The Contractor Red Flag Checklist
Protect your project from costly mistakes. Use our quick checklist and must-ask questions before you hire any contractor. See the list below.
If you are ready to dive in deeper, snag the full system here.
Spot Contractor Red Flags:
What To Watch For
Contractor Evaluation: Quick Score
Communication
Rate the contractor’s responsiveness, clarity, and professionalism from 1–5.
Scope Clarity
Does the contractor’s quote clearly outline what is and isn’t included?
Timeline Realism
Is their suggested start date and timeline realistic? Rate your confidence from 1–5.
Payment Professionalism
Are payment terms defined, fair, and milestone-based? Score them now.
Ready to Build with Confidence?
Don’t take chances on your next project.
THE CONTRACTOR RED FLAG CHECKLIST
+ 10 “must-ask” questions before you hire
Your top priority:
☐ Budget ☐ Timeline ☐ Quality ☐ Communication
PART 1 Red Flags (Circle any that show up) 🚩
Communication & Professionalism
☐ Slow to respond before you hire (it won’t improve after)
☐ Won’t put details in writing (“Don’t worry, I got you”)
☐ Talks badly about every past client/contractor (pattern = problem)
☐ Pushes you to decide today / uses pressure tactics
Quotes & Scope
☐ Quote is vague (“labor + materials” with no breakdown)
☐ Missing key line items (demo, disposal, protection, permits, cleanup)
☐ Heavy allowances with no clear amounts or assumptions
☐ Refuses to clarify what’s included/excluded
Permits, License, Insurance
☐ Says permits “aren’t necessary” for obvious permit work
☐ Won’t share license number or correct business name
☐ Can’t provide a current COI (general liability + workers comp/exemption)
☐ Wants you to be responsible for injuries/damage (no coverage)
Payments & Risk
☐ Large deposit with no explanation (or cash-only pressure)
☐ Payment schedule isn’t tied to milestones/inspections
☐ Doesn’t use written change orders
☐ Won’t provide lien waivers (where applicable)
If you checked 3+ red flags: pause and keep interviewing.
PART 2 10 Questions to Ask (Copy/Paste Script)
Who is my day-to-day contact, and how often will they be on site?
What exactly is included and excluded in this quote?
What assumptions are you making (allowances, unknowns, site conditions)?
What permits/inspections apply—and who pulls them?
How do you handle change orders (written approval before work)?
What’s your realistic start date and timeline—and what could delay it?
How many projects are you running at once right now?
What is your payment schedule like, and what is each draw tied to?
Can you provide your license # and current insurance COI today?
10. Can you share 3 recent references from similar projects (last 12–24 months)?
PART 3 Quick Score (Choose fast, not emotional)
Rate 1–5 (5 = best):
Communication: ___/5 | Scope clarity: ___/5 | Timeline realism: ___/5 | Payment professionalism: ___/5
My decision: ☐ Keep interviewing ☐ Shortlist ☐ No thanks
This checklist is the quick filter.
Ready To Jump into the Full System?
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The Red Flag Checklist is your fast filter—but there’s more in our complete ebook! Get step-by-step instructions, printable worksheets for quote comparison, allowance tracking, contract checklists, change orders, punch lists, and closeout.
My full ebook includes the complete step-by-step process + printable worksheets for: quote comparisons, allowance tracking, contract checklists, change orders, punch lists, and closeout.
This checklist saved me from hiring a contractor who refused to provide insurance info. I found someone much better!
Jessica M.
Homeowner
The 10 questions helped me spot real pros and my project finished on time and under budget.
Adrian T.
Remodeling Client
The quick score section was eye-opening. Avoided a nightmare builder—thank you!
Sharon D.