Questions to Ask a Renovation Contractor Before You Sign

The cheapest quote on the table isn't always the cheapest renovation once the job is actually done — scope gaps and vague line items have a way of turning into extra costs later. A few direct questions upfront make it much easier to compare contractors properly and avoid surprises once work is underway.

Ask to see their own completed work

Ask for photos of work the contractor has actually completed, not stock images or supplier catalogue photos. If possible, ask to see or speak to a past client about a similar project. This tells you far more than a polished sales pitch does.

Ask who is actually on site

Find out who is supervising day to day, and whether that's the same person you're speaking to now or someone you haven't met yet. Consistent, hands-on supervision has a real effect on how smoothly a project runs and how quickly problems get caught.

Ask what happens when something unexpected turns up

Older homes especially can reveal outdated plumbing, wiring or structural issues once walls are opened up. Ask how the contractor handles this — how it gets communicated to you, and how it affects cost and timeline — rather than finding out for the first time when it actually happens.

Get the quote itemised, and get warranties in writing

A line-item quote — rather than one lump sum — lets you see exactly what you're paying for and makes it far easier to manage if the scope changes. And for anything you can't inspect once it's finished, waterproofing especially, ask for the warranty in writing rather than taking it on trust verbally.