14 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a General Contractor

Dusty Rhodes • April 18, 2022

When looking to hire a contractor for your building or remodeling project, you may feel a little overwhelmed and unsure of how to guarantee they are not only legit but also the best at what they do.


Do you remember playing the game 20 Questions as a kid? Hiring a contractor is similar. You have to use questions, deductive reasoning, creativity, and tact to ensure you are getting the most for your dollar (or couple hundred thousand of them).


First, how do you find the right contractor to interview?


How to find the right contractor


Whether you are hiring a remodeler for a residential or commercial property project, the first thing you want to consider is a contractor’s reputation.

  • Do you know anyone who has hired them previously?
  • What did previous clients say about their work and the value of it?
  • Their reliability?
  • Their communication and punctuality?


Having a friend or family member who can vouch for a contractor they have personally used is great, but you must check into their public reputation for yourself. This can easily be done online.


Once you have some confidence in their skills and competence, based on your investigation, it’s time to get on the phone and start interviewing.


When you first meet them, don’t hesitate to shoot the breeze a little bit.


It’s nice to know about a contractor’s family, their priorities, and what they like to do. Only spend a few minutes doing this though, as you want to be respectful of their time, and good contractors are typically very busy. Once you’ve broken the ice, get right into the questions.


A good contractor understands how important your property and projects are and knows that you will have lots of questions. If they won’t answer your questions, they are not your contractor. Run!


If they don’t show up for your appointment or interview, do not give them a second chance. If they are 30 minutes late, they had better have a good reason. If it’s acceptable to them to be late or not show up before you hire them, you can bet that this behavior will remain consistent or even get worse after you hire them.


When you meet a contractor, take note of their appearance and, if possible, the state of their vehicle. This can say a lot about a person’s organization and attention to detail. If there are fast food bags, empty water bottles, paperwork, and trash scattered everywhere, it seems likely that this is how your house is going to look if you choose to work with them.


It’s essential to thoroughly vet your contractor in the interviewing process.


What to look for during your search


If you aren’t careful about who you hire, it could cost you everything. Here are several tips to keep in mind for your initial search.

  • Get multiple estimates. You want to make sure you initially get estimates from more than one contractor, preferably around three.
  • Go local. If possible, local contractors are your best option because they will be more familiar with local building codes and will always be close by if you have to contact them for an emergency.
  • Check for proper licensing. If unlicensed, they will not be able to pull necessary permits, which will mean that your buildings are not up to local building codes and will not pass inspections. Unfortunately, you would then be held financially responsible for the repairs to meet those codes. Licensing is essential!
  • Check for warranties. Warranties are great for both parties because they protect the contractor from having to come back for multiple repairs over a long period, and also ensure the homeowners that the work of the contractor will not be shoddy or sub-par. You want a warranty in writing.
  • Check their past work. Look them up on the Better Business Bureau to check their reputation. You want a contractor with more than five years of experience, preferably. Ask for a list of references from their previous projects and follow up with these. You can also check their reputation and reviews on social media platforms or Yelp.
  • Utilize best payment practices. Don’t pay in cash or the full total upfront. Be wary of any contractor who demands either. An initial payment should be about a third of the estimated costs and should be given in the form of a check written to the company, not an individual.


Getting multiple estimates and carefully vetting your contractor may take some time, but at the end of the day, it is more than worth it for your peace of mind and your bank account.


Now that we’ve discussed a couple of tips to help you vet your contractor, let’s nail down some questions you will want to ask them.


Questions to ask during the interview


We have gathered a list of the best questions to ask a contractor during the interview process.


How many people work for you, and what is the structure of your company like?


This will tell you how large their organization is, which can be a good indication of how long they’ve been around and how well-established they are.


It can also tell you what type of support they have. Having administrative personnel who help manage project schedules and billing, a project manager, assistant managers, and other support will likely make it easier for you to get in touch with the company when you need to. You won’t have to worry about an individual being your single point of contact.


How long have you been running your own crew?


This question helps give you a better idea of how experienced they are at what they do and if they have a track record of being dependable over a long period.


