7 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask (and What the Answers Tell You)

Hiring the right contractor can make or break your home project. And in Southeast New Hampshire and Southern Maine, we’ve seen it all: shoddy jobs, ghosted clients, and unfinished projects that end up costing twice as much.

At Veterans Builders, we believe every homeowner deserves honesty, quality, and accountability—no exceptions. So before you sign that contract, ask these 7 questions. The answers will tell you everything you need to know.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

What to listen for:

✅ A clear yes, with the license number and proof of liability/workers’ comp.

❌ Vague answers like “We’ve been doing this a long time…” or “Don’t worry about it.”

Why it matters:

No license = no accountability. No insurance = you could be liable if someone gets hurt on your property.

2. Will You Be On-Site or Subcontracting the Whole Job?

What to listen for:

✅ “I manage the crew directly. I’ll be checking in daily.”

❌ “We hire everything out—I won’t really be around.”

Why it matters:

You want to know who’s responsible for the quality and schedule. Too many subcontractors = too much finger-pointing when something goes wrong.

3. Can I See Examples of Recent Work?

What to listen for:

✅ Photos, addresses (with permission), or a gallery on their website.

❌ “We don’t really take photos” or “Trust me, we’ve done a ton of these.”

Why it matters:

A reputable builder is proud to show off their work. If they can’t, that’s a red flag.

4. What’s the Payment Schedule?

What to listen for:

✅ A clear schedule: deposit, mid-point, final payment after walkthrough.

❌ “We need it all up front” or “We’ll figure it out as we go.”

Why it matters:

You should never pay in full up front. A fair payment schedule protects you and rewards good progress.

5. How Do You Handle Permits and Inspections?

What to listen for:

✅ “We pull all permits and schedule inspections. You won’t have to deal with it.”

❌ “You don’t really need a permit for that” or “We like to keep it off the radar.”

Why it matters:

Skipping permits puts you at risk—not them. Good builders follow code and welcome inspections.

6. Can I Talk to Past Clients?

What to listen for:

✅ “Sure—here are a few you can call.”

❌ “We don’t give out contact info” or “Just read the reviews.”

Why it matters:

Nothing beats talking to a real homeowner who’s been through it with that contractor.

7. What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?

What to listen for:

✅ “We fix it. No runaround.”

❌ “That won’t happen” or “You’ll need to talk to the subs.”

Why it matters:

Every project has surprises. You want someone who owns their work—not someone who disappears.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

🚩 No physical address

🚩 Pressure to sign fast

🚩 No written contract

🚩 Too-good-to-be-true pricing

🚩 “We only take cash”

🚩 Won’t answer your questions clearly

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. A good builder will respect your need to ask questions—and answer them like a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I get multiple quotes?

Yes—but make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Don’t just chase the lowest number—look at what’s included, how it’s built, and who’s doing the work.

Q: Is it okay to ask for a detailed scope of work?

Absolutely. We provide one every time. If someone won’t, ask yourself why.

Q: Do all contractors offer warranties?

They should. At Veterans Builders, we stand behind our work and fix any issues that pop up within the warranty period—no excuses.

Hire Smart. Build Better.

If you’re ready to build, remodel, or expand your home—but want to do it the right way from the start—we’re here to help. No guesswork. No games. Just solid, honest work.

Visit our Contact Page to schedule your free consultation:

👉 veteransbuildersllc.com/contact-us