Hiring a contractor is a significant decision — and asking the right questions upfront can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches. Here are the five most important questions to ask before you sign any contract.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is non-negotiable. In Utah, general contractors must be licensed through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Ask for their license number and verify it at dopl.utah.gov. Then ask for a certificate of insurance showing both general liability and workers' compensation coverage.
What to watch for: Any hesitation, vague answers, or inability to provide documentation on the spot is a red flag. A legitimate contractor has these documents ready.
2. Can You Provide a Detailed Written Bid?
A good contractor gives you a written bid that breaks down exactly what's included — labor, materials, allowances, and exclusions. This protects you from surprise charges and makes it easy to compare bids apples-to-apples.
What to watch for: Vague bids that just give a lump sum with no detail. These often lead to disputes about what was and wasn't included.
3. Who Will Be Doing the Work?
Some contractors bid the work themselves but subcontract everything out to crews you've never met. There's nothing inherently wrong with subcontracting, but you should know who will be in your home and whether those subcontractors are also licensed and insured.
What to watch for: Evasive answers about who specifically will be on site. You have a right to know.
4. How Do You Handle Changes During the Project?
Almost every project has some surprises once work begins — especially remodels where you open walls and discover unexpected conditions. Ask how the contractor handles change orders: Are they documented in writing? How are they priced? Do they require approval before proceeding?
What to watch for: Contractors who are vague about change order processes often use them as a way to inflate the final bill. A good contractor documents every change in writing with a price before doing the work.
5. Can I See Examples of Similar Work and Talk to Past Clients?
Any experienced contractor should be able to show you photos of completed projects similar to yours and provide references from recent clients. Actually call those references — ask about communication, whether the project stayed close to the original budget, how problems were handled, and whether they'd hire the contractor again.
What to watch for: Contractors who can't provide references or photos, or who get defensive when asked. A contractor proud of their work loves to show it off.
Bonus: Trust Your Gut
Beyond these five questions, pay attention to how the contractor makes you feel. Are they patient with your questions? Do they communicate clearly? Do they show up when they say they will? The bidding process is a preview of what working with them will be like. If something feels off, keep looking.
What Fisher Woods Construction Brings to Every Bid
We're licensed, insured, and happy to answer every question on this list — and more. We provide detailed written bids, document all change orders in writing, and communicate clearly throughout every project. We think you deserve to feel confident about who you're hiring.