You may want to ask them about turnover on the crew as well. If they have to fire their framer every other week, you may have a hard time getting that part of your renovation done.


Are you licensed?


Definitely make sure their licenses are up to date and they are registered with the state you’re in.


Are you insured?


This includes General Liability Insurance and Workers’ Compensation. There is only one right answer to this question. Once they hopefully say yes, ask to see a copy of their policy.


Will you be using subcontractors on this project?


Ideally, the contractor can do the entire project with just their own team, whether for a residential property or a commercial real estate property. This allows the general contractor to have more control over the timeline and the budget.


If they have to sub-contract specific parts of the project out, then they cannot control, for example, this plumber or that painter’s schedule.


Regardless, you need to make sure that each person conducting work is trained, licensed (if applicable), and insured. While subcontractors aren’t a red flag per se, they can create more work for you and also increase your timeline.


Have you ever had to declare bankruptcy or operated your company under a different name?


If they say yes, you will need to do a little more research to ensure they are not going to go bankrupt again. You also need to check on any previous companies as there is probably a reason they are not still in operation.


When you research and conduct interviews, it is not enough that they “pass the test.” You need to answer two questions: Are they a good person? And can you work with them?


Once you have a good idea of the contractor’s reputation and experience, you can start to figure out scheduling, timelines, communication, and organizational structure.


Have you ever had to deal with lawsuits?


Even though this question is delicate, you need to know the answer. This question consists of three parts.

  • Have you ever been sued? A “yes” answer is not an immediate reason to cut off the interview then and there, but you’ll want to dig a little deeper to find out what the suit was about, how it turned out, and how this contractor handled or responded to it.
  • Have you ever sued a client or filed a mechanics lien against a property? You need to understand the details. At the very least it will give you an indication of their transparency and character. You can always follow up with the public record.
  • Has your company ever had serious accidents that caused hospitalizations or injuries? Again, it is okay if the answer is yes—accidents happen. What’s important is how the contractor dealt with the situation and what they are continuing to do to ensure it doesn’t happen again.


Will you agree to sign lien releases before I pay you?


This answer needs to be “yes.” If your contractor does not want to sign a lien release to be paid, for any reason at all, their intentions are probably not what they should be.


How often do you communicate with your customers?


You need to get a sense of how often they will communicate with you. Will you get a daily report of progress or a weekly one?


It’s important to ask them first, rather than leading them to the answer you want to hear. Their answer will quickly give you an understanding of their professionalism.


You could even offer to have them text you pictures of their progress in lieu of a daily call.


How do you clean up your job site?


Don’t lead on this question by saying, “Do you clean up your job site daily?” Instead, ask them what they do at the end of every job day.


If they give some kind of half-answer, then you might say, “Would it be an issue if I wanted my job sites cleaned up at the end of every day?” It’s important to see what they say to your request, and then make your hiring decision based upon how they respond.


If the job site is a mess, it’s a liability for you and also makes you look like a slob to passersby.


How many projects do you have going on right now?


If your contractor says they are juggling three jobs at once, they will likely not meet your deadlines.


Your next question should be, “How will you handle my job at the same time as those other three jobs?”


Your soft costs will start to eat up your profits every day if you have to wait for them as they juggle other jobs as well.


What would our contract look like?


A lot of contractors don’t even use contracts (believe it or not), so it’s important to have this conversation at the beginning.


It’s best to always draft the contract you use and ensure that everyone signs before work begins or any money is exchanged.


Not every contractor will be okay with this, but you need to have a lawyer review any contract before you sign it. If it is written by your contractor, it is to protect them, but not necessarily you.


Who would be at my house and when?


You need to ensure that no one is allowed access to your house if they have not had their background checked by the company.


Additionally, you want to ensure that there are only contractors working when you give them express permission and within the boundaries that you’ve laid out.


How and when would you like to be paid?


An upfront payment of 50% is not reasonable, no matter what they say. A fair amount to pay upfront is roughly 30% of the estimated costs. Make sure you both agree to and sign a predetermined payment schedule before the start of the job.


