10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Construction Contractor

Hiring the right contractor can make or break your construction project. Whether you're building a custom home, planning a major remodel, or tackling a light commercial job, it's critical to partner with a contractor who’s professional, transparent, and capable of delivering quality results—on time and on budget.

At Cummings Construction, we’ve proudly served the Bellevue, Iowa area with honesty, craftsmanship, and small-town integrity. And we believe informed clients make the best decisions. Here are 10 smart questions to ask any contractor before signing the dotted line—along with the kinds of answers you should expect.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Make sure your contractor holds all required state and local licenses—and carries both liability and workers’ comp insurance. This protects you from being liable for on-site injuries or property damage.

✅ Cummings Construction is fully licensed and insured in the state of Iowa.

2. Can You Provide References or Examples of Recent Work?

Any reputable contractor should be happy to share past projects or connect you with previous clients. Photos, testimonials, or in-person walkthroughs all help you verify quality and experience.

✅ We’ll gladly provide photos and references from recent work in Bellevue, Jackson County, and beyond.

3. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters. A contractor with a proven track record is more likely to deliver reliable results and handle unforeseen issues professionally.

✅ Cummings Construction brings [insert years] years of experience building and remodeling in Eastern Iowa.

4. Who Will Be Onsite, and Who Manages the Project Day-to-Day?

You want to know who’s actually doing the work—and who’s making sure it gets done right. Avoid contractors who disappear once the deposit clears.

✅ Our team is local, fully trained, and project-managed in-house. You’ll know exactly who’s on your site and when.

5. What’s the Payment Schedule?

A clear payment structure (deposit, progress payments, final payment) is a sign of a well-organized contractor. Avoid anyone who demands full payment upfront.

✅ We follow a milestone-based payment schedule and provide all costs upfront—no hidden fees, no surprises.

6. Will I Have a Written Contract?

A written contract should outline the scope of work, materials, timeline, payment terms, and warranty details. If a contractor won’t provide one—run.

✅ We provide detailed, easy-to-understand contracts for every job.

7. How Do You Handle Change Orders or Unforeseen Issues?

Construction projects often uncover hidden problems or require small adjustments. Make sure there’s a clear process (and pricing method) for handling changes.

✅ We communicate openly and get written approval on any changes before moving forward.

8. Do You Offer a Warranty or Guarantee?

A contractor that stands behind their work should offer a warranty—on both labor and materials (where applicable).

✅ We stand behind every job with a solid workmanship warranty and only use quality materials with manufacturer backing.

9. What’s the Estimated Timeline for My Project?

You deserve realistic timelines—not vague promises. While delays can happen, your contractor should set clear expectations from the start.

✅ We provide a detailed project schedule and keep you informed every step of the way.

10. What Sets You Apart from Other Contractors?

This is your opportunity to hear what a contractor believes about their own quality, service, and values. If they can't answer clearly, that’s a red flag.

✅ At Cummings Construction, we’re proud to be locally owned, personally involved, and focused on delivering the kind of craftsmanship and accountability our neighbors in Bellevue deserve