The 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Utah Contractor

Hiring a contractor is a big decision. Whether it's a kitchen remodel, a new roof, or a custom home, these 10 questions will help you make the right choice.

1. Are You Licensed in Utah?

This is non-negotiable for projects over $3,000. Ask for the license number and verify it at dopl.utah.gov. A legitimate contractor will have their license number on their business card, truck, and website.

What to look for: Active status, no disciplinary actions, correct classification for your project type.

2. Do You Carry Insurance?

Every contractor should have:

• General liability insurance — covers property damage and injuries
• Workers' compensation — covers their employees if injured on your property

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and verify it's current. If a contractor doesn't have insurance and someone gets hurt on your property, you could be liable.

3. Can You Provide References?

Ask for 3-5 references from projects similar to yours completed in the last 12 months. Then actually call them. Ask:

• Was the project completed on time?
• Was it on budget?
• How was communication?
• Would you hire them again?

4. Will You Provide a Detailed Written Estimate?

A professional estimate should include:

• Itemized costs (labor, materials, permits)
• Specific materials and brands
• Project timeline with milestones
• Payment schedule
• What's included and what's not

Beware of one-line estimates like "Kitchen remodel — $45,000." You need specifics.

5. What's Your Payment Schedule?

Industry standard in Utah:

• 10-30% deposit to start
• Progress payments tied to milestones (foundation, framing, rough-in, etc.)
• Final payment upon completion and your satisfaction

Red flag: Any contractor asking for 50%+ upfront. Never pay in full before work is complete.

6. Who Will Be On-Site Daily?

Large contractors may have multiple projects running. Ask:

• Who is my project manager/foreman?
• Will they be on-site every day?
• How do I reach them if I have questions?

You want a single point of contact who knows your project inside and out.

7. How Do You Handle Change Orders?

Changes during construction are inevitable. Understand upfront:

• Is there a formal change order process?
• How are additional costs calculated?
• How will changes affect the timeline?

Get every change in writing before the work is done.

8. What Warranty Do You Offer?

Utah requires a minimum 1-year warranty on residential construction. Many good contractors offer more. Ask:

• What does your warranty cover?
• How long does it last?
• What's the process for warranty claims?

9. What Permits Are Required?

A reputable contractor will know exactly what permits your project needs and will handle the permit process. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save money, walk away. Unpermitted work can:

• Fail inspections when you sell
• Void your insurance
• Create safety hazards
• Result in fines

10. When Can You Start and How Long Will It Take?

Get specific dates, not vague estimates:

• Start date
• Key milestones
• Expected completion date
• What could cause delays

Put the timeline in the contract with consequences for significant delays.

Bonus: Use VegaBuilds to Compare

The easiest way to find and compare licensed Utah contractors is through VegaBuilds. Post your project for free, get matched with verified contractors, and make an informed decision.

Every contractor on VegaBuilds has their license status, insurance verification, reviews, and portfolio visible — making it easy to do your due diligence before the first phone call.

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Ready to find your contractor? Post your project free on VegaBuilds and get matched with licensed Utah pros.