Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor
Fifteen minutes of questions up front can prevent months of frustration later.
Licensing and Insurance
Ask whether the company is licensed for your trade in your state or municipality, and request a certificate of insurance showing general liability and workers' compensation. Verify both independently rather than relying on a copy handed to you.
Experience With Your Specific Project
A company that installs asphalt shingles every week is not automatically the right choice for a standing-seam metal roof. Ask how many projects like yours they completed in the last year and request photos or addresses of recent local work.
Permits and Inspections
Ask who pulls the permit and who meets the inspector. In most cases the contractor should handle both. If a professional suggests skipping a required permit, treat that as a serious warning sign — it can create problems when you sell the home.
Change Orders
Hidden damage happens: rotted decking, old wiring, failed subfloor. Ask how change orders are documented and priced, and require written approval before extra work proceeds.
Warranty and Follow-Up
Separate the manufacturer's material warranty from the contractor's workmanship warranty. Ask how long the workmanship warranty lasts and what the process is if you find a problem six months later.