Verify licensing and insurance
Licensing requirements differ between Maryland, DC, Virginia and Pennsylvania and even between jurisdictions. Ask for the contractor's license information and check it with the issuing authority. Request certificates of insurance for general liability and workers' compensation, and confirm your landlord's minimum limits are met.
Ask for relevant experience
Renovating a restaurant is not the same as building out an office. Ask for projects similar to yours in size and type, and speak with recent clients about communication, schedule and how problems were handled.
Compare scope, not just price
Insist on an itemized proposal that lists inclusions, exclusions, allowances and assumptions. Watch for vague lines like "per plans" or missing items such as permits, inspections, disposal and cleanup. A clear proposal helps you compare bids fairly and prevents disputes.
Understand the schedule and how changes are handled
Ask for a written schedule that shows permits, long-lead items and inspections. Ask how change orders are priced and approved. Good contractors put this in writing before work starts.
Questions worth asking every contractor
These questions quickly separate organized teams from risky ones.
- Who will be my day-to-day contact and will they be on site?
- Which trades do you self-perform, and which are subcontracted?
- How do you handle permits and inspections?
- What warranties do you provide after completion?
- How do you keep me updated on progress and costs?