Confirm business and licensing information
Ask for the contractor's legal business name and applicable license information, then verify it through the appropriate official source. Requirements can change and depend on the work, so Oregon Pro Connect does not substitute for independent verification.
Discuss insurance and responsibility
Ask what insurance the contractor carries and request current documentation when appropriate. Clarify who will perform the work, whether subcontractors are involved, and who is responsible for permits, inspections, site protection, and cleanup.
Insist on a written, comparable scope
A useful estimate describes dimensions, demolition, framing assumptions, decking, fasteners, flashing, railings, stairs, finishes, disposal, exclusions, and how unexpected conditions will be handled. Compare proposals only after identifying scope differences.
Understand materials and substitutions
Have product choices and grades documented. Ask how substitutions will be approved, whether material warranties require particular installation methods, and who retains product documentation after completion.
Review payment schedules and changes
Connect payments to clearly described project stages. Understand deposit terms, progress payments, final payment conditions, and the written change-order process before work begins. Avoid relying on verbal additions to the scope.
Ask about warranties and references
Separate manufacturer coverage from the contractor's workmanship commitments. Ask what is covered, for how long, and how a concern is reported. References for comparable work can help you ask better questions, but they should be considered alongside current credentials and a complete proposal.
Questions homeowners often ask
Should I compare more than the total price?
Yes. Compare scope, materials, structural assumptions, exclusions, payment timing, warranty terms, and responsibility for permits and cleanup.
Does Oregon Pro Connect verify every contractor shown?
No public verification claim is made unless a specific verification has actually been completed. Consumers should independently evaluate every provider before hiring.