How to Choose a General Contractor in Ohio: 10 Essential Questions to Ask
FRESH HOME TEAM
10/15/2025
Choosing the wrong contractor can turn your dream renovation into a nightmare. Here's how to get it right. Every year, thousands of homeowners invest thousands of dollars into home renovations and far too many end up disappointed, over budget, or stuck in legal disputes. According to Ohio Attorney General data, contractor complaints cost homeowners over $1 billion annually nationwide, with poor contractor selection being the primary cause.
The difference between a successful renovation and a disaster often comes down to one critical decision: choosing the right contractor.
Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel in Columbus, finishing your basement in Dublin, or updating your bathroom in Bexley, selecting a qualified, reliable contractor is the most important step you'll take. The right contractor becomes your partner, bringing your vision to life with quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and professional integrity. The wrong contractor brings stress, delays, cost overruns, and subpar work.
With over 15 years of experience serving Central Ohio homeowners, Fresh Home has built a reputation on transparency, quality, and integrity. We believe educated homeowners make the best clients, which is why we're sharing everything you need to know to make an informed contractor selection even if you ultimately choose someone else.
Let's ensure your next renovation is everything you dreamed it would be.
The 10 Essential Questions to Ask
These questions separate professional contractors from amateurs. Ask every candidate these questions before making your decision.
1: How Long Have You Been in Business?
Why It Matters:
Experience and stability are critical indicators of a contractor's reliability. Businesses that have survived 5, 10, or 15+ years have proven they can deliver quality work, manage finances, and maintain customer satisfaction.
What to Look For:
3+ years minimum: Established systems and processes
10+ years ideal: Extensive experience, proven track record
15+ years (like Fresh Home): Deep expertise, strong reputation, financial stability
Follow-Up Questions:
How many similar projects have you completed? Look for: 20+ projects similar to yours annually
What percentage of your business is this type of work? Look for: 50%+ specialization in your project type (kitchen, bathroom, basement, etc.)
Have you worked on homes in my neighborhood? Look for: Local experience, understanding of area homes
🚩Red Flags To Watch For:
Can't provide a clear answer
Very new business with no references (less than 1 year)
Vague about experience level
No specific examples of similar work
Central Ohio has hundreds of contractors, but many come and go within 5 years. Established contractors like Fresh Home (15+ years in Columbus) have proven they can weather economic cycles and maintain quality standards.
2: Are You Licensed and Insured in Ohio?
Why It Matters:
This question protects you legally and financially. Licensed contractors have met minimum qualifications. Insured contractors protect you from liability.
What to Look For:
Current Ohio license number (for applicable trades)
General liability insurance: $1M minimum coverage
Workers' compensation insurance: Current certificate
Willingness to provide certificates: Immediately and without hesitation
How to Verify:
Don't just accept what they tell you:
Request written proof (certificates of insurance)
Verify licenses through Ohio OCILB website
Contact insurance companies directly to confirm coverage
Payment to personal accounts (should be business account)
Discount for paying "under the table"
Protection Tips:
Never pay in full upfront
Never pay for work not yet completed
Always get receipts
Pay by check or credit card (paper trail)
Withhold 10-20% until completely satisfied
What's Fair:
Contractors need money for materials and to pay crews. A reasonable deposit (10-30%) is normal and fair. Progress payments aligned with completed work protect both parties.
6: Who Will Be My Main Point of Contact?
Why It Matters:
Communication makes or breaks renovation projects. You need to know who you'll talk to when questions arise and they will arise.
What to Look For:
Dedicated project manager assigned to your project
Owner involvement (for smaller companies)
Clear communication channels (phone, email, text)
Response time expectations (same day? 24 hours?)
On-site supervision (who's managing daily work?)
Follow-Up Questions:
Will you (the person I'm talking to) be my contact?
Who supervises the work on-site daily?
How do I reach you if there's an emergency?
What's your typical response time to calls/emails?
Will I get updates without having to ask?
Can I text you with questions?
Communication Red Flags To Watch For:
No clear answer about point of contact
"Just call the office" (no dedicated person)
"I'm very busy" (unable to communicate regularly)
Changes contact person mid-project
Difficult to reach
Doesn't return calls/emails
Fresh Home Approach:
Every client gets:
Dedicated project manager assigned from day one
Direct phone number and email
Daily or scheduled check-ins
Proactive communication about progress
Same-day response to questions
Owner availability for concerns
Communication Best Practices:
Good contractors:
Return calls within 24 hours
Provide regular updates
Notify you before arriving
Discuss issues as they arise
Document decisions in writing
Keep you informed throughout
7: Do You Handle Permits and Inspections?
