Questions to ask before you sign

Why this worksheet matters

Big projects come with big decisions. A new build, home addition, structural repair, or major renovation can affect your budget, your schedule, and your day-to-day life for months. Many homeowners sign too early because they feel rushed, confused by construction terms, or unsure what to compare. This worksheet gives you a simple way to slow the process down and ask clear questions before money changes hands.

Mainstay Builders is a free matching service. We connect homeowners with licensed, bonded, and insured general contractors for larger residential projects. We do not do construction work, and this worksheet is not legal, engineering, or professional building advice. It is a practical tool to help you organize your questions so you can verify credentials, compare bids, and choose your own contractor with more confidence.

What this tool helps you check

The worksheet is designed for real conversations with contractors. It helps you ask what is included, what is not included, who will manage the work, how changes will be handled, and what paperwork you should expect. It also helps you compare answers from more than one contractor side by side, which is often where the important differences show up.

• License, bond, and insurance status
• Scope of work and what materials are included
• Who pulls permits and who schedules inspections
• Estimated timeline and what could delay the job
• Payment schedule, deposits, and change-order process
• Who will be on site each day and who supervises subs
• Cleanup, site protection, and access to your home
• Warranty details and what happens after completion

It also helps with plain communication. If English is not your first language, bringing a written checklist can make meetings easier. You can mark answers, circle unclear items, and ask a family member or trusted friend to review the notes with you later. You do not need special construction knowledge to use it.

How to use the worksheet

Start before you request final bids, not after. Download the worksheet and bring it to each call, site visit, or estimate appointment. Ask the same core questions to every contractor you meet. That makes comparisons more fair and helps you notice when one bid seems low because something important was left out.

• Step 1: Write down your project goals in simple terms.
• Step 2: List any must-haves, deal-breakers, and budget limits.
• Step 3: Ask each contractor the same questions.
• Step 4: Take notes in the worksheet during the conversation.
• Step 5: Request written details for anything that sounds vague.
• Step 6: Verify license, bond, and insurance before signing.
• Step 7: Review the contract carefully and do not rely on verbal promises.

Good answers are usually specific. For example, instead of 'we handle everything,' look for details like who pulls permits, what work is excluded, how draws are tied to progress, and how change orders are priced and approved. If a contractor avoids direct answers, pressures you to sign fast, or will not provide proof of credentials, treat that as a warning sign.

Questions you should never skip

Some questions matter on every major project, no matter the size. Ask who is responsible for permits and inspections. Ask whether structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work will be subcontracted. Ask what could change the price. Ask what happens if hidden damage is found after work starts. Ask how cleanup, debris removal, and temporary weather protection will be handled.

You should also ask for proof, not just verbal answers. Request the contractor's license number, proof of general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage if required in your state. Ask for a written scope of work and a written payment schedule. If something is important to you, make sure it appears in writing before you sign.

What costs can this help you avoid

This worksheet does not give prices, and Mainstay Builders does not quote jobs. But better questions can help you avoid expensive surprises. When scope is unclear, homeowners often face added charges later for items they thought were included. Written details can reduce misunderstandings and make it easier to compare estimates honestly.

These are broad national estimates, not quotes or guarantees. Actual costs vary widely by project type, home condition, materials, code requirements, and local labor markets. Your contractor should provide a written estimate for your specific project, and you should review it carefully before agreeing to anything.

Download the worksheet

The Questions-to-Ask Worksheet is free to download and simple to print or save on your phone. Use it during meetings, save one copy for each contractor, and keep all notes together with estimates, plans, and insurance documents. That way you have one place to track answers instead of trying to remember who said what.

This tool works best when you use it early. If you already have bids, you can still use it to follow up and fill in missing details before you choose a contractor. A careful review now can save stress later.

Your next step when you're ready

Once you have used the worksheet and you are ready to talk with contractors, Mainstay Builders can help you get matched with licensed, bonded, and insured general contractors in the U.S. for new construction, home additions, structural work, and major renovations. Our service is free for homeowners.

We are not a contractor, and we do not choose for you. We connect you with qualified pros so you can compare options, ask better questions, verify credentials, and decide who you want to hire. Always do your own review before signing a contract.