Roger Scheck Construction

Most homeowners don’t know what to ask before hiring a contractor.

So they compare prices, go with who they feel comfortable with… and hope it works out.

That’s where things usually go wrong.

Hiring the right contractor isn’t about who sounds the best—it’s about who can actually walk you through how your project is going to be built.

If they can’t clearly answer these, that’s a red flag.

Here are 17 questions worth asking before you hire anyone:

Are you licensed in North Carolina?

Will you be pulling permits for this project?

Who is responsible for scheduling inspections?

Are you insured—and can you provide proof?

Do you use licensed subcontractors for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC?

Who will actually be working in my house day-to-day?

How do you handle change orders?

Do you offer a fixed price contract or cost-plus?

What allowances are included—and what happens if I go over?

What’s your typical payment schedule?

How do you protect the home during construction?

What’s your process from start to finish?

How do you handle delays or unexpected issues?

What waterproofing system do you use in showers—and why?

Do you follow manufacturer specs and building codes—or just what works?

What happens if something fails after the job is complete?

Can you walk me through a recent project like mine?

A good contractor won’t hesitate to answer these.

They’ll be able to explain their process, why they do things a certain way, and how they handle problems before they happen.

A bad one will give you vague answers—or try to move past the question.

At the end of the day, you’re not just hiring someone to build something.

You’re hiring someone to manage your home, your money, and a lot of moving parts.

Make sure they know what they’re doing before you let them start.