Free checklist
Ohio Contractor Hiring Checklist
21 questions to ask before you hire any contractor, plus the red flags that mean walk away.
- 21 questions to ask on the first call
- How to verify a license and insurance in 5 minutes
- Red flags in quotes and contracts
- Payment schedule rules that protect you
Free, no email required.
Free checklist
Ohio Contractor Hiring Checklist
What's on the checklist
Before you call
- Write down the scope of work in 3–5 sentences
- Set a budget range (use our cost estimator)
- Shortlist 3–5 pros with recent reviews
On the first call
- Are you licensed for this work in my city/state? What’s the number?
- Do you carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance?
- Who will be on site, and are they employees or subcontractors?
- Will you pull the permits?
- How long have you been in business under this name?
- Can you share 2–3 references from similar jobs in the last year?
Comparing quotes
- Every quote lists materials, brands and quantities
- Start and finish dates are written down
- Warranty on workmanship and materials is spelled out
- Clean-up and debris removal are included
Red flags 🚩
- Cash-only or large upfront payment (more than 30%)
- “Today only” pricing pressure
- No written contract
- Asks you to pull the permit
Payment
- Deposit of 10–30%, with the rest tied to milestones
- Final payment only after a walkthrough and your sign-off
- Get lien waivers from the contractor and major suppliers
This is a placeholder resource. Edit src/data/resources/contractor-hiring-checklist.md.
How to use this checklist
- 1Download the PDFSave it to your phone or print it. No email or sign-up needed.
- 2Check items off as you goWork through it room by room or step by step, and note anything that needs a pro.
- 3Bring it to your contractorUse it to ask better questions and compare quotes from Ohio pros side by side.