The Ultimate 15-Point Checklist Before Hiring Any Contractor

A contractor checklist is useful only if it changes what you do before signing. The goal is not paperwork for its own sake. The goal is to catch unclear scope, wrong licensing, risky payment terms, and poor communication early.

Imagine two Sacramento homeowners hiring for the same roof repair. One picks the lowest text-message quote. The other verifies the license, asks what flashing is included, confirms permits, gets warranty terms, and checks cleanup. The second homeowner may not pay the lowest price, but they know what they bought.

Use this checklist before every meaningful home improvement contract.

The 15-Point Pre-Hire Checklist

| Check | What to Confirm |

| --- | --- |

| 1. Scope | The work is described clearly in writing |

| 2. License | CSLB license is active and matches the work |

| 3. Business name | Contract name matches the license record |

| 4. Insurance | Workers' compensation and insurance details make sense |

| 5. Bond | Contractor bond is active |

| 6. Permits | Permit responsibility is written |

| 7. Materials | Brands, models, and allowances are listed where needed |

| 8. Exclusions | Missing work is clearly excluded |

| 9. Schedule | Start timing and major milestones are realistic |

| 10. Payment | Payments match progress |

| 11. Changes | Change orders require written approval |

| 12. Cleanup | Disposal and site protection are included |

| 13. Warranty | Labor and material warranty terms are written |

| 14. References | Similar local work can be checked |

| 15. Communication | You know who manages the job |

If a contractor cannot clear the checklist, do not rush into the contract.

Scope Comes Before Price

Price is only useful when the scope is clear. A low bid that excludes permits, disposal, dry rot, patching, or finish work may become expensive later.

Ask each contractor to describe:

• What is included
• What is excluded
• What allowances are included
• What hidden conditions could change the price
• Which trades are involved
• What the homeowner must supply

Use the contractor questions guide alongside this checklist.

License, Permit, and Payment Checks

These three areas create the most risk.

Verify the license through CSLB. Confirm permit responsibility in writing. Review payment terms before signing. Be cautious with large deposits, cash-only requests, or vague milestone payments.

For more detail, read the license verification guide, permit guide, and bond and insurance guide.

Match the Checklist to the Project Size

A small faucet replacement does not need the same process as an addition. But any project involving permits, multiple trades, structural work, electrical, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, or large payments deserves careful review.

Browse by trade if you are not sure where to start: plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and general contractor.

The Bottom Line

A good checklist slows the decision down just enough to expose risk. Define the scope, verify the license, confirm permits and payment terms, and make sure the contract explains what happens when the project changes. If the answers are clear before signing, the project has a better chance of staying clear during construction.