10 Essential Questions
to Ask Your Contractor
Before You Hire
Hiring the wrong general contractor can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and months of frustration. Know exactly what to ask before you sign anything.
Your Trusted General Contractor
in the San Leandro Area
At LB Construction & Remodeling, we believe every homeowner deserves a contractor who is honest, prepared, and accountable from the first conversation to the final walkthrough. Based in San Leandro, CA, we specialize in custom remodels, additions, and new construction throughout the East Bay.
We wrote this guide because we have seen firsthand what happens when homeowners skip the hard questions. The right contractor welcomes scrutiny. They will hand you references without hesitation, explain every line of the contract, and pull permits before the first nail goes in. That is the standard we hold ourselves to, and it is the standard you should expect from anyone you hire.
The questions below are not just talking points. They are the same criteria we use to evaluate subcontractors and trade partners on every project we manage. Use them as your blueprint for a confident hiring decision.
Every homeowner should ask before signing a contract
Major remodels typically range $50,000 to $250,000 depending on scope
IBC, OSHA, and IRC compliance required on every project
Building Codes &
Red Flags to Watch For
Any reputable contractor will be familiar with these standards and upfront about their compliance. If they are not, walk away.
International Building Code 2025
Section 107 requires contractors to obtain proper building permits for new construction and remodeling.
Consequence: Failed inspections and legal penalties for unpermitted work.
OSHA Construction Standards
29 CFR Part 1926 mandates safety practices including fall protection and electrical standards for all construction sites.
Consequence: Injury risk, site shutdowns, and substantial fines.
International Residential Code 2025
Chapter 3 covers structural load requirements for walls, framing, and foundations on all residential projects.
Consequence: Collapsed structures or voided insurance claims.
◆ Contractor Red Flags: Walk Away If You See These
Incomplete Documentation
Never proceed with verbal agreements. Confirm contract terms and scope changes in writing.
Unrealistic Low Bids
If the estimate feels too good to be true, it often involves undercutting material or labor quality.
Lack of References
Contractors unwilling to offer past client contacts should raise concern.
No Permit Discussion
Legitimate professionals always mention necessary permits early in planning.
Pressure Tactics
Those urging quick decisions often bypass compliance or oversight. A trustworthy contractor gives you time to review and decide.
Questions That Reveal
Professional Standards
These are the questions a serious contractor expects, and the ones an unqualified one will struggle to answer. Do not skip any of them.
Project management tools like Buildertrend or CoConstruct help contractors provide progress photos and documentation. Ask if they use a system.
Major remodels typically range from $50,000 to $250,000 depending on site complexity, material cost, and total scope. These figures are preliminary benchmarks for informational purposes only and do not constitute a binding quote. An on-site evaluation is required for a final proposal.
Who will manage the day-to-day site operations?
Clear supervision avoids confusion. I once took over a job mid-project where multiple crews worked unsupervised, leading to wiring errors that delayed final inspection by weeks. Always know who is responsible on-site every single day.
How are scheduling delays handled?
Weather or supply issues happen. The policies a contractor has around delay contingencies reveal their reliability. A prepared professional has a documented process, not just reassurances.
Do you provide a fixed bid or cost-plus contract?
Fixed bids limit surprises, while cost-plus adds flexibility but demands trust and transparency. Both can work, but you need to understand which structure you are agreeing to and what protections are built in.
What is your payment schedule?
Avoid large upfront payments. A balanced schedule aligns progress with payouts, usually starting with a small deposit. Payment milestones tied to completed phases protect both parties and reflect professional project management.
What warranty or post-project support do you offer?
Solid warranties indicate confidence in workmanship. Many reputable builders extend manufacturer-backed coverage for materials such as tile or countertop finishes. Ask for warranty terms in writing and clarify what voids coverage.
Will permits and inspections be handled by your team?
Responsible contractors manage this process directly to ensure compliance. If a contractor suggests you pull the permits yourself, that is a significant red flag. Permit management is part of the job.
What communication method do you use for updates?
Ask if they provide progress photos or scheduled check-ins. Tools like Buildertrend or CoConstruct streamline documentation and keep homeowners informed throughout every phase. Communication gaps are one of the top sources of project disputes.
How do you prioritize safety and cleanliness on-site?
OSHA compliance, protective barriers, and dust mitigation demonstrate professional discipline. A clean, organized worksite reflects a contractor who respects your property and takes their trade seriously.
Can you explain your quality control process?
Regular inspections during framing, wiring, and drywall stages prevent rework. Those details reflect attention to build integrity. A contractor who can walk you through their QC checkpoints at each phase is a contractor you can trust.
What is the estimated total timeline and price range?
Major remodels typically range from $50,000 to $250,000 depending on site complexity, material cost, and total scope. These figures are preliminary benchmarks for informational purposes only and do not constitute a binding quote. An on-site evaluation is required for a final proposal.
View our custom home remodeling services portfolio →
◆ Owner, LB Construction & Remodeling
"The right contractor welcomes every one of these questions. We have built our practice around giving homeowners straight answers from day one."
Ready to Start Your
Remodeling Project?
Now that you know the right questions to ask, let us show you how we answer every single one of them. LB Construction & Remodeling serves homeowners throughout San Leandro, CA and the greater East Bay with transparent proposals, licensed supervision, and craftsmanship you can see in every detail.
We handle permits, inspections, scheduling, and communication so you never have to chase us for updates. Our process is built around keeping you informed and your project on track.
Licensed and Insured in California
Fully compliant with state contractor licensing requirements
Permit Management Included
We handle all permit applications and inspection scheduling
Written Contracts and Scope Documentation
Every agreement, change order, and scope update confirmed in writing
Regular Progress Updates
Photo updates and scheduled check-ins throughout every phase
Get Expert Guidance Before You Hire
Schedule a no-obligation on-site consultation with LB Construction & Remodeling. We will walk your space, answer every question on this list, and provide a detailed written proposal.
Serving San Leandro, Oakland, Hayward, Fremont, and the greater East Bay, CA
© 2026 LB Construction and Remodeling. San Leandro, CA. All rights reserved.