Five questions to ask before you hire anyone

Comparing quotes is hard when they are not describing the same work. These five questions make the differences visible.

1. Is this quote fixed or an estimate? An estimate can move. A fixed price cannot, unless the scope changes in writing. Know which one you are holding.

2. Who is actually on site? Employees, subcontractors, or a mix. Neither is wrong, but it changes who is accountable when something needs sorting out.

3. What happens if you find a problem once you start? Every honest answer to this involves stopping and talking to you. Be wary of anyone who says it never happens.

4. What is the warranty, and on what? Workmanship and materials are usually covered separately and for different lengths of time. Ask for both.

5. Can I see something you finished two years ago? Recent work looks good almost regardless of how it was done. Work that has been through a couple of winters tells you more.

None of this is adversarial — a contractor who is confident in their work will answer all five without hesitating. Swap this post for your own list, or delete it along with the other two template posts.