10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Residential Contractor

Choosing a contractor is one of the biggest decisions in a house project. These ten questions help you compare companies on specifics instead of promises. Ask them in writing where you can.

The ten questions

1. What exactly is included in the scope, and what is not? Exclusions are where surprises hide.
2. Can I see an itemised written estimate? You need something you can compare line by line.
3. Which materials and brands will be used, and can I approve them? Specifications should be written, not assumed.
4. How are payments linked to progress? Payments tied to completed stages keep incentives aligned.
5. Who supervises the site day to day? Ask for a named point of contact.
6. How will you keep me updated? Regular, structured updates reduce misunderstandings.
7. How are changes handled and priced? Changes should be agreed and recorded before work is done.
8. What is the expected timeline, and what happens if it slips? A realistic plan is more useful than a short one.
9. Can I see completed or ongoing work? Visiting a site tells you more than any brochure.
10. What support is available after handover? Repairs and maintenance are part of owning a home.

Warning signs

• Reluctance to put anything in writing
• Very large advance payments before work begins
• Estimates that cannot be compared because the scope is vague
• No clear person responsible for your project

To understand how a single contract can work, read about turnkey home construction.