The 3 Questions That Reveal a Bad Contractor

Everyone knows to ask "are you licensed and insured?" (and you absolutely should). But bad contractors can get insurance. Here are the three questions that actually reveal their character and business practices.

1. "How do you handle scope gaps?"

Bad Answer: "Don't worry, we'll figure it out."

Good Answer: "If we find something outside the original scope, I will stop work, issue a written Change Order with the cost, and wait for your signature before proceeding."

2. "Who pays for material delays?"

Bad Answer: "That's not my problem, it's the supplier."

Good Answer: "I order long-lead items (like cabinets and windows) before demolition starts to minimize downtime. If there is a delay, I will rework the schedule to keep other trades moving."

3. "Can I see your standard contract?"

Bad Answer: "We just use a simple one-page invoice."

Good Answer: "Sure. It covers payment schedules, lien waivers, warranty terms, and dispute resolution."

Pro Tip: Never hire a contractor without a detailed written contract. ModuBlox provides data-backed scopes of work to include in your contract.