What to Ask a Contractor Before Starting Your NYC Renovation
Renovating in New York City isn’t easy. From navigating permits and co-op boards to finding the right general contractor, homeowners often don’t know where to start. This guide covers the essential questions you should ask before signing any renovation contract — whether you’re updating a brownstone, apartment, or townhouse.
15 Smart Questions to Ask a Contractor
Example:
- Are you licensed and insured in NYC?
- Will you be filing permits for this job, or should I?
- How many jobs like mine have you completed in NYC?
- Do you have experience with co-op/condo renovations?
- What’s your estimated timeline — and how do you handle delays?
- Will you be using subcontractors? If so, are they vetted and insured?
- Can you walk me through your contract terms?
- How do you handle unexpected issues or change orders?
- Can I see examples of similar projects you’ve completed?
- How do you schedule inspections and milestones?
- Will I have a dedicated project manager or point of contact?
- Do you offer fixed-price or time-and-material contracts?
- How do payments work — deposit, progress payments, etc.?
- What’s your cleanup and protection policy (for floors, walls, etc.)?
- How do I know you’ll finish on time — what’s your track record?