Questions to Ask Your Contractor
A complete guide to evaluating contractor qualifications and understanding your project
Choosing the Right Contractor
The questions you ask during the initial consultation reveal a contractor's experience level, attention to detail, and commitment to quality. Use this guide to ensure you're working with qualified professionals.
Why Contractor Selection Matters
Your choice of contractor directly impacts project quality, timeline, and your satisfaction with the finished work. Taking time to thoroughly evaluate contractors through detailed questions helps you understand their approach, experience level, and whether they're a good fit for your project.
Well-informed conversations also protect your investment by clarifying expectations around warranty coverage, insurance responsibility, and how issues are handled if they arise during work.
Credentials and Professional Standing
Begin by verifying the contractor's qualifications and professional certifications.
Licensing and Insurance
- Are you properly licensed in New Hampshire for this type of work? - Verify the license and confirm it's current and in good standing.
- Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance? - Request certificates of insurance and confirm coverage limits are adequate.
- What happens if someone is injured on my property or property damage occurs? - Understand their insurance protections.
Professional Certifications
- What professional certifications or memberships do you hold? - Ask about trade association memberships and specific certifications related to your project type.
- Are you members of any roofing, building, or contractor associations? - Organizations like industry trade associations indicate ongoing professional development.
- Have you received specialized training in your field? - Understand their commitment to staying current with industry standards and best practices.
Experience and References
- How long have you been in the contracting business? - Look for contractors with substantial experience in your specific project type.
- Can you provide references from customers in my area? - Contact recent customers to understand their experience and satisfaction level.
- Have you worked on projects similar to mine? - Ask about specific examples and challenges they've successfully navigated.
Portfolio and Examples
- Can you show me photos or take me to see completed projects? - Visual examples help you assess quality standards and aesthetic choices.
- Do you have before-and-after photos of typical projects? - This helps you understand the scope of transformation possible.
- How long have your completed projects held up? - Understanding longevity and customer satisfaction over time is important.
Project Scope and Approach
Understanding how contractors approach work helps you evaluate their professionalism and attention to detail.
Initial Assessment and Planning
- How will you evaluate my roof/project before providing an estimate? - A thorough assessment indicates they'll catch issues and plan accordingly.
- What information do you need from me to provide an accurate estimate? - Professional contractors ask detailed questions about your home's history and conditions.
- Will you identify any underlying issues or problems during your initial visit? - This shows they're looking out for your long-term interests.
Project Timeline and Scheduling
- What is the typical timeline for a project like mine? - Understand realistic duration expectations and any factors that might affect timing.
- How do weather conditions affect your project schedule? - Rain, temperature, and seasonal considerations impact work progress.
- What is your typical lead time before you can begin work? - Know when to expect your project to start after agreement.
Materials and Product Selection
- What materials or products do you recommend and why? - Quality contractors can explain the benefits of their material recommendations.
- Do you stock materials or order them for each project? - Understanding their supply chain helps explain any delays or quality issues.
- Are there different material options and price points available? - You should have choices that match your budget and preferences.
Work Methods and Safety
- How will you protect my home and landscaping during work? - Details about tarps, drop cloths, and protective measures show professionalism.
- What safety equipment and procedures do you follow? - Worker safety reflects overall professionalism and adherence to standards.
- How do you handle debris removal and site cleanup? - Clear expectations about cleanliness prevent post-project disputes.
Warranties and Guarantees
Understanding warranty coverage protects your investment long after the work is complete.
Workmanship Warranty
What warranty do you provide on your workmanship? Reputable contractors stand behind their work. Standard industry practice typically includes 5-10 year workmanship warranties.
What does your warranty cover and not cover? Get clarification on specific conditions and exclusions.
How do I file a warranty claim if issues arise? Understand the process for addressing problems within the warranty period.
Manufacturer Warranties
What manufacturer warranties come with the materials you use? Different products and manufacturers offer varying coverage periods.
Do you handle warranty claims or is that my responsibility? Clarify who interfaces with the manufacturer if issues arise.
