Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Contractor

A first conversation is your chance to understand how a contractor would approach your job. Bring your project description and photos, and leave room for them to ask questions too.

Have you done similar work?

Ask about projects with a similar scope, property type or finish. Photos can help you discuss what you like, and references can give you a chance to ask previous customers about their experience.

Be specific about the parts of your project that matter most. Experience with a full renovation may tell you something different from experience with a small repair.

What would you need to see before confirming the proposal?

Ask whether a site visit is needed and which details remain uncertain. A clear answer helps you understand what is an initial estimate and what still needs checking.

Walk through the inclusions and exclusions together. You can use my quote comparison checklist to keep track of the answers.

Who will be working in the home?

Find out who will manage the job, who will be on site and whether other trades will be involved. Ask who you should contact with a question and how often you can expect an update.

Discuss access arrangements, protecting nearby belongings and how the work area will be left at the end of the day.

What does the schedule depend on?

Ask about availability, the expected sequence of work and anything that could affect the timing, such as material deliveries or decisions you still need to make.

Share your own constraints early, particularly if the room needs to remain usable or your availability for visits is limited.

How will we handle changes and completion?

Ask how changes to the agreed work would be described and confirmed before they happen. Also discuss the final walkthrough: how you'll review the finished work, record outstanding items and raise follow-up questions.

Write down what you agree

After the conversation, summarise the scope, practical arrangements and open questions. Ask the contractor to confirm the details so you both have the same understanding before proceeding.

If you're still gathering the basics, my project brief guide will help you prepare for that first conversation.