A good contractor has enough in reserve to cover expenses to get started but occasionally will need money for some materials. If this is the case, you can order the materials and have them delivered directly to you. This way, you have what you paid for.


You need to be able to work well with your contractor. At the end of the day (or project), you want this contractor to have respected your property; been open and honest; treated you fairly; and completed the job within budget, on time, and to your personal standards.


If you find that you need to report a problem contractor, the Federal Trade Commission’s “Consumer Information” webpage lists several options for you to do so.


However, you shouldn’t have to worry about having to report a contractor if you properly vet them in the first place.

Source: BiggerPockets Blog


Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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Thinking about Selling Your House As-Is? Read This First.

By Dusty Rhodes • January 19, 2026
If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, you may be torn between two options: Do you sell it as-is and make it easier on yourself? No repairs. No effort. Or do you fix it up a bit first – so it shows well and sells for as much as possible? In 2026, that decision matters more than it used to. Here’s what you need to know. More Competition Means Your Home’s Condition Is More Important Again Over the past year, the number of homes for sale has been climbing. And this year, a Realtor.com forecast says it could go up another 8.9% . That matters. As buyers gain more options, they also re-gain the ability to be selective. So, the details are starting to count again. That’s one reason most sellers choose to make some updates before listing. According to a recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), two-thirds of sellers (65%) completed minor repairs or improvements before selling ( the blue and the green in the chart below ). And only one-third (35%) sold as-is : 

