Questions to Ask Before You Hire Any Contractor— and How We Answer Them

Choosing the right builder or remodeler is the single biggest factor in whether your project finishes on time, on budget, and with your sanity intact. Below are the questions we encourage every homeowner to ask any contractor they’re considering—along with the straight-up answers you can expect from Corry Contracting Company.

1. “Are you licensed and insured, and can I see proof?”

Why it matters: A current license shows the contractor meets state standards; proper insurance protects you if someone is injured or a mistake is made.
Our answer: Yes. Corry Contracting holds an active Michigan Residential Builder license (#262200087). We carry well above minimum requirements in general liability coverage. We’re happy to present certificates before you sign.

2. “Who will be on my job site each day, and how is it supervised?”

Why it matters: Consistent oversight prevents miscommunication and costly re-work.
Our answer: Each project is closely managed by us, we open and close the site daily, as well as facilitate task completion and sequencing. Additionally we  posts updates to your client portal. Trade partners and vendors are the same vetted assets to our team that we’ve used for years.

3. “Can I see a detailed, written scope of work and a line-item budget?”

Why it matters: Vague scopes invite expensive change orders.
Our answer: We present a comprehensive proposal, with the scope and line item specifications attached as an exhibit to your contract, so expectations are fully defined before work begins.

4. “What is your schedule, and how do you deal with delays?”

Why it matters: Late projects cost money and disrupt daily life.
Our answer: You’ll have access to a detailed Gantt-style schedule with milestones and built-in buffer days. We review progress with you weekly, and any shifts to the timeline are reflected in real time in your client portal, so you can always see how changes affect the overall schedule.

5. “How will you protect my home and family during construction?”

Why it matters: Dust, debris, and open job sites can create health, safety, and security risks.
Our answer: Our site-protection program is thorough, inside and out. Indoors we lay heavy-duty Ram Board on floors, set up ZipWall plastic partitions, and run negative-pressure HEPA air scrubbers during dusty phases. Outdoors we install silt fencing and other sediment-control measures to prevent debris from leaving the site. At every step, we devote maximum effort to keeping dust sealed within the work zone—so the rest of your home stays clean and your family stays safe.

6. “What kind of communication can I expect?”

Why it matters: Unanswered texts and surprise invoices breed distrust.
Our answer: We update your client-portal job logs at reasonable intervals with fresh photos, notes, and key details, so you always have an accurate snapshot of progress. You can message us there 24/7 and typically receive a response within four business hours. Onsite or video check-ins and walkthroughs are scheduled at predefined intervals aligned with your project’s duration.

7. “How do you manage change orders?”

Why it matters: Scope creep is inevitable—how it’s handled determines cost and schedule impact.
Our answer: Whenever the unexpected arises, or you’d like to adjust the project, we post a clear change order in your portal that shows the updated cost and timeline at a glance. Simply review and e-sign online—once approved, we smoothly fold the change into the schedule and keep everything on track.

8. “What warranty do you provide?”

Why it matters: A warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it.
Our answer: A two-year workmanship warranty—double the Michigan requirement—plus all manufacturer warranties on products we install. We schedule a 60-day tune-up automatically.

9. “How do you handle project close-out and punch lists?”

Why it matters: The last 5 % of work often drags on without a defined process.
Our answer: At a dedicated quality-assurance walkthrough near project completion, we collaborate with you to create a digital punch list. Each item is documented in your client portal, allowing you to track its resolution until every detail meets the agreed standard.

10. “What makes your company the right fit for my project?”

Why it matters: Beyond price and specs, alignment of values and process is key to a smooth experience.
Our answer: We’re a local, family-run firm focused solely on residential remodeling in the Ann Arbor area. That specialization means deep knowledge of local codes, inspectors, and material suppliers—translating into fewer surprises and higher craftsmanship for you.

Ready to Start Asking Questions?

Keep these questions in hand as you interview contractors—and when you’re ready, book a 15-minute discovery call with Corry Contracting Company. We’ll address every point (and any others you have) with the clarity and transparency your home deserves.

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