05/09/2025
22 Must-Ask Questions Before You Hire a Contractor (Most People Skip #7)
Hiring a contractor is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can makeâand one of the riskiest if you donât ask the right questions upfront.
Too often, we hear horror stories: incomplete work, surprise fees, poor communication, or worseâvanishing contractors. At Traditions General Contracting, we believe the best clients are informed clients, and transparency starts before the first nail is driven.
Here are 22 essential questions to ask before you hire any contractorâplus notes on why each one matters.
đ 1. How long have you been in business?
Experience matters. Fly-by-night operations disappear when problems arise. Longevity is a sign of trustworthiness.
đĽ 2. Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?
Know whoâs in your home. Are they part of the company, or rotating subs youâve never met?
đ 3. Who will be assigned as the project supervisor for the job?
You need one point of contactâsomeone accountable and responsive.
đ¨âđź 4. Is the owner personally involved in managing your project?
If not, who is? Will the project have high-level attention?
đĄ 5. Do you carry workers' comp and liability insurance?
Pro tip: Donât just accept a certificate. Call the insurer directly to confirm it's active.
𧞠6. Are you licensed?
It sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how often this is overlooked.
â ď¸ 7. What is your approach to a project like this?
Most homeowners skip thisâand itâs a big mistake.
This question reveals how a contractor thinks. Do they listen to your goals? Do they communicate clearly? Are they organized or reactive?
đĄ 8. How will you protect my property during construction?
Dust, damage, debrisâhow will your living space be respected?
𧚠9. Will the job site be cleaned daily?
Especially important if you're living in the home during the project.
đ 10. How many projects do you take on at once?
Too many projects means less attention for yours.
đ 11. How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?
Relevant experience = smoother ex*****on.
đ¸ 12. What percent of your work results in change orders?
Frequent change orders may indicate vague estimatesâor poor planning.
đ 13. Do you offer a warranty?
Legit contractors stand behind their work. Ask whatâs covered, and for how long.
đ¨ 14. Have you ever gone out of business or failed to complete a project?
Tough question. But the answer matters.
đ° 15. Are you financially stable enough to finish this job without relying on the next one?
Cash flow shouldnât determine the pace or completion of your project.
âď¸ 16. Has anyone ever filed suit against your company?
Character and integrity show through how contractors handle conflict.
đ 17. Can I speak to 3â5 recent referencesâwith phone numbers?
Talking to past clients can reveal what reviews wonât.
𧹠18. Can I contact your suppliers or vendors?
Reputation among peers is a powerful indicator of reliability.
đ 19. What percentage of your business is referral or repeat clients?
Good contractors get invited back. That says everything.
đ
20. Are you a member of any professional associations?
NARI, NAHB, etc.âinvolvement signals professionalism and standards.
đ 21. Have you or your team had any special certifications or training?
The industry is always evolving. So should your contractor.
â ď¸ 22. Are you EPA Lead-Safe Certified (if applicable)?
Especially critical for older homes with children present.
đĄ Bonus Recommendations From the Field:
Trust your gutâif something feels off, it probably is.
Look for a relationship, not a transaction. Avoid âone-and-doneâ contractors.
Communicate openly about your expectations, pet peeves, and budget.
Hire someone youâre comfortable having in your space. Construction isnât just physicalâitâs personal.
At Traditions General Contracting, we encourage our clients to ask every single one of these questionsâbecause we have the answers. Building or renovating your home is a major investment. You deserve a contractor who is professional, qualified, and committed to doing it right.
𧹠Traditions General Contracting
âBuilding Trust. Crafting Traditions.â
đ Call us at 202-536-4769 or send us a DM to schedule your consultation today.
