Before Calling a Contractor: A Homeowner's Pre-Project Checklist

Get quotes, verify licences, and set expectations before work begins. A practical checklist to protect you from common contracting pitfalls.

Why Preparation Matters Before the First Call

Hiring a contractor is one of the most significant financial decisions a homeowner makes — yet many people pick up the phone before they've thought through the basics. The result is often vague quotes, missed permit requirements, or a scope of work that expands (and so does the bill) once someone is already on site.

This checklist walks you through what to know, gather, and verify before you invite anyone to give you a bid. It applies whether you're planning a bathroom renovation, a roof replacement, or a kitchen remodel. Budget-conscious homeowners especially benefit from doing this homework upfront: a well-defined project attracts more accurate quotes and limits the opportunity for unexpected charges later.

If your project may involve financing, it's also worth reviewing your financial readiness early — see our pre-application credit checklist for guidance on assessing your position before borrowing.

Required

Project notebook or digital document

Record your project description, measurements, questions, and notes from contractor conversations in one organised place.

Required

Tape measure

Take accurate room or area measurements to include in your project scope and help contractors quote accurately.

Required

State contractor licence lookup tool

Verify that any contractor you're considering holds a current, valid licence in your state — available on most state licensing board websites.

Optional

Home insurance policy documents

Review your current coverage before work begins so you understand what's protected during construction and what may not be.

Required

Local building department contact

Confirm which permits your project requires and what inspections are scheduled — your local municipality's website is the authoritative source.

Checklist: What to Have Ready Before You Call

Work through these groups in order. Each one builds on the last, so that by the time you speak with a contractor, you'll have a clear picture of what you need and what questions to ask.

Define Your Project Scope

Write a clear, one-paragraph description of what you want done, including the rooms or areas involved and any materials preferences. Must

Measure the affected space and note key dimensions; contractors need this to quote labour and materials accurately. Must

List any existing conditions a contractor should know about — age of the home, previous repairs, or known structural issues. Should

Gather inspiration photos or reference images to communicate style expectations without ambiguity. Nice to have

Set Your Budget and Timeline

Establish a realistic budget range, including a contingency of at least 10–15% for unexpected costs that commonly arise once work begins. Must

Identify your desired start date and any hard deadline (e.g., before a home sale or seasonal constraint) so you can discuss scheduling upfront. Should

Research typical cost ranges for your project type using sources like national cost databases or local homeowner forums to set reasonable expectations. Should

Understand Permit Requirements

Contact your local building or permits department to ask which permits your project requires before any work starts. Must

Clarify with potential contractors who is responsible for pulling permits — it should generally be the licensed contractor, not the homeowner. Must

Note inspection requirements and their timing so you can plan access and avoid delaying the project. Should

Verify Contractor Credentials

Confirm the contractor holds a current, valid licence for your state and the specific trade involved using your state's official licensing board website. Must

Request proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, and verify directly with the insurer that the policy is active. Must

Ask for three references from recent, similar projects and follow up with at least two of them by phone or email. Must

Check for complaints or disciplinary actions through your state licensing board and consumer protection agency. Should

Collect and Compare Quotes

Obtain at least three written quotes from different contractors using the same project description so estimates are truly comparable. Must

Review each quote for itemised line items covering labour, materials, disposal, and any subcontractor work — reject any quote that is lump-sum with no breakdown. Must

Ask each contractor to explain any significant price differences between their quote and others you've received. Should

Review the Contract Before Signing

Ensure the written contract includes the full project scope, start and estimated completion dates, payment schedule, and materials specifications. Must

Confirm the contract specifies how change orders — any additions or modifications to the original scope — will be handled and priced. Must

Understand the payment structure: a large upfront payment (more than 10–30%) before work begins is a common red flag. Must

Ask about the warranty on both workmanship and any materials supplied by the contractor, and confirm this is stated in writing. Should

Never Pay in Full Before Work Is Complete

A common contracting scam involves requesting full or near-full payment upfront, then disappearing or delivering substandard work. A reasonable deposit — typically 10–30% depending on your state's laws — is normal for larger projects. Tie subsequent payments to verifiable milestones and hold a meaningful final payment until you've inspected the completed work and are satisfied. Some states regulate maximum allowable deposits by law; check your state's contractor regulations.

Verbal Agreements Offer Little Protection

No matter how trustworthy a contractor seems, always insist on a signed written contract before any work begins or money changes hands. Verbal agreements are extremely difficult to enforce and leave both parties exposed to misunderstandings about scope, cost, and timeline. If a contractor refuses to provide a written contract, treat that as a serious warning sign.

For projects that may trigger permit requirements — including structural changes, electrical upgrades, or plumbing modifications — our guide on when permits are required for home improvement explains the process and why skipping this step can affect your insurance and future home sale.

Why Preparation Matters Before the First Call

Checklist: What to Have Ready Before You Call

Home Editorial Team