Hiring a contractor? Here’s the best questions to ask first.

Whether you’re getting ready to list your home for sale, have received a list of repairs from a potential buyer, or have a general remodeling project in mind, this list is for you! 

Hiring the right contractor for your project is important, because it can affect your time, money and long term satisfaction. Below are the overall recommended steps. Click on a link below or keep scrolling to read through them all.

1. Create project overview
2. What is their experience?
3. Verify insurance & licensing
4. Check references
5. Receive cost estimate
6. Agree on the payment schedule
7. Understand a typical workday
8. Verify needed permits
9. Verify timeframe until complete

Before you call; First, create a project overview & write it down

Before speaking with any potential contractors, get a clear idea of the type of work you need completed. This may seem obvious, but launching into a project without clear deliverables is a recipe to be unhappy with the end result. 

Take your time up front to write out exactly what you are needing done. Your contractor will appreciate the clear list as well. 

Once you have a clear list of your expected deliverables, begin searching for referrals. You can ask your real estate agent, your neighbors or other contacts in your immediate area that may know of someone that does this type of work. 

It is a good idea to gather a list of at least 3-4 possible contractors to interview.

You can also use the internet to research contractors such as painters, roofers, electricians, etc. Make sure to read their reviews before adding them to your short list of contractors that you wish to interview. 

Depending on the type of project, the contractor may want to come to your home to meet with you first or you may be able to have a first meeting over the phone. An in-person is always helpful as it helps you get comfortable with the person that you will be working with over the next several weeks. Also, it allows the prospective contractor to see the job site in person, which will be necessary for an accurate quote.

Let’s review a few of the top questions to ask when hiring a contractor in Oklahoma City Metro. 

Question #1: What is your experience with this type of project?

Some projects may be relatively straightforward, but some may require specialized knowledge. For example, if your home is located in a registered historic district, it would benefit you to work with a professional contractor experienced in those types of homes and requirements. 

Or, if there is a custom paint application you are seeking, you may want to look for a painting contractor that specializes in custom paint finishes rather than standard spray or rolling. 

Asking a contractor about the types of jobs they typically take or have experience in will help you (and them) understand if they’re right for the project. They will also need to have a good understanding of your expectations and should be up front with you if they have the capability to deliver. 

They should be able to show you photographs of completed projects and have references you can speak with. 

Asking the potential contractor about the total years they have been working in this type of role (and any other related roles) is helpful as well. Experience is important because it shows that the contractor is more likely to have the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the job efficiently and accurately. It also shows that they are likely more familiar with any building code requirements in your area.

If a contractor does not have much experience, they may not be aware of all the requirements, which could lead to problems down the road. The more experience a contractor has with your type of project, the more likely you are to be a satisfied client. 

Question #2: Are you insured and licensed?

Hiring an uninsured or unlicensed contractor to complete your project may seem like a good way to save money, but it could come back to bite you. A reputable contractor will be fully insured in case of any accidents that may occur during the job. 

This insurance will protect both the contractor and the homeowner from any financial damages that may result from an accident. 

Without insurance, the homeowner may be liable for any injuries or damage that occur, which could end up costing the homeowner a lot of money. In addition, many homeowners insurance policies will not cover damage done by an uninsured contractor. 

As a result, it is always in the best interest of both the homeowner and the contractor to make sure that the contractor is fully insured before work begins. Once you have a copy of the insurance information, call the carrier to confirm appropriate coverage for worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability in case of accidents. 

Question #3: Do you have references I can speak with?

A reference can provide valuable insights into a contractor’s quality of work, reliability and cost-effectiveness. If you are considering hiring a contractor, it is always a good idea to ask for references from past clients. 

It’s most helpful if the contractor can provide references to completed jobs that are similar to yours. 

When contacting references, be sure to ask specific questions about the project, such as whether the contractor finished on time and on budget, if they were easy to work with and if they would use the contractor again. 

A positive reference can be a strong indicator that you have found a reputable contractor who will do a good job on your project. On the other hand, a negative reference should be cause for concern and could mean that you should continue your search for a different contractor.

In addition to contacting references, searching online sources such as the Better Business Bureau, or Google Reviews can be helpful to spot any concerning trends. 

Question #4: What is your cost estimate?

Any time you’re planning a home improvement project, it’s important to get a detailed, written estimate from your contractor. An itemized estimate will include all the materials, labor, permits, and other costs associated with the job. 

This allows you to understand exactly how much the project will cost and helps you to budget accordingly. It also provides a way to compare different contractors and ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.

In addition, an itemized estimate can help avoid surprises later in the project. If there are any unexpected costs, you’ll be able to identify them up front and adjust accordingly. For all these reasons, getting a detailed, itemized estimate is always best before proceeding with any home improvement project.

Question #5: What is the payment schedule? 

A reputable contractor will not ask for full payment up front. The payment schedule should be confirmed in writing before accepting the contractor’s bid for the project.

It is a good idea to not submit final payment until after the full project is complete, reviewed and inspected. 

The Better Business Bureau recommends making sure your payments are submitted to a company via check or credit card; never cash. Confirm with the contractor that you will receive a final receipt marked “Paid-in-full” upon satisfied completion of the work. 

Question #6: What does a typical workday look like?

If you are living in the home while the work is being completed, you’ll need to understand who is coming and going, and when. Depending on how extensive the work is, you may need to plan on the workers showing up in the morning and staying all day. 

If you work from home, this may require a temporary change in your schedule depending on if the noise level interferes with your needs.

Ask the normal start and finish times of the crew, as well as if the contractor or another manager will be on-site at all times. 

It’s also a good idea to understand how many jobs the crew works at the same time, and what kind of jobs they are. It’s typically for crews to be working on multiple job sites, but if the crew is changing mid-job, then it could introduce room for error or miscommunication. 

Question #7: Are there any permits that need to be pulled, and will you handle that?

Not every home improvement job requires a permit, but major structural changes may. The contractor should be familiar with local laws and regulations, and should pull the necessary permits for you. You should see any necessary permit fees listed on your itemized estimate. 

Question #8: When can you start, and how long will it take?

As you’re planning out the home improvement project, one key point is to communicate expectations for when you need the project completed. If you are on a timeline, such as for a home sale to go through, then that needs to be communicated up front. 

To get an accurate estimate, ask your contractor when they’re available to start the job and how long they think it will take to complete. Keep in mind that many factors can affect their schedules, such as the time of year and the availability of materials. 

In general, it’s best to start a project in the spring or summer when the weather is good and there are more daylight hours. However, if you’re looking to save money, you may be able to get a lower price if you’re willing to start during the off-season. 

Regardless of when you start, make sure you’ve allowed enough time for the job to be done properly. A rushed job will likely have inferior results, so it’s better to wait a little longer and get the job done right.

Conclusion

Hiring a professional contractor can seem intimidating, but if you ask these questions first you will be well on your way to completing your next project. It’s always good to talk to friends, family and neighbors for referrals that they have been pleased with. 

Communicating expectations up front and in a clear manner will help both the contractor deliver on those needs, and help you be satisfied with the end result. Developing a good working relationship with your contractor will help the entire project run smoothly as well. 

Questions? Reach out or drop a comment below.