# Questions to ask a contractor: printable | Costolio URL: https://costolio.com/home/checklists/questions-to-ask-a-contractor/ Updated: 2026-11-02 # Questions to ask a contractor Questions to ask a contractor before you sign, in plain words. Print it, or tick boxes here (ticks stay on this device). Each point links to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) page it comes from. ## License and identity - What is your license number? Can I see your pocket license and a photo ID?CSLB says contractors must show their license number on business cards, bids and contracts, and suggests checking the pocket license against a photo ID. Source: [CSLB: Finding the right contractor](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Finding_The_Right_Contractor.aspx) - Is your license active, and does it have any disciplinary history?A license number on a card does not mean the license is valid. Look it up on the CSLB site. Source: [CSLB: Check a license](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx), [CSLB: Finding the right contractor](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Finding_The_Right_Contractor.aspx) - If a salesperson is quoting me, are they registered with CSLB?CSLB says home improvement salespeople must be registered, and suggests asking to see the registration card. Source: [CSLB: Finding the right contractor](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Finding_The_Right_Contractor.aspx) ## Insurance and bonds - Do you have employees, and do you carry workers' compensation insurance?CSLB says a contractor with employees must carry workers' compensation, and some license types must carry it even without employees. Source: [CSLB: Finding the right contractor](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Finding_The_Right_Contractor.aspx) - Do you carry general liability insurance? If not, how would damage to my home be covered?CSLB notes general liability is not required, and that the contract must describe both kinds of insurance. Source: [CSLB: Finding the right contractor](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Finding_The_Right_Contractor.aspx) - What does your license bond cover, and what does it not cover?CSLB says licensed contractors must have a license bond, and that bonds do not cover everything. Source: [CSLB: Finding the right contractor](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Finding_The_Right_Contractor.aspx) ## The contract - Will you put the work, materials, price, payment dates, permits and finish date in writing?CSLB says a contract should cover the work, price, payment timing, who gets permits and when the job will be finished. Source: [CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Contracts_And_Binding_Agreements.aspx) - Can the contract name exact materials, such as brand and model?CSLB advises being as specific as possible about materials. Source: [CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Contracts_And_Binding_Agreements.aspx) - Who pulls the building permit?CSLB says the contract should state who gets the necessary permits. Source: [CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Contracts_And_Binding_Agreements.aspx) - Does the price include cleanup and removal of debris?CSLB suggests the contract include everything agreed, up to complete cleanup and debris removal. Source: [CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Contracts_And_Binding_Agreements.aspx) - How will changes be handled? Will each change get a written change order?CSLB says changes to work, materials, dates or price should be written on a change order. Source: [CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Contracts_And_Binding_Agreements.aspx) - How do I cancel, and is there a cancellation penalty?CSLB describes a right to cancel within a short window after signing, and says cancellation must be in writing. Source: [CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Contracts_And_Binding_Agreements.aspx) ## Payments - How big is the down payment, and what is the payment schedule?California limits home improvement down payments. CSLB explains the limit and the rare bond exception. Source: [CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Contracts_And_Binding_Agreements.aspx) - Do you have a Blanket Performance and Payment Bond on file with CSLB?CSLB says only contractors with this rare bond can ask for more up front, and you can see it on the license lookup. Source: [CSLB: Contracts and binding agreements](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Contracts_And_Binding_Agreements.aspx), [CSLB: Check a license](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx) ## References - Can you give me recent customers, suppliers or subcontractors I can call?CSLB suggests these as references to check whether a contractor is reliable. Source: [CSLB: Finding the right contractor](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Finding_The_Right_Contractor.aspx) - What is your business address and phone number?CSLB suggests confirming a current address and phone, and notes the license lookup shows an address of record. Source: [CSLB: Finding the right contractor](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Finding_The_Right_Contractor.aspx), [CSLB: Check a license](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx) [Before you hire checklist](https://costolio.com/home/checklists/before-you-hire/) ยท [Compare my quote](https://costolio.com/home/quote-check/) From costolio.com/home/checklists/questions-to-ask-a-contractor/. Not legal advice.