Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

Hiring the wrong contractor is an expensive mistake. Before you sign anything or hand over a deposit, make sure you can answer yes to all of these.

1. Are they licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable. A contractor working without insurance puts you on the hook if someone gets hurt on your property. Ask for proof — a legitimate contractor will have it ready.

2. Do they pull permits? If a contractor suggests skipping the permit to save time or money, walk away. Unpermitted work can create serious problems when you sell your home and may not meet code.

3. Can they provide references? Ask for references from recent jobs similar to yours. A contractor with a solid track record will have no problem providing them.

4. Do they have a written contract? Every detail should be in writing — scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule. A handshake deal leaves you with no recourse if something goes wrong.

5. What does the payment schedule look like? A reasonable deposit upfront is normal. Full payment before the job is finished is a red flag. Never pay 100% before work begins.

6. Who is actually doing the work? Some contractors win the bid and subcontract everything out. Know who's showing up to your property and whether they're vetted.

7. How do they handle problems? Ask directly: what happens if something goes wrong or the project runs over? How they answer tells you a lot about how they operate.

At Zinc's Home Improvement, we're licensed, insured, and happy to answer every one of these questions. Call us at (681) 207-6114.