What to Ask a Contractor Before a Renovation

Home renovations can be stressful, especially when communication is unclear or plans change midproject. Hiring the right contractor can make the difference between a smooth renovation and a costly, frustrating experience.

Because contractors oversee everything from scheduling and budgets to permits and building codes, it’s essential to choose someone who is skilled, knowledgeable and reputable.

Asking the right questions before you hire can help you compare candidates, set clear expectations and protect both your home and your budget, so you can feel more confident as the project begins.

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Start with basics: Licensing, insurance and credentials

When you look for a contractor, it's important to begin with questions that establish whether they’re properly qualified for the work you need.

These basics can help you quickly narrow your list and avoid hiring someone who isn't legally or professionally prepared to handle your renovation. They also protect you from potential liability if something goes wrong.

Are you licensed for this type of project? Ask which licenses the contractor holds, and confirm that they meet your state's licensing requirements for the specific type of work your project involves.
Do you have liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage? Without proper insurance, you could be held financially responsible for injuries or property damage that happens on your project. It's important to hire a contractor who is fully insured.
Are you bonded? A bonded contractor carries a surety bond, which is a financial guarantee that certain losses will be covered if the contractor fails to complete the job or meet legal obligations, such as pulling permits.

Background and experience

Ask about the contractor's background and experience to ensure they're prepared for the specific type and scope of your home renovation.

Not every contractor specializes in the same kind of work, and experience with projects such as yours can make a big difference in how smoothly things go.

How long have you been in business? Ask about the contractor's experience, and be sure to also ask how many projects they’ve completed.
Have you done projects like mine? Get specific and find out how many similar projects the contractor has completed. Look for a contractor who has experience with the same type of renovations, whether you’re updating your kitchen or are putting on an addition.
Can you provide recent references? Ask the contractor to provide several recent references, then take the time to contact those references. Ask them not only about the type and quality of work performed, but about their entire experience working with the contractor and if they would choose to hire them again.

It's also a good idea to check online reviews and referrals for a comprehensive understanding of what people are saying about the contractor.

Along with online reviews and referrals, verify the contractor's license and insurance with your state or the issuing insurer to confirm their credentials are current.

Scope, permits and process

Asking detailed questions about the project's scope helps set realistic expectations and avoid surprises that can delay the project or increase costs. Rules around permits and inspections, in particular, can play a major role in how smoothly — or slowly — a renovation moves forward.

Will you handle permits and inspections? If your project requires permits, a contractor who will handle that process can help ensure the job runs smoothly, plus it means you don’t have to worry about the permitting process.
What is your process from start to finish? Get details on how the contractor works, including how they'll manage each element of the project.
Do you manage design, materials and subcontractors? Getting specific about these details now can help you better understand what the contractor will handle and what might be left up to you to manage.
What is included — and what’s excluded? Ask the contractor to clearly identify what they do and what they don't do during a project. Identifying any gaps now can help you plan.

Timeline, schedule and disruption

Renovation schedules can be notoriously difficult to manage, so ask plenty of details about the project’s timeline.

When can you start work? Highly sought-after contractors often have multiple projects scheduled, which can delay their start date. Confirm that their availability works with your timeline.
How long will it take? Ask for an estimated renovation duration, but remember that the timeline might change, and delays often occur.
What’s the daily schedule onsite? Understanding the daily work schedule can help you plan your own schedule, or even determine if you need to move out of your home during the renovation.
How will you protect my home and property during construction? Get details on specifics such as how the contractor will protect your floors or keep dust out of the rest of your home during the project.

Budget, bids and payment terms

Contractor showing information on digital tablet to client during a home renovation

Ask detailed questions about project costs and payment terms so you can stay in control of your renovation budget. Be sure to get written, itemized estimates from multiple contractors so you can compare pricing, scope and what's included before you commit.

Is the bid a fixed price or estimate? A fixed price bid gives you a definite, predictable price, while an estimate could change significantly. Be sure you understand which price the contractor is providing.
What’s the payment schedule? Contractors will often require an initial deposit, then you'll make additional payments when certain project milestones are achieved. This schedule needs to be clearly identified before you sign your contract.
How are change orders handled? Changes can and do arise midrenovation. Get details on how the contractor handles such situations.

Communication and decision making

Good communication can prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems and helps you stay informed throughout the renovation. Ask contractors how they communicate and make decisions so expectations are clear from the start.

What’s your preferred contact method? Some contractors prefer phone, while others will text or email. Clarify what the contractor prefers ahead of time.
Who is my point person? The contractor should be able to give you a single point person with whom to communicate, which can help avoid miscommunication and confusion.
How often should I expect updates? Some contractors communicate more often than others. Clarifying update frequency will help give you an idea of what to expect and whether the contractor’s communication frequency aligns with your expectations.
What happens if issues arise or timelines slip? Find out how a contractor has handled these issues in the past to make sure they're prepared to handle them if they arise during your project.

Watch for red flags

As you speak with contractors, pay attention not just to their answers, but to how they communicate and conduct themselves. Certain behaviors can signal potential problems down the road, so watch for these red flags:

Large upfront cash requests or pressure to sign quickly. Upfront deposits are typically 10% to 30% of the renovation's total cost. If a contractor is pressuring you for a much larger deposit or wants you to sign a contract very quickly, look for another contractor.

Refusal to put details in writing. Contractors should be willing to put all these details in writing, since it protects both you and the contractor. Only work with a contractor who provides a full, detailed contract.

Inconsistent or vague answers. If a contractor doesn't provide satisfactory and consistent answers to your questions, you won’t be able to fully trust them with your project.

Lack of references. An experienced, skilled contractor should be able to provide you with plenty of references. If they can't, look for a different contractor.

After the hire: Contracts and documentation

Once you decide to hire a contractor, they should provide you with a detailed contract, including the renovation's scope, timeline, warranty, payment terms and a dispute process. Read and understand the contract before you sign it, then keep a copy of the document that you and the contractor signed in a safe place.

Keep a file of permits, receipts, change orders and correspondence with the contractor throughout the duration of the project. Hopefully, you won’t encounter any issues during your renovation, but if you do, these documents can help you navigate them.

Planning a major home upgrade? Tapping your home's equity through a HELOC or home equity loan can provide flexible funding for renovation costs. Rates and terms vary by lender, so it's worth comparing offers before you choose.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to explore and compare some of today's top offers:

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Paige Cerulli is a freelance journalist and content writer with more than 15 years of experience. She specializes in personal finance, health, and commerce content. Paige majored in English and music performance at Westfield State University and has received numerous awards for her creative nonfiction. Her work has appeared in The U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, GOBankingRates, Top Ten Reviews, TIME Stamped Shopping and more. In her spare time, Paige enjoys horseback riding, photography and playing the flute. Connect with her on LinkedIn.