Twelve questions to ask a contractor before you sign

A portfolio shows you what a contractor can build on a good day. These questions show you what they do on a bad one, which is the part you are actually buying.

About the price

Is this a fixed price or an estimate? What specifically would trigger a change order? Can I see the schedule of works the price is built from? A contractor who cannot answer these in plain language on the spot is either disorganised or hoping you will not ask again.

About the people

Who is on site every day, and do they work for you or for a subcontractor? Who is my single point of contact, and what is their direct number? How many other projects will be running at the same time as mine?

About what happens after

What does your workmanship warranty cover, for how long, and in writing? Ask for the phone number of a client whose job went wrong. Every builder has one. The ones worth hiring will give you the number.