What affects the validity of manufacturer warranties? Some require specific installation methods or professional installation to remain valid.
Guarantee Against Defects
If problems are discovered after project completion, how are they addressed? Professional contractors have a clear process for addressing issues discovered within a reasonable timeframe.
Are there any conditions where you won't honor warranty claims? Understanding limitations helps set realistic expectations.
How quickly do you respond to warranty service requests? Ask about their typical response time for warranty issues.
Documentation and Transfer
Will you provide written documentation of the warranty? Get everything in writing for your records.
Are warranties transferable if I sell my home? This can be an attractive benefit for future buyers.
Will you provide all warranty documents and product information? You should have documentation for all materials and workmanship guarantees.
Pricing and Payment Terms
Clear discussions about costs and payment protect both you and the contractor.
Estimate and Pricing Transparency
How do you determine your pricing? Understand whether they price by square footage, hourly labor, or other methods.
Does your estimate include all costs (materials, labor, permits, cleanup)? Comprehensive estimates prevent surprise charges after work begins.
Are there any costs that might increase during the project? Ask about potential change orders and how they're handled.
How do you handle unforeseen issues if they're discovered during work? Understanding how additional costs are managed prevents budget surprises.
Payment Schedules and Terms
What is your payment schedule? Standard practice typically involves deposits, progress payments, and final payment upon completion.
What deposit is required to secure my project? Many contractors require 25-50% deposit, but this varies by project size.
When is final payment due? Clarify whether final payment is due upon completion or after a final inspection period.
What payment methods do you accept? Understand your options for paying by check, credit card, or other methods.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring your contractor follows all applicable codes and regulations protects your home and your investment.
Building Codes and Permits
- Are permits required for my project? Your contractor should know local code requirements.
- Will you handle permit applications or is that my responsibility? Clarify who obtains permits and who pays permit fees.
- How do you stay current with New Hampshire building codes? Professional contractors maintain knowledge of current codes.
Inspections and Code Compliance
- Will inspections be required for my project? Many projects require building inspector sign-off.
- How do you ensure work meets all applicable codes? Professional contractors design work to meet or exceed code requirements.
- What happens if an inspection identifies code issues? Understand how rework is handled if code compliance issues are found.
Lien Waivers and Legal Protection
- Will you provide lien waivers after payment? This protects you from claims from subcontractors or suppliers.
- Do you use subcontractors and how are they managed? Understand who's responsible for subcontractor work quality.
- Do you obtain payment bonds for larger projects? This protects you if the contractor fails to pay suppliers.
Contract and Documentation
- Will you provide a detailed written contract? Everything should be documented before work begins.
- What does the contract specify about scope, timeline, and payment? Review all terms carefully before signing.
- Can I request changes to the contract terms? Professional contractors are willing to negotiate reasonable terms.
Communication and Problem-Solving
Clear communication throughout your project prevents misunderstandings and builds confidence.
During the Project
How will you communicate with me during the project? Understand expectations for daily updates, progress reports, and availability.
Who is my primary point of contact if questions arise? Know who to reach out to during work for immediate concerns.
How do you handle change orders if adjustments are needed during work? Clear processes prevent conflicts about scope creep.
What is your policy on customer access during work? Understand any restrictions or safety considerations.
Final Inspection and Handoff
The end of the project should include a thorough walkthrough and clear documentation.
Project Completion
What does the final walkthrough include? You should inspect work together and address any concerns before final payment.
Will you clean up all debris and restore the work area? Confirm cleanup expectations and timeline.
How long does the final inspection typically take? Plan time for a thorough evaluation of completed work.
Documentation and Maintenance
Will you provide warranty documents and product information? Keep all documentation for future reference and warranty claims.
Are there maintenance recommendations or instructions? Understand how to care for new materials to maximize longevity.
How should I contact you for any future questions? Maintain contact information for warranty service and future projects.
Trust Your Research
Taking time to thoroughly evaluate contractors through detailed questions protects your investment and ensures you work with qualified professionals committed to quality. Use these questions to compare contractors and make an informed decision about your home improvement project.