Questions to Ask
Before Signing.

Use the same questions with every bidder. Write the answers into the agreement rather than relying on verbal promises.

Project ____________________Contractor ____________________Date ____________________

Scope and drawings

Does the agreement describe every included task and area?Notes __________________________________________________Which drawings, measurements, assumptions and selections control the work?Notes __________________________________________________What work is explicitly excluded?Notes __________________________________________________

Materials and allowances

Are manufacturer, product line, grade, color and quantity named?Notes __________________________________________________Which items are allowances, and what labor, tax and markup applies if they change?Notes __________________________________________________Who owns unused materials and receives product receipts?Notes __________________________________________________

Permits and inspections

Who confirms the enforcing agency and required permits?Notes __________________________________________________Who applies, pays, schedules, corrects and closes each permit?Notes __________________________________________________Will work stop before required rough inspections and final approval?Notes __________________________________________________

Credentials and protection

Have license status, insurance, references and business identity been independently verified?Notes __________________________________________________How are the house, occupants, neighbors, landscaping, driveway and belongings protected?Notes __________________________________________________Who handles utilities, dust, weather, security and daily cleanup?Notes __________________________________________________

Payments and changes

Are payments tied to measurable milestones instead of dates alone?Notes __________________________________________________Is enough held for inspections, punch list, records and final closeout?Notes __________________________________________________Must every change show scope, price and schedule impact before work proceeds?Notes __________________________________________________

Schedule, warranty and closeout

What starts the schedule, and how are delays communicated?Notes __________________________________________________What workmanship and manufacturer warranties apply, and who registers them?Notes __________________________________________________Which approvals, photos, manuals, receipts, lien documents and keys arrive before final payment?Notes __________________________________________________

Stop before signing if the written agreement is incomplete.

This packet is educational and not legal advice. Contract requirements and consumer protections vary. Consider qualified legal review for major projects.

Check the payment schedule →Compare the written bids →

Questions to AskBefore Signing.