What Should You Ask Before Hiring a Contractor?

Hiring a contractor isn’t just about getting a great price — it’s about finding someone who will treat your home, time, and money with respect.
We’ve seen too many homeowners deal with contractors who ghost halfway through a job, ignore calls when issues pop up, or hit them with unexpected costs that could’ve been avoided.

So before you sign anything, here are 10 questions you should always ask — and why they matter more than you think.

1. Are you licensed and insured?

Why it matters:
Licensing proves the contractor has passed local requirements and can legally perform the work. Insurance protects you from being held liable if someone is injured on the job or if damage occurs to your property.

What to look for:

• Ask for their license number and verify it online through myfloridalicense.com.

• Confirm they carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance — not just a general business policy.

⚠️ Red flag: A contractor who “doesn’t need insurance” or says it’s too expensive isn’t worth the risk.

2. Can I see recent examples of your work?

Why it matters:
A good contractor should be proud to show you before-and-after photos, explain the project scope, and even share current job progress shots. This helps you see their style, skill, and attention to detail.

What to look for:

• Do the projects look clean, finished, and aligned with your goals?

• Ask if they’ve completed work similar to yours (kitchens, bathrooms, structural work, etc.)

Pro tip: Look for photos that include messy jobsite shots — not just polished afters. They’ll tell you a lot about how they work behind the scenes.

3. What’s included in the estimate?

Why it matters:
Not all estimates are created equal. A contractor might give you a great price… only to add on 40% once you’ve already started. You need to know exactly what’s covered — and what isn’t.

What to look for:

• Labor, materials, permits, inspections, project management, disposal fees

• Ask how they handle price changes or upgrades

Pro tip: Always ask to see a sample of their full contract or estimate document — even if it’s for a different job. It’ll show how transparent and thorough they really are.

4. What’s your projected timeline?

Why it matters:
You need to know how long your home will be a construction zone — and how your contractor handles delays, inspections, or surprises.

What to look for:

• Start and end date

• Breakdown of phases (demo, plumbing, tile, inspections, final walk-through)

• What happens if materials are delayed or changes occur?

⚠️ Red flag: “We’ll start when we get to it” or “we’ll finish when we finish.” No timeline = no accountability.

5. Who will I communicate with during the project?

Why it matters:
A smooth remodel depends on clear communication. You don’t want to chase down 3 different people for updates or wonder who’s showing up each day.

What to look for:

• A dedicated project manager or coordinator

• Regular update schedule (weekly meetings, daily texts, etc.)

• Someone who answers calls quickly and explains next steps clearly

Pro tip: Ask how they prefer to communicate — phone, email, text, in-person — and make sure it works for you.

6. What happens if something unexpected comes up?

Why it matters:
Remodels can reveal surprises — mold, water damage, outdated wiring, hidden structural issues. You need to know your contractor has a plan for the what-ifs.

What to look for:

• How they price and approve change orders

• How they communicate changes and delays

• Will they pause work while you approve solutions?

Pro tip: Ask them to share a story of how they handled a surprise on a previous job — it’ll show you how they really operate when the pressure’s on.

7. Do you use subcontractors or in-house crews?

Why it matters:
Some contractors manage an in-house team. Others outsource all the work. Neither is wrong — but knowing who’s coming into your home (and who’s managing them) is key.

What to look for:

• If they use subs, do they work with the same people consistently?

• Who’s supervising the work?

• Are background checks or insurance verified?

Pro tip: Ask how long they’ve worked with their key trades. Long-standing partnerships usually mean smoother communication and better quality control.

8. How do you protect my home during the project?

Why it matters:
Dust, damage, and disruption are part of remodeling — but a great contractor goes out of their way to minimize it.

What to look for:

• Floor and furniture protection

• Daily clean-up process

• How they protect children, pets, and work around your schedule

Pro tip: Ask what happens if something does get scratched, stained, or broken. A good contractor will have a plan (and insurance) to fix it without hesitation.

9. Do you have references I can speak to?

Why it matters:
Even the best website or portfolio can’t beat a real conversation with a past client. Ask for names — and then follow through.

What to ask those references:

• Were they responsive?

• Was the final cost close to the estimate?

• Would you hire them again?

Pro tip: Look for patterns. If every past client says the crew was respectful, the jobsite was clean, and the work was flawless — that’s a green light.

10. What sets you apart from other contractors?

Why it matters:
This question gives you insight into their values, not just their services. Are they proud of their team? Do they emphasize communication, creativity, follow-through?

At Avery Construction, we’ll tell you this:

• We offer same-day estimates — because we value your time

• We lead with transparency and communication

• And we treat your home like our own — from the first dust sheet to the final walk-through

Final Thoughts

Remodeling your home is a big investment. But when you ask the right questions and hire a team you trust, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Use this list as your go-to guide — print it out, take it to interviews, and don’t settle for less than a team who respects your time, your home, and your vision.

Get your FREE downloadable checklist now!

Let’s Start with a Conversation

We’d love the chance to earn your trust.
We offer same-day estimates and a pressure-free walkthrough of what’s possible — and what to expect.

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📞 Or call us at 855-HIS-WORK