7 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring a Contractor
Homeowners Are More Cautious Than Ever—and Rightly So
Across New England, more homeowners are asking tough questions before hiring contractors — and with good reason. Stories of unfinished home renovations, contractors suddenly closing their doors, and projects left incomplete have left many wondering: Who can you really trust to work on your home?
At Seaberg Construction, we understand those concerns because we’ve been helping Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut homeowners recover from incomplete or mishandled exterior projects for years. Whether it’s a half-finished siding job or a roof that was never properly sealed, we’ve seen it all — and we know how to help homeowners avoid those situations entirely.
Here are seven essential questions every homeowner should ask before hiring a contractor for roofing, siding, windows, doors, or decks.
1. Are They Licensed, Insured, and Local?
If you’ve ever dealt with a contractor who suddenly “disappeared,” you know how important it is to verify credentials up front. Every legitimate exterior contractor should hold valid state licensing and full insurance coverage.
In Rhode Island, you can confirm this with the Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB). In Massachusetts and Connecticut, check with each state’s consumer protection agency before signing anything.
Hiring a local contractor also means better accountability. Local companies like Seaberg Construction aren’t fly-by-night operations — we live and work in the same communities as our clients, and our reputation depends on long-term trust.
2. How Long Have They Been in Business?
Experience matters, especially in an industry where new companies can appear overnight. A contractor with a long history of completed projects, verifiable references, and consistent business operations is far less likely to leave your renovation unfinished.
Before committing, ask:
- How long have you been in business under this name?
- Do you have a permanent office or showroom?
- Can I speak with past customers?
Seaberg Construction has been proudly serving southern New England for years, completing hundreds of exterior upgrades that stand the test of time. That’s the kind of reliability you want when investing in your home.
3. Can They Provide References and Real Examples of Work?
A reputable contractor will always be ready to share photos, addresses, or testimonials from previous projects. Ask to see examples that match your specific needs — whether that’s a roof replacement after storm damage, vinyl siding installation, or custom composite deck build.
When a contractor hesitates to share references or avoids giving specifics, that’s a sign to pause. Transparency in past performance often predicts reliability on your job.
At Seaberg Construction, our completed work across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut speaks for itself — clean, durable, and built to last.
4. What’s the Payment Schedule?
Unfortunately, many homeowners have been burned by companies that take large upfront deposits and never return. Protect yourself by ensuring the payment schedule is clearly defined in writing and based on completed work milestones.
A fair agreement might include:
- A small deposit to secure your project
- Progress payments as major stages are completed
- A final payment only after full satisfaction
If a contractor demands payment in full before work begins, that’s a major red flag. Seaberg Construction follows transparent billing practices that prioritize homeowner security and trust.
5. What Happens If the Company Closes or Ownership Changes?
Homeowners rarely think to ask this — until it’s too late. If a contractor shuts down mid-project, who’s responsible for unfinished work, warranties, or refunds?
The safest choice is a company backed by manufacturer-certified warranties and clear written agreements. For instance, Seaberg Construction installs Owens Corning Duration® shingles and CertainTeed vinyl siding, both backed by transferable warranties independent of the contractor.
That means even if ownership ever changes, your protection remains intact.
6. Do They Provide a Detailed Contract and Timeline?
Every project should begin with a written, itemized contract that lists materials, scope, schedule, and cleanup expectations. A vague contract leaves too much to interpretation — and that’s where misunderstandings (or worse) can occur.
Ask to see a sample contract before you sign. Look for:
- Clear start and finish dates
- Full material specifications
- Permit responsibilities
- Cleanup and debris removal plans
Seaberg Construction provides fully transparent contracts for every project — no surprises, no hidden costs, no unfinished business.
7. How Do They Handle Permits, Cleanup, and Follow-Up?
A quality contractor doesn’t just complete the build — they handle everything surrounding it. That means pulling the right permits, protecting your landscaping, removing all debris, and performing a final inspection.
Even more importantly, they should follow up after completion to ensure your satisfaction and answer maintenance questions.
Seaberg Construction manages every step in-house — including post-project support — because customer relationships don’t end when the crew leaves your driveway.
Red Flags That Signal Contractor Trouble
Homeowners across New England have become more alert to potential scams, and rightly so. Watch for:
- Unusually low estimates that seem “too good to be true”
- Contractors with no verifiable local history
- Demands for large cash payments
- Avoidance of written contracts
- Promises to “start next week” without a schedule
When in doubt, step back and research. A legitimate business like Seaberg Construction is happy to provide credentials, reviews, and proof of insurance — because we believe in earning your trust upfront.
Protect Your Home — and Your Peace of Mind
Your home is your biggest investment. The right contractor will protect it — not put it at risk.
In today’s climate of uncertainty, asking the right questions can save you from frustration, financial loss, and unfinished projects.
Whether you’re planning to replace your roof, update siding, install new windows, or build a custom deck, make sure you choose a contractor who will be there from start to finish — and long after.
At Seaberg Construction, we’re proud to be that trusted partner for homeowners across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. To obtain your free home improvement estimate from Seaberg Construction, please complete the form available on our website: https://seabergconstruction.com/about-us-roofing-company/contact-us/
Sources:
- Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board
- Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs
- Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
- Owens Corning Roofing Warranty
- CertainTeed Vinyl Siding Warranty
Read Seaberg Construction’s Google reviews left by homeowners like yourself: https://tinyurl.com/kkxwhx8k
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/seabergconstruction and Instagram: www.instagram.com/seabergconstruction to stay up-to-date with our current projects and news.
To obtain your complimentary estimate from Seaberg Construction, please complete the form available on our website: https://seabergconstruction.com/about-us-roofing-company/contact-us/
And, don’t forget to read our other blog posts for more home improvement tips and ideas: http://seabergconstruction.com/home-owners-information-center/