Smart homeowners ask these 5 questions before hiring a contractor

By The Third Estimate.  

Your contractor should offer more than just a good price; they should ensure a smooth project and quality results. 

Your home is one of your biggest investments, so choosing someone to work on it can be stressful. Too often, homeowners focus primarily on cost alone, choosing the cheapest or most convenient option. However, here at The Third Estimate, we want you to be empowered to choose the right contractor for your projects with sufficient information and confidence. We’ve prepared five key questions that you should ask potential contractors before making your decisions. After all, a positive contractor-homeowner relationship can bring more than just a job well done; it can also provide peace of mind.  

1 - Are you licensed and insured? 

This might sound basic, but it is one of the most important questions to ask. A legitimate contractor should be fully licensed to operate in your state and carry both liability and workers’ compensation insurance. That protects you in case something goes wrong, such as damage to your property or a worker getting injured on the job. If a contractor cannot provide proof of insurance or a valid license, that is a red flag and is not worth the risk. 

2 - Can you show me recent local work? 

Photos are good, but real references are better. A reliable contractor should be able to show you recent jobs they have completed in your area and connect you with past customers if you want to hear about their experience. This gives you a sense of their quality, professionalism and how well they follow through. Bonus points if they have before and after photos, or if you can drive by and see the work for yourself. 

3 - What is included in the estimate? 

Not all estimates are created equal. Make sure the quote includes more than just the total price. You want to see details like materials being used, labor breakdown, warranty info and what happens if the project takes longer or hits unexpected issues. A vague estimate can lead to surprise costs later. A detailed one shows the contractor knows what they are doing and is being upfront with you from the start. 

4 - Who will actually be doing the work? 

It’s important to know who will be on your property and doing the work. Some companies use additional trusted professionals as part of their process. It’s okay to ask how the contractor manages their team and who you should contact if you have questions while the project is underway. Having a clear point of contact helps make sure everything goes smoothly. 

5 - What happens if something goes wrong? 

No one likes to think about problems before they happen, but a good contractor will have a plan in place if something does. Ask how they handle project delays, weather issues, unexpected damage or mistakes. Also, ask what kind of warranty they offer and what it covers. If the answer is vague or they seem annoyed by the question, that is a warning sign. A trustworthy company is transparent about how it protects its customers and its work. 

The bottom line 

A great contractor should welcome your questions and be happy to walk you through their process. At The Third Estimate, we want homeowners to feel confident, not confused. That is why we give clear, detailed estimates, show you exactly what we see during your inspection and never pressure you into a decision. Whether you hire us or not, we are always happy to help you ask the right questions. 

Original article and photo source: The Third Estimate