for this project?
For electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural work, specialty licenses are typically required on top of a general contractor license. For roofing, some states require manufacturer certifications to install certain products. This question confirms the contractor has the specific credentials the job requires — not just a general license that doesn't cover the trade in question.
3. Have you had any license suspensions, revocations, or disciplinary actions?
Ask directly. A professional will say no or acknowledge a resolved issue with context. Then verify independently through your state licensing board's public records. A "clean" answer that doesn't match the public record is a disqualifier.
Insurance
4. Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance listing my address as the project site?
Every legitimate contractor carries general liability insurance and, if they have employees, workers' compensation. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) proves current coverage. Asking them to list your property as the project site means you receive notification if the policy lapses during your project. A contractor who can't or won't provide this should not work on your property. Full process in our COI guide.
5. Do your subcontractors carry their own insurance?
Subcontractors injured on your property may not be covered by your contractor's policy. If a subcontractor doesn't carry their own workers' compensation, you may be liable for injuries on your property. Ask for proof of insurance for all major subcontractors before work begins.
Experience & References
6. How long have you been doing this type of work specifically, and how many similar projects have you completed?
Years in business is less important than years of relevant experience. A contractor with 15 years in commercial work may have minimal residential renovation experience. Ask specifically about the type and scale of project you're hiring for. Request to see three to five comparable completed projects.
7. Can you provide references from the last three projects similar in scope to mine?
Recent references matter more than old ones because companies change. Ask for projects completed within the last 12 months. When you contact references, ask not just if they were satisfied but: Did they finish on schedule? Did the price match the quote? Would they hire them again without hesitation? See our full guide on checking references effectively.
8. Will you be on-site daily, or is this project being managed by someone else?
Many GCs manage multiple projects simultaneously and delegate day-to-day site management to a lead carpenter or foreman. That isn't necessarily a problem — but you should know who is responsible for the work, who has the authority to make decisions on-site, and how to reach that person. Surprises here often become communication problems later.
Scope, Contract & Materials
9. Will your quote be itemized — materials, labor, permits, and disposal listed separately?
Itemized quotes are essential for comparing bids accurately and for verifying work during the project. A quote that gives only a lump sum tells you nothing about where money is being allocated or what happens if scope changes. Require itemization before you engage seriously with any bid.
10. What materials are you specifying, and can I see the brands, grades, and product specs in writing?
Material substitutions are one of the most common cost-cutting tactics. If the contract says "roofing shingles" without specifying manufacturer and grade, you may receive a significantly lower quality product than what was implied. Get specifics in writing and require delivery receipts before installation.
11. Who pulls the permits, and who is responsible for passing all inspections?
Permits are pulled in the homeowner's name, but the contractor typically handles the application. Confirm which permits are required, who files them, and that passing all inspections is a contractual condition of final payment. A contractor who suggests skipping permits is telling you the work won't pass inspection. Read our permits guide.
Payment
12. What payment schedule do you use, and is it tied to project milestones?
Safe payment schedules tie money to verified completion of specific phases — not to calendar dates or contractor cash flow needs. A reasonable structure is 10–25% upfront, milestone payments at defined stages, and 10–15% held until final punch list is complete and inspections are signed off. See our full payment schedule guide.
13. How are change orders handled — what triggers one, how are they priced, and who must authorize them?
Change orders are the most common source of cost disputes. Your contract should require that all changes are in writing and signed by you before any out-of-scope work begins. A contractor who expects verbal approvals is creating conditions for a dispute. A clear, written change-order process is a sign of professionalism, not bureaucracy.
14. Will you provide unconditional lien waivers from all subcontractors and suppliers before final payment?
Without lien waivers, suppliers and subs your contractor hasn't paid can place a mechanic's lien on your property — even after you've paid in full. This is not rare. Final lien waivers should be a contractual condition of your final payment. Our lien waiver guide explains exactly what to ask for.
Timeline & Communication
15. What is your projected start date and completion date, and what could cause delays?
Get start and completion dates in writing as contract terms. Ask specifically what conditions could cause delays and how those are communicated. A contractor who commits to a schedule but can't name any realistic delay risks is either not being honest or hasn't thought the project through. Known risks (permit delays, weather windows, material lead times) should be documented and allocated clearly.
16. How do you communicate with clients during the project — how often and through what channel?
Communication expectations set now prevent most conflicts later. Ask whether they provide daily or weekly summaries, how to reach the site manager, what the turnaround time is for non-emergency questions, and how they handle unexpected discoveries. Review our project communication standard for what professional communication looks like.
17. Are you currently working on other projects that could affect our timeline?
Every contractor manages multiple jobs. The question is whether their current workload is compatible with your schedule. A full calendar is not disqualifying — but an honest answer about it is. If they claim full availability when their schedule can't support it, that's a warning sign for how they'll manage competing priorities mid-project.
Warranties & Problem Resolution
18. What warranties do you offer on materials and workmanship, and are they in writing?
Workmanship warranties and manufacturer material warranties are separate. Get both in writing before signing the contract. Typical workmanship warranties range from one to two years for residential work. Longer warranties are not always better — a warranty from a contractor who won't be in business next year is meaningless. Check that materials are being installed per manufacturer specs, which is required to preserve product warranties.
19. How do you handle deficiencies discovered after the project is complete?
Ask directly what their process is for addressing post-completion defects. Do they respond to warranty calls? What is their typical response time? Do they require the homeowner to go through an arbitration process? A contractor who has a clear, fair warranty service process has thought through this before. One who becomes vague or defensive here has probably had problems worth asking about.
20. Have you ever had a complaint filed with the BBB or your state licensing board, and if so, how was it resolved?
This question is as much about the answer as about how it is delivered. A contractor with zero issues over many years of operation will say so confidently. One with a resolved complaint should be able to explain it straightforwardly. Defensiveness, vagueness, or a pivot to "you can look it up yourself" are worth noting. Then do look it up yourself regardless of their answer.
The Simplest Way to Pre-Screen
Use the free CraftAuthority verification checklist before your first conversation with any contractor. It takes 60 seconds and eliminates the ones who shouldn't make the shortlist. Then use these 20 questions to evaluate the rest.