5 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

Hiring a contractor is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. To protect your investment and ensure a smooth renovation or build, start with these essential questions—backed by industry best practices and local standards.

1. Are You Licensed, Bonded & Insured?

Why it matters: Licensing confirms competency and permits work in California. Bonding protects you financially if something goes wrong. Insurance shields you from liability if someone gets hurt on your property.
What to ask:

• Can you provide your CSLB license number and verify it's in good standing?

• Do you carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance?

• Who is listed as the certificate holder on these policies?

According to the California Contractors State License Board, verifying license status and bonding is critical to avoid potential risk (mclennancontracting.com, dcba.lacounty.gov, squareone.ca, architecturaldigest.com).

2. How Much Experience Do You Have in Similar Projects?

Why it matters: You want a contractor who knows the nuances of your project type—be it a whole-home renovation, ADU addition, or historical restoration.
What to ask:

• How long have you been in business?

• Have you completed projects similar to mine?

• Can you share a portfolio or references?

Research indicates asking about background quickly reveals if they’re good fit for your specific home project (americanfinancing.net, mclennancontracting.com, bigrentz.com).

3. Will You Handle Permits and Inspections?

Why it matters: Most structural changes in California require permits. If not handled properly, it could delay your project—or worse, leave it non-compliant.
What to ask:

• Will you manage obtaining all permits and scheduling inspections on my behalf?

• How many permits have you pulled in this jurisdiction recently?

A good contractor will proactively secure all necessary permits to avoid legal issues (goasher.com).

4. What Is the Project Timeline and Payment Schedule?

Why it matters: You deserve transparency—not surprises. Clear schedules and payment terms help you plan and avoid misunderstandings.
What to ask:

• What’s the estimated start and completion date?

• What are the workflow milestones?

• What’s your payment schedule (e.g., deposit, progress payments, etc.)?

Expert advice suggests discussing schedule and payment upfront to mitigate cost overruns (lifelanes.progressive.com, goasher.com, architecturaldigest.com).

5. How Will We Communicate Throughout the Project?

Why it matters: Consistent communication makes the process smoother and helps catch issues early.
What to ask:

• Who will be my primary point of contact?

• How often will I get progress updates?

• Will you use a digital tool (like BuilderTrend) or rely on calls and emails?

Experts recommend weekly meetings or a communication plan to avoid surprises (americanfinancing.net, architecturaldigest.com).

 Bonus Pro Tips

• Get multiple quotes: Compare prices, materials, and timelines—don’t go with the cheapest blindly (travelers.com).

• Check online reviews: Look for consistent praise—or recurring complaints—and ask why negative reviews occurred .

If you have any of the similar questions listed above feel free to CONTACT US

 Wrap-Up: Your Smart Contractor Checklist