5 questions to ask before hiring a contractor

If you’re a home owner thinking about completing some home renovations, one of the first things you will need to do is look into hiring a contractor. Contractors are responsible for organizing the completion of renovation projects, including hiring subcontractors and bringing in the workers and tools for the job. A good contractor is necessary for a smooth experience, but how can you narrow down your choices? Here are some questions you should be sure to ask potential contractors to gain an understanding of their expertise and process.

#1 Can you talk about your experience and background?

When you’ve interviewed for a job, the employer has likely asked you about your relevant experience for the role. You should do the same when you’re choosing a contractor for your home project. Not all contractors are the same or equal, so it’s important to make sure you’re selecting an appropriate company or individual. You should ask about the contractor’s professional history, including their years in the industry, past projects they’ve done, their process, etc. Many contractors will be happy to show you examples of previous work for you to get a sense of their experience. Apart from experience, also be sure to ask about their licenses and insurance to complete the jobs you want. Contractors should be happy to show you their licenses and walk you through how they work and what their insurance covers.

#2 Will the project require permits?

Some home projects will need permits and approvals to proceed. Often, this is the case for renovations where the structure of the home is changing somehow. This might mean knocking down walls or adding onto the home. When these changes occur, inspections and permits are often necessary to ensure the project won’t threaten the structural safety of the home, and no weight bearing walls or beams will be taken down. Purely aesthetic projects like counter upgrades or bathroom renovations usually don’t need these permits. When hiring a contractor, ask them about potential permits, and how to go about securing them. Will they organize the inspection and permit, or is that your responsibility? These are things to know before you go ahead with the project, because completing a project without the required permits can result in fees and a halt to the project.

#3 What does the timeline look like?

Contractors should be able to give you an estimate of how long a specific project will take to complete. Of course, completion times will vary depending on what work is being done, and the availability of materials, but even a rough estimate will help you plan. You should find out if you will have to leave the home at any point, if utilities like water or air conditioning will be turned off, and what the hours of a regular work day look like. Be aware that contractors will not have exact answers to all your timeline questions until they get started ordering materials and working on the home, but past experience should help them give you estimates. Plus, keeping track of the timeline will help you know how the work is progressing.

#4 How does the payment work?

Payment schedules vary between companies, so it’s important to understand the process when hiring a contractor. A deposit is often required at the start of the project, with the remaining payment due at the end or at different stages throughout the process. You shouldn’t be asked to make a full payment before the work has begun. If this happens, consider thinking about another contractor. Contractors should have a clear payment plan laid out for you to follow, and you should know how much you will owe and when. This also allows you to look at the total cost of the project, so you can budget accordingly.

#5 Who is the main contact on the job?

Finally, you should know that hiring a contractor means lots of people will be on your property as it becomes a job site. You should have a clear understanding with your main point of contact that you will be contacting them with any questions you have. Find out their preferred method of contact so you don’t go to their spam or junk folder. You will naturally have questions as the project moves along, so it’s good to have a source to provide all the information you need. Plus, you may want to find out if the workers will be the same throughout the project, or if there will be alternating people. You’ll likely have several companies hired by the contractor, but having the same workers helps maintain consistency and gives you a feeling of ease. Plus, you’ll know everyone is caught up on how the project is progressing.

Hiring a contractor for a home renovation project is an important step, because it can determine how smoothly the project itself goes. Taking the time to research professionals, meet with contractors, and get to know their services will be worth the effort. Be prepared for some delays as construction materials are still experiencing supply issues, and be flexible with your timeline. 

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