Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor in 2025
Choosing the right contractor can make or break your construction project. With construction costs at all-time highs and project complexity increasing, asking the right questions upfront can save you thousands of dollars and months of headaches. Here are the five most important questions to ask any contractor before signing a contract in 2025.
Why These Questions Matter More in 2025
Post-pandemic construction challenges, supply chain issues, labor shortages, and updated building codes make contractor selection more critical than ever. The wrong choice can cost you 20-40% more and add months to your timeline.
Question #1: What's Your Current License Status and Insurance Coverage?
Why This Matters: This is your first line of protection. Unlicensed contractors can't legally pull permits, and uninsured contractors put your property and finances at risk.
What to Ask For:
- License number and verification you can check online
- General liability insurance certificate ($1M minimum)
- Workers' compensation coverage proof
- Bond information (required for larger projects)
How to Verify:
- California: Check CSLB.ca.gov for license status and complaints
- Arizona: Verify at azroc.gov
- Utah: Check dopl.utah.gov
- Insurance: Call the insurance company directly to verify coverage
Red Flags:
- • Reluctance to provide license or insurance information
- • Expired or suspended license
- • Multiple complaints or violations
- • No workers' compensation (claims they're "all independent contractors")
Question #2: Can You Provide References from Recent Projects Similar to Mine?
Why This Matters: Past performance is the best predictor of future results. You want to see evidence of successful projects similar in scope, budget, and complexity to yours.
What to Ask For:
- 3-5 recent references from the past 12-18 months
- Similar project types (residential, commercial, renovation, new construction)
- Comparable budgets and timelines
- Local projects in your area when possible
- Contact information for previous clients
Questions to Ask References:
- • Did they complete the project on time and on budget?
- • How did they handle unexpected issues or changes?
- • Was the quality of work satisfactory?
- • How was their communication throughout the project?
- • Would you hire them again?
- • Any issues after project completion?
Additional Verification:
- Online reviews: Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau
- Portfolio: Photos of completed work
- Awards or certifications: Industry recognition
- Manufacturer partnerships: Preferred installer status
Question #3: What's Your Detailed Project Timeline and How Do You Handle Delays?
Why This Matters: Realistic timelines and delay management separate professional contractors from amateurs. In 2025's challenging construction environment, delays are common but manageable with proper planning.
What to Expect:
- Permit acquisition timeline
- Material ordering and delivery dates
- Phase-by-phase breakdown
- Inspection schedules
- Weather contingencies
- Communication protocols
- Alternative scheduling options
- Subcontractor backup plans
- Material substitution procedures
- Progress reporting schedule
Key Questions to Ask:
- What's your average project completion rate vs. original timeline?
- How do you handle material delays or shortages?
- What happens if weather delays the project?
- How often will you provide progress updates?
- What's your policy on timeline penalties or bonuses?
Question #4: What's Included in Your Quote and How Do You Handle Change Orders?
Why This Matters: Unclear pricing and change order policies are the number one source of contractor disputes. With material costs fluctuating and supply chain issues ongoing, you need crystal-clear pricing structures.
Detailed Quote Should Include:
Labor Costs:
- • Project management
- • Skilled trades (itemized)
- • Supervision and oversight
- • Cleanup and disposal
Material Costs:
- • All materials specified
- • Delivery and handling
- • Waste and overage allowances
- • Price escalation clauses
Permits & Fees:
- • Building permits
- • Inspection fees
- • Utility connections
- • HOA approvals
Exclusions:
- • What's NOT included
- • Owner responsibilities
- • Allowances and upgrades
- • Contingencies
Change Order Policy Questions:
- How are change orders priced (time & materials vs. fixed price)?
- What's your markup on change order work?
- How quickly do you provide change order estimates?
- What approval process is required before proceeding?
- How do change orders affect the project timeline?
2025 Pricing Considerations:
- • Material price escalation clauses (due to ongoing volatility)
- • Labor rate adjustments for long projects
- • Supply chain delay contingencies
- • Fuel surcharge policies
Question #5: What's Your Warranty Policy and Post-Completion Support?
Why This Matters: Your relationship with the contractor doesn't end at project completion. Quality contractors stand behind their work and provide ongoing support when issues arise.
Standard Warranty Coverage:
- Duration: Minimum 1 year, preferably 2 years
- Coverage: All labor and installation
- Response time: 48-72 hours for issues
- Exclusions: Normal wear, misuse, acts of nature
- Manufacturer warranties: Transferred to owner
- Installation warranties: Separate from materials
- Extended warranties: Available options
- Warranty service: Who handles claims
Post-Completion Support:
- Maintenance guidance: Care instructions for new installations
- Seasonal check-ups: Optional maintenance services
- Emergency response: After-hours contact for urgent issues
- Future work: Preferred pricing for additions or modifications
- Documentation: As-built drawings, warranties, manuals
Bonus Questions for 2025
Supply Chain Management
- How do you handle material shortages or delays?
- Do you have preferred supplier relationships?
- What's your policy on material substitutions?
- How far in advance do you order materials?
Technology and Communication
- What project management software do you use?
- How will you provide progress updates?
- Do you use digital documentation and photos?
- What's your preferred communication method?
Sustainability and Efficiency
- What experience do you have with green building practices?
- Can you help with energy efficiency upgrades?
- Do you offer solar or renewable energy integration?
- What's your waste reduction and recycling policy?
Red Flags to Watch For
Warning Signs of Problem Contractors:
- • Door-to-door solicitation or high-pressure sales tactics
- • Requests for large upfront payments (more than 10% is suspicious)
- • No local address or temporary business setup
- • Reluctance to provide references or documentation
- • Significantly lower bids than other contractors
- • No written contract or vague contract terms
- • Claims they can start "immediately" on large projects
- • Pressure to sign contracts the same day
Making Your Final Decision
After asking these questions, evaluate contractors based on:
- Completeness of answers: Professional contractors welcome detailed questions
- Transparency: Open about challenges and realistic about timelines
- Communication style: Clear, prompt, and professional responses
- Value proposition: Not necessarily the lowest bid, but the best value
- Gut feeling: Trust your instincts about working relationships
Ready to Find the Right Contractor?
At Troy Construction Design, we welcome these questions and more. Our transparent approach, detailed documentation, and proven track record across Southern California, Arizona, and Southern Utah speak for themselves. Let's discuss your project and how we can exceed your expectations.
Contractor Selection Service Areas
California
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- San Diego County
- Riverside County
- San Bernardino County
- Palm Springs Area
Arizona & Utah
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- St. George, Utah
- Surrounding Communities
Our Credentials
- CSLB License #1080116
- Fully Insured & Bonded
- Local References Available
- Transparent Pricing
- 2-Year Workmanship Warranty