17 questions to ask a contractor before signing (and why)
You don’t need to be an expert to ask expert questions. Bring this list to your next contractor meeting.
License, insurance, references
1. What is your license number and can I verify it on the state board? 2. Do you carry general liability AND workers’ comp insurance — can I see certificates? 3. Can you give me three references from projects completed in the last year?
Scope and price
4. What’s the total price, and what would change it? 5. Which line items are allowances — and what are the odds each runs over? 6. Are there any exclusions I should know about?
Permits and inspections
7. Which permits are required and who pulls them? 8. Who schedules and attends inspections?
Payment and timing
9. What’s the payment schedule and what triggers each payment? 10. What’s the deposit, and does it comply with state law? 11. When do you start, and when is substantial completion?
Changes, disputes, cleanup
12. What’s your change-order procedure? 13. How are disputes handled? 14. What’s your daily cleanup and end-of-job cleanup practice?
Warranty and after-work
15. What’s the workmanship warranty? 16. Are lien waivers provided with each payment? 17. What’s your punch-list process and how do we close out the project?
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