15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

The quality of questions you ask when interviewing contractors directly impacts the success of your project. These 15 questions help you identify professionals who are licensed, experienced, and trustworthy.

Licensing and Insurance

1. "What's your Arkansas contractor license number?"

Every contractor working in Arkansas should provide their license number without hesitation. Write it down and verify it through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board website.

Follow-up: "Can I see a copy of your license?"

2. "Are you insured, and can you provide certificates?"

Request proof of:

Follow-up: "Can I contact your insurance company to verify coverage?"

3. "Will you be pulling the necessary permits?"

Professional contractors know what permits are required and handle applications. If they suggest skipping permits, end the conversation.

Follow-up: "How long does permit approval typically take for this type of work?"

Experience and Qualifications

4. "How long have you been in business in Northwest Arkansas?"

Established local contractors have reputations to protect. Be cautious of brand-new businesses, though everyone starts somewhere.

Follow-up: "What percentage of your work comes from repeat customers or referrals?"

5. "Have you done projects similar to mine?"

Experience with your specific type of project (kitchen remodels, roof replacements, HVAC installations) matters more than years in business generally.

Follow-up: "Can you show me photos of similar completed projects?"

6. "Can you provide references from recent customers?"

Ask for 3-5 references from projects completed within the past year. Older references may not reflect current quality.

Follow-up: "Would you mind if I drove by some of your completed projects in the area?"

Project Details

7. "Who will actually be doing the work?"

Some contractors use subcontractors extensively. There's nothing wrong with this, but you should know who's entering your property.

Follow-up: "Are your subcontractors also licensed and insured?"

8. "What's your timeline, and what could delay it?"

Realistic timelines account for:

Red flag: Contractors who promise unrealistically fast completion.

9. "What happens if we discover unexpected issues?"

Hidden problems (water damage behind walls, outdated wiring, foundation issues) are common in home improvement projects.

Follow-up: "How do change orders work, and will you get my approval before proceeding?"

Materials and Process

10. "What materials will you use, and can I approve them?"

Contractors sometimes substitute cheaper materials to increase profit. Specify brands and grades in the contract.

Follow-up: "Can I see manufacturer specifications for materials you plan to use?"

11. "How do you handle cleanup and debris removal?"

Professional contractors include daily cleanup and final debris removal in their bids. Don't assume this is included.

Follow-up: "Will you protect my landscaping and driveway during material delivery?"

12. "What warranty do you provide?"

Workmanship warranties typically range from 1-5 years. Materials have manufacturer warranties. Get both in writing.

Follow-up: "What specific issues does your warranty cover, and what's the process for warranty service?"

Financial Terms

13. "What's your payment schedule?"

Typical structure:

Red flag: Requesting more than 35% upfront or full payment before completion.

14. "Is this bid fixed-price or time-and-materials?"

Fixed-price bids protect you from cost overruns. Time-and-materials arrangements make sense for diagnostic work where scope is unknown.

Follow-up: "What situations would trigger additional costs beyond this estimate?"

15. "When can I expect a detailed written proposal?"

Verbal estimates aren't binding. Get everything in writing, including:

Follow-up: "Can you break down the bid so I understand costs for labor, materials, and permits?"

Additional Questions for Specific Situations

For Plumbing Work

For Electrical Work

For HVAC Work

For Roofing

Evaluating Answers

Good contractors:

Bad contractors:

Trust Your Instincts

Beyond answers to these questions, pay attention to:

If something feels off, keep looking. Good contractors are busy but still make time to answer questions professionally.

Getting Multiple Quotes

Ask these questions to at least three contractors. Comparing answers helps you:

Don't automatically choose the lowest bid. Consider:

For Northwest Arkansas Projects

When hiring contractors in Benton County:

Taking time to ask these questions upfront prevents misunderstandings, sets clear expectations, and helps you hire contractors who'll complete quality work on time and budget.

Need help connecting with licensed, insured contractors who welcome these questions? Submit a request and we'll match you with professionals serving Centerton, Bentonville, Rogers, and Bella Vista.