Smart Home, Big Risks: Top Cybersecurity Threats Homeowners Need To Know

By Dusty Rhodes • January 12, 2026
Smart home devices are becoming increasingly common. From webcams to thermostats, to TVs and even AI-improved refrigerators, homeowners have an array of choices to make their lives easier. These devices can also boost home prices, making them a worthwhile investment. Yet, these smart home gadgets can also be compromised and are subject to a slew of cybersecurity threats. In fact, Rambus , a chip and silicon IP provider, found that an eye-popping 80% of Internet of Things (IoT) devices “are vulnerable to a wide range of attacks.” Mike Halbouni , founder of PoyntGuard , a security camera and surveillance installation company, said that as homes become more connected, cybersecurity is just as critical as physical security. “Every smart device that connects to your network, including cameras, doorbells, thermostats, smart locks, and voice assistants, can become a potential entry point for hackers if not properly secured,” he said. Common cybersecurity threats, from weak passwords and credentials Jason Chen , technical director and tech expert at JarnisTech , a professional electronics manufacturer, said that the more “smart” your home gets, the more exposed you become. “Convenience has a cost, and that cost is usually hidden in the fine print of your device’s security settings,” he said. The most threat to your smart home security comes from weak default credentials and passwords, according to Thomas S. Hyslip , assistant professor of instruction for the M.S. in cybercrime program in the criminology department at the University of South Florida . As Hyslip explained, many smart devices, including smart cameras, baby monitors, smart doorbells, network routers, and smart hubs, are shipped with publicly known or easily guessable factory passwords and settings, such as "admin" or "123456.” “Cybercriminals use automated tools to scan the internet, searching for devices with these default settings to gain immediate and full control, potentially compromising your entire home network,” he said. To mitigate this threat, homeowners must change passwords immediately and often. Another tip: Avoid inexpensive IoT devices with hard-coded, unchangeable passwords, as these products are permanently vulnerable to takeover and pose an unacceptable risk to your network security, he added. Lack of knowledge Tony Anscombe , chief security evangelist at ESET, a cybersecurity vendor, echoed the sentiment, saying that smart devices introduce several potential risks, the primary ones being privacy and security. Anscombe added that consumers need to ensure they understand exactly what data is being collected by smart devices, how it’s being secured, where it’s being stored, and whether it will be used for any other purposes or shared with a third party. Tim Kravchunovsky , CEO of Chirp , an IoT solutions provider for short-term rentals, also said that the biggest cybersecurity threat most homeowners face isn’t a single device, it's their own home network and IT knowledge. “Depending on how much home automation someone has, their devices may hold extremely sensitive information. Yet most people who automate their homes aren’t very technical, and that lack of expertise creates wide security gaps,” he said. He added that nearly all consumer IoT devices operate over Wi-Fi. Once an attacker gains access to a home’s Wi-Fi network, which is often far easier than people think, they can pivot to the devices themselves and access the data flowing through them. “Businesses recognized this risk years ago, which is why many now isolate IoT devices in a completely separate environment rather than letting them live on the main network,” he said. Smart cameras and doorbells According to Chen, these devices, which are designed to keep you safe, are actually easy prey for hackers themselves. “I know individuals who have used hacked cameras to spy on families, to record them inappropriately, to even broadcast those feeds for everyone to see without their consent,” he said, adding that this happens because many people never update default passwords, update firmware, or connect cameras to their main Wi-Fi networks. “A hacker, after penetrating, can monitor all of your movements—literally,” he said. Chen added that to fix this, there are several steps you can take: turn on two-factor authentication (2FA); change all default login credentials; and set up a separate Wi-Fi network just for smart devices. Smart speakers and voice assistants Dave Meister , cybersecurity evangelist of Check Point Software Technologies , said there have been instances in which attackers have tricked these devices into making purchases or controlling other smart-home features. They’re also constantly listening, which makes them a privacy risk if not configured well, he said. What to do: According to Meister, turn off voice-purchasing, use strong and unique passwords, and use the physical mute button when you’re not using it. And as Chen said: “The golden rule here is if a device is always listening, assume it is always collecting and act accordingly.” Smart locks and garage systems Smart locks make life easier, especially for those among us who constantly forget where they put their keys. However, as Chen put it, these introduce a terrifying vulnerability: If someone compromises your smartphone or your Wi-Fi, your front door could literally unlock for them. “The same goes for connected garage systems. Many rely on cloud-based apps that, if breached, could grant access to your home in seconds,” he said. Instead, Chen urges homeowners to use locks with end-to-end encryption; lock down your smartphone with biometrics and remote wipe options; and audit who has access—remove old guest codes or app permissions you’ve forgotten about. Smart TVs and streaming devices Gene Petrino , lead adviser for Security.org , a company specializing in personal and home security, and a retired SWAT commander, said that many devices include microphones and cameras that can be exploited if security is weak. Petrino recommends turning off unused connectivity features, such as voice control and camera, and only installing apps from trusted sources. In addition, he urges homeowners to enable firmware updates regularly. “Think of your smart home like a digital ecosystem; each device is a door. The more devices you connect, the more doors you create. Secure each one with strong passwords, regular updates, and separate networks for critical systems,” he said. Check Point Software Technologies’ Meister added that, surprisingly, these are among the most vulnerable devices in the home. “A lot of the cheaper streaming boxes run old software, and we’ve seen cases this year where malware actually came pre-installed on knockoff devices people bought online. Once they’re plugged in, they can be used for things like click-fraud or even large-scale attacks,” he said. Meister offered another tip: Stick to reputable brands and keep up to date. Home Wi-Fi router “The router is basically the front door to your digital house,” said Meister. As he noted, the average home sees dozens of attack attempts a day, and a lot of IoT traffic isn’t encrypted at all. If your router is old or still using the default login, it’s an easy target. What you can do is use a strong Wi-Fi password and turn on automatic updates, he said. Smart thermostats Security.org’s Petrino said attackers can gather data on your daily routines—like when you’re home or away—or use unsecured devices to access your entire Wi-Fi network. He said that homeowners should create a separate network for smart devices, use strong router passwords and WPA3 encryption, and avoid connecting unnecessary appliances to the internet. Meister also cautions that many owners don’t realize appliances can be hacked, too, and that older or cheap models often never get software updates, which means any vulnerability lives forever. His advice? Before buying, check whether the brand actually updates its products. And if a device stops getting updates, it’s time to replace it. “If I had to give homeowners one simple rule, it’d be this: Treat every smart device like a tiny computer. Update it, use a strong password, and don’t put it on the same network as the devices that actually matter, like your laptop or phone,” he added. 

