Planning
How to choose a renovation contractor (questions to ask)
Updated 2026-09-04 · 5 min read
Short answer
Judge a contractor on four things: how specific their written scope is, how they handle changes and surprises, how they communicate during the job, and how their payment schedule is tied to progress. A detailed scope and a clear change-order process predict a good project far better than the lowest bid.
Questions worth asking before signing
- What exactly is included — demolition, disposal, protection, materials, cleanup?
- What is an allowance, and how are overages approved?
- Who is on site each day, and who is my single point of contact?
- How are change orders priced and documented?
- What is the payment schedule, and what milestone does each payment follow?
- Who pulls permits, and who schedules inspections?
- How do you handle punch-list items and warranty callbacks?
Red flags
- A large deposit demanded before any work is scheduled
- A one-line quote with no scope breakdown
- Pressure to decide immediately or 'today only' discounts
- Unwillingness to put changes in writing
- No documentation of insurance coverage
Verify rather than assume
Ask for current insurance documentation and for licensing that applies in your municipality, and verify it directly with the issuing body rather than accepting a copy at face value. Requirements differ between Chicago and suburban municipalities and by trade.
Frequently asked
- Is the lowest bid usually a problem?
- Not automatically — but an unusually low bid is normally a smaller scope. Compare what is included line by line before treating two numbers as comparable.
- What should a renovation contract include?
- A written scope, materials and allowances, payment schedule tied to milestones, change-order process, schedule expectations, and how punch-list and warranty items are handled.
- How much deposit is reasonable?
- A deposit that funds mobilisation and material ordering is normal; paying for most of the job before work starts is not. Payments should track completed progress.
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