Essential Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before Starting a Project

Do you have references and reviews?

While review sites are useful, personal testimonials from friends, family, neighbors, or local forums are easier to verify. They can provide insights into whether similar work has been carried out successfully.

Do you have photos of finished projects?

A good contractor won’t mind showing off examples of their work. These photos give a clear indication of quality and finish. They also demonstrate the contractor's pride in their work, which is very important.

Are you a member of any professional organizations?

You don’t need specific qualifications to call yourself a contractor. However, belonging to the National Federation of Builders, for example, is a good indication of quality. Always verify their membership with the association.

Do you have insurance cover?

Even if your builder comes highly recommended, projects can sometimes go wrong. It is essential that the builder you hire has the right insurance for the job. Always ask to see certificates as proof of insurance before work begins.

Do you use registered gas engineers and electricians?

It’s not unusual for contractors to use subcontractors on projects. Sourcing and project managing additional trades yourself may result in extra time, money, and stress.

Who will manage the build?

If your project requires many different tradespeople, consider using a site manager. They can liaise with architects, designers, local authorities, and various trades to ensure everything happens on schedule. Your contractor may take on this role or request that you hire a third party, which could incur extra costs.

What stages will work get signed off and by whom?

A Building Control Officer will need to view your work at several stages to ensure compliance. Agree on who will be in charge of booking inspections at the start. Meeting with the inspector alongside your contractor can provide peace of mind.

What will I need to do throughout the build?

If you decide not to manage the build yourself or if you move out during the work, check with your contractor about what they’ll need from you. Decisions such as the positions of lighting and power sockets will need to be made as you go along.

Do you offer a guarantee of your work?

Any contractor worth their salt should guarantee their work. If they won’t, it's a red flag. Contracts usually have a snagging period that details how long a property owner can call a builder back to rectify any work that may not have been done correctly. In most cases, this period is usually one year.

Is your price an estimate or quotation?

The terms 'quote' and 'estimate' can easily be confused. An estimate is a rough idea of how much a project might cost, while a quote should be a fixed total. It’s important to budget for as close to the final cost as possible before work begins. An itemized quote that lists everything from materials to labor is helpful. Always get at least three quotes for your job and insist on a site visit.

What are your payment terms?

Discussing money can be uncomfortable, but it's crucial to agree on payment terms in advance. Set out a schedule of staged payments. Alarm bells should ring if you’re asked to pay a big deposit—over 25%—or cash upfront. Always get a receipt for every payment.

Do you anticipate any problems?

While your contractor doesn’t have a crystal ball, they likely have more experience than you. Ask if they anticipate any potential problems, such as moving water pipes or dealing with damp issues. Set aside some money in your budget to cover these eventualities. A general rule is to allocate 20% over the estimated cost for a contingency fund.

Will you remove all material and rubbish from the site?

Knocking down walls and removing old kitchens creates a lot of mess. Ensure your contractor knows you expect them to dispose of all debris as part of the job. This usually involves organizing skips to take debris away, and your contractor should include this cost in the quote. When the job is finished, confirm that they will arrange for the skip to be collected and that the site is left tidy.

How will you protect my property during work?

Building works will create dust and dirt. A good contractor will take steps to minimize the impact on your home. This may include using adequate coverings or building a temporary partition wall. If you plan to stay elsewhere during the work, clarify how your contractor will secure your property each day to protect it from theft and weather damage. Inform your insurance company if your home will no longer be occupied.

Will you leave the property as you found it?

Consequential damage to your home is likely to occur, especially during extensions. Get in writing how you expect your home and garden to be left at the end. Clarify whose responsibility it will be to fix any damage to existing walls and skirting boards. Access points such as fences and gates may also need repairs, so agree on who will handle that.

Will I be left without facilities at any point?

While many can create a makeshift kitchen for a short period, other facilities are more pressing. A few days without a shower is manageable, but no toilet or running water is a problem. Your contractor should minimize the turning off of vital services and give you fair warning.

How can we deal with changes if things don't go to plan?

Even with thorough preparation, obstacles may arise during renovations. Common issues include structural calculations, foundation problems, hidden pipes, or faulty electrics. Ensure your builder will communicate any problems quickly and work with you to find cost-effective solutions.

What hours will you work?

Agree on working hours in advance. This may be 8 AM to 4 PM during the week, but could vary on weekends. Different factors may affect your contractor’s working day, such as leaving the site to pick up materials. Ensure your expectations are clear from the start and request communication if that changes.

How will we communicate throughout the build?

Whether you prefer face-to-face communication or regular updates, this should be high on your list of questions before hiring a contractor. Outline who your point of contact will be, how often you want updates, and what you consider a reasonable response time. Also, clarify the process for making changes during the project.

Vehicle access?

Access can be a significant issue during renovations. Your contractor will likely want to park their van or trailer close to the site to off-load tools and materials. If you live in an area with restricted parking, you might need to speak to your neighbors to avoid inconveniences.

How long will the work take?

While build projects can run behind schedule, it shouldn’t be assumed as the norm. Ask your contractor for a schedule of approximate timings for each stage and allow reasonable leeway.

Can we agree to a contract?

A verbal contract is insufficient for home projects. Ensure all agreements are outlined in writing. Cover aspects such as unforeseen circumstances, dissatisfaction with results, and penalties for delays.

When can they start?

Before deciding on a contractor, check their availability to align with your plans. Once you choose them, get the start date written into the contract. While some flexibility is acceptable, don’t let contractors dictate the schedule based solely on their convenience—you’re the boss!

If you found this article useful, please check out the other articles on my blog. If you need assistance with a planning application, etc., please get in touch.

Any feedback is always welcome.