How to Vet a Contractor: Questions You Should Ask Before Signing

Welcome back to our series on hiring the right team for your home or business! If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve already talked about why the cheapest bid isn’t always the best deal and how to spot red flags early on. Today, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty: the interview.

Choosing a partner for your general contractor services is a big deal. Whether you’re planning a small kitchen remodel or a massive commercial buildout, the person you hire will be in your space, spending your budget, and handling your dreams. It’s okay to be a little nervous, actually, it’s a good sign! It means you care about the result.

Think of this interview as a "coffee date" for your house. You want to make sure you’re compatible before you commit to a long-term relationship. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the must-ask questions that will help you separate the professionals from the "fly-by-night" guys.

1. The "Must-Haves": Licensing and Insurance

Before you even talk about paint colors or floor plans, you have to talk about the "boring" stuff. But trust us, this is the most important part!

The Question: "Are you currently licensed and insured for this type of work in our state?"

A professional residential contractor should have no problem providing their license number and proof of insurance.

Why it matters: If someone gets hurt on your property or the neighbor’s roof gets damaged, you want to be 100% sure the contractor’s insurance covers it. Otherwise, you might be the one on the hook.
Insider Tip: Don’t just take their word for it. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that shows general liability and workers’ compensation. It’s a totally normal request, so don’t feel shy about asking!

A close-up shot of a professional folder labeled 'Contractor Credentials' resting on a clean wooden desk. Next to it is a pair of safety glasses, a measuring tape, and a pen. The scene suggests organization, transparency, and professional preparedness.

2. Who is Actually Doing the Work?

You might hit it off with the owner of the company, but will they be the one swinging the hammer?

The Question: "Do you use your own crew, or do you work with subcontractors?"

Neither answer is "wrong," but you need to know how the team is managed.

The In-House Crew: Some companies have their own full-time employees. This can mean a more consistent schedule and tighter quality control.
Subcontractors: Many great contractors hire specialists (like electricians or plumbers). If they do this, ask how long they’ve worked with those "subs." A contractor who has used the same plumber for 10 years is a great sign, it means they have a reliable, trusted network.

At Farris General Contracting, we pride ourselves on our project management. We believe you deserve to know exactly who is coming in and out of your home.

3. The "Surprise" Factor: Change Order Policies

Even the best-planned projects can run into surprises. Maybe you decide to upgrade your tile mid-way through, or perhaps we find some ancient wiring behind a wall.

The Question: "What is your formal process for change orders?"

A "change order" is just a fancy way of saying "a change to the original plan."

The Professional Way: A pro will tell you that any change, no matter how small, should be put in writing, signed by both of you, and include the updated cost and timeline.
The Red Flag: If a contractor says, "Oh, we’ll just settle up at the end," be careful! This is how budgets spiral out of control.

By having a clear policy, everyone stays on the same page. It keeps the "scary" out of the surprises.

4. Setting the Clock: Timeline Expectations

We’ve all heard horror stories of a three-week bathroom remodel turning into a six-month nightmare.

The Question: "What is the estimated timeline, and how do you handle delays?"

Ask for a start date and an end date, but also ask about the milestones in between.

Be Realistic: Good contractors are busy. If someone says they can start tomorrow and finish in three days when everyone else said three weeks, they might be cutting corners.
Weather and Logistics: Ask how they handle rain days or material backorders. A great contractor will communicate these things to you immediately rather than leaving you wondering why no one showed up.

A wide shot of a residential construction site during the framing stage. Workers are seen in the background working safely. In the foreground, a large digital tablet displays a project timeline with clear milestones. The sky is bright and clear, symbolizing a well-managed and positive project outlook.

5. Daily Life: Cleanup and Site Management

Construction is messy: there’s no way around it. But your home shouldn’t feel like a disaster zone 24/7.

The Question: "What is your process for daily cleanup and protecting my property?"

If you’re living in your home during a renovation, this is a huge deal.

Protection: Will they put down floor runners? Will they use plastic sheets to stop dust from getting into your bedroom?
End of Day: Do they sweep up every afternoon? Where will the trash bin (dumpster) be placed?

Asking these small questions now prevents a lot of headaches later. It’s all about respecting your space.

6. Communication: How Will We Talk?

There’s nothing worse than having a question and not being able to get a hold of your contractor.

The Question: "Who is my primary point of contact, and how often will I get updates?"

Some contractors love a quick text; others prefer a weekly email or a phone call.

The Goal: You want to find someone whose communication style matches yours. If you want a daily update and they only want to talk once a month, it might not be the best fit.
Our Approach: We love keeping our clients involved! Whether it's a quick check-in or a scheduled walkthrough, we make sure you're never in the dark. Check out our work to see how we handle everything from start to finish.

A homeowner and a project manager having a friendly conversation on a job site. The project manager is pointing out some progress on a newly installed window. Both are smiling and look engaged. It represents clear, open, and supportive communication during a construction project.

7. The Warranty: What Happens After the Check Clears?

A good project should look great on Day 1, but it should still look great on Day 365.

The Question: "What kind of warranty do you offer on your workmanship?"

Materials usually have their own warranties from the manufacturer, but the contractor should stand behind their labor.

Standard Practice: A one-year warranty on workmanship is common, but some offer more.
Trust: A contractor who offers a solid warranty is telling you they believe in the quality of their work. They aren't planning to disappear as soon as the last nail is driven.

Wrapping It All Up

Vetting a contractor might feel like a lot of work up front, but it’s the best way to ensure your project is a success. You aren't being "difficult" by asking these questions: you’re being a smart homeowner! A truly professional contractor will actually appreciate your diligence because they have nothing to hide.

Ready to start your next project with a team that values transparency and quality? We’d love to chat! Head over to our contact page or give us a call. We promise to answer all these questions (and any others you have) with a smile.

Stay tuned for Part 4 of our series, where we’ll dive into the world of Construction Contracts: explaining what all that legal jargon actually means for your wallet!

Don't forget to check out our About Us page to learn more about our commitment to excellence in every build.