When Is the Right Time to Downsize Your Home?

By Dusty Rhodes • January 5, 2026
Downsizing your home is a major decision, and the right moment to act is not always obvious. The best time to downsize is whenever your current home no longer aligns with your financial, lifestyle, or personal needs. It’s less about the market and more about your life stage. But deciding to downsize can be hard, and leaving a home filled with cherished memories can bring heartache. So, when is the right time to downsize? If owning your home in Seattle, WA , or renting a house in Portland, OR , has brought more stress and worry than joy in recent years, the time may be right to downsize into something smaller. In this Redfin real estate article, we’ll explore how, by considering financial, emotional, and maintenance factors, you can determine if now is the perfect time to trade your large property for a smaller, more manageable space. Financial signs you should consider downsizing Your finances often provide the clearest signal that it is time to downsize. Carrying a large mortgage or facing ever-increasing utility and maintenance bills can put unnecessary strain on your budget. High maintenance costs : Is your maintenance budget constantly being stretched by repairs on a large or older home? The costs of running and maintaining unused square footage add up significantly over time. Downsizing can drastically reduce these expenses, freeing up money for other goals. Nearing or entering retirement : Many people choose to downsize right before or as they enter retirement. This is an excellent opportunity to reduce housing payments, eliminate your mortgage, and unlock home equity. As Patricia Cavanaugh of The 3rd Act , a retirement planning service for seniors, says, “It’s time to downsize when your personal possessions and material goods are weighing you down and preventing you from making room for your new retirement lifestyle.” Desire to free up equity : Selling a larger, more expensive home and buying a smaller one means you will have a substantial amount of equity released. This money can be used to travel, invest, or simply create a more secure financial cushion for the future. Lifestyle and emotional indicators Beyond money, your day-to-day life is a powerful indicator of whether a smaller home makes sense. The way you use your space can reveal if your home is now too big for your needs. Living a simpler life may offer helpful benefits to your emotional and mental health. Becoming an empty nester : When your children move out, you might find yourself with multiple unused bedrooms and living areas. This space not only costs money to maintain and heat, but it can also feel unnecessary. Downsizing to a cozier home allows you to repurpose that space and focus on a new, simpler chapter. Too much unused space: Walk through your home and identify rooms you rarely or never use. If you have rooms that feel like storage areas rather than functional living spaces, it is a sign that your home is simply too large for your current lifestyle. Downsizing allows you to live more efficiently. A simpler, less demanding life : Large properties require a lot of effort to clean, maintain, and landscape. If you are starting to feel burdened by the chores associated with your home, downsizing to a smaller house or a low-maintenance condo can dramatically improve your quality of life. This trade-off gives you more time for hobbies or relaxation. What about the housing market? While your personal situation is the most important factor, the market can influence your timing. The best financial time to downsize is generally when your current home’s value is high. This allows you to maximize the profit from the sale, which directly translates to more funds for your smaller purchase. However, remember that when sale prices are high, so are purchase prices. A good real estate agent can help you analyze the market to find a sweet spot where you achieve the best outcome on both transactions. Making the move Once you decide it is the right time to downsize , the next big step is to declutter. This process can be the most time-consuming part of the move. Leaving an old home can be an emotional process, so the best approach is to start early and be ruthless about what you truly need. Focus on organizing, donating, and selling items well before you list your property . Frequently asked questions: What is the main benefit of downsizing? The main benefit is financial: Reducing your monthly expenses, cutting utility and maintenance bills, and freeing up a significant amount of home equity. Will downsizing definitely save me money? In most cases, yes. While the cost of moving and closing on a new, smaller home is a factor, the long-term savings from lower property taxes , lower utility costs, and reduced or eliminated mortgage payments almost always result in substantial savings. What should I do before I list my current home? The most important step is decluttering and organizing every space. A home that is neat and free of excess belongings shows much better to potential buyers and makes your eventual move much easier.