Why It Matters:
Proper permitting ensures code compliance, protects your investment, and prevents problems when you sell your home. Professional contractors handle all permitting.
What to Expect:
Professional contractors should:
Pull all required permits in their name
Know which permits are needed for your project
Schedule required inspections
Coordinate with Columbus building inspectors
Provide all permit documentation to you
Include permit costs in estimate
Columbus Permit Specifics:
Typical Columbus Kitchen Remodel Requires:
Building permit: $150-$500
Electrical permit: $100-$300
Plumbing permit: $100-$300
Processing Time: 2-3 weeks for approval
Required Inspections:
Rough plumbing (before closing walls)
Rough electrical (before closing walls)
Final inspection (project completion)
Why Permits Matter:
Code Compliance: Ensures work meets safety standards
Insurance Protection: Insurance may deny claims for unpermitted work
Resale Value: Buyers' inspectors find unpermitted work
Legal Protection: You're liable for unpermitted work
Quality Assurance: Inspector verification of proper installation
🚩Red Flags To Watch For:
"Permits aren't necessary" (they almost always are)
Encourages skipping permits (to save money)
Asks you to pull permits (contractor should handle)
Vague about permit costs
No experience with Columbus building department
Columbus Building Department:
Located at 757 Carolyn Avenue, Columbus, OH 43224
Phone: (614) 645-8522
Permits can be verified online
Inspections must be scheduled in advance
Warning: If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save money, that's a major red flag. Unpermitted work discovered during a home sale can derail closing and cost you thousands to correct or legalize.
8: What Warranties Do You Offer?
Why It Matters:
Warranties protect your investment and demonstrate the contractor's confidence in their work. Quality contractors stand behind their craftsmanship.
Transferability (does it transfer to new owner if you sell?)
Fresh Home Warranty:
2-year craftsmanship warranty on all work
Covers all labor and installation
Prompt response to any issues
In writing with every contract
Local company we'll be here when you need us
🚩Red Flags To Watch For:
No written warranty
Verbal warranty only
Extremely short warranty (30-90 days)
Vague warranty terms
"Everything's guaranteed forever" (unrealistic)
No process for making claims
Questions to Ask:
What exactly is covered under warranty?
How long is the warranty period?
Is it in writing?
What's not covered?
How do I make a warranty claim?
Have you ever had warranty claims? How were they handled?
9: How Do You Handle Change Orders?
Why It Matters:
Changes during construction are common—sometimes necessary, sometimes desired. Understanding the change order process prevents disputes and surprise costs.
What to Look For:
A clear change order process includes:
1. Written Documentation
All changes must be in writing
Verbal agreements don't count
Change order form signed by both parties
2. Pricing Methodology
How are changes priced?
Labor rates for additional work
Material markup percentages
Fair and transparent pricing
3. Timeline Impact
How does change affect completion date?
Documented in change order
Realistic adjustment to schedule
4. Approval Required
Nothing proceeds without your approval
You sign off before work begins
Clear cost impact stated upfront
Change Order Example:
Original: White subway tile backsplash - $800 Change: Upgrade to marble herringbone pattern New Cost: $1,850 Difference: +$1,050 Timeline Impact: +2 days Homeowner Signature: ____________
Common Change Situations:
Unexpected Issues Found:
Rotten subfloor discovered during demolition
Outdated wiring behind walls
Plumbing not up to code
Structural problems Contractor should: Document, explain options, provide pricing, get approval
Homeowner-Requested Changes:
"While we're at it" syndrome
Upgrade materials mid-project
Add features not in original scope
Expand project scope Contractor should: Provide pricing, timeline impact, formal change order
Questions to Clarify:
How are change orders priced?
What's the approval process?
How quickly do you need my decision?
How do changes affect the timeline?
Is there a time limit for making changes?
What if we disagree on change order cost?
🚩Red Flags To Watch For:
No formal change order process
Verbal change agreements
Pressure to approve changes immediately
Vague pricing for changes
Won't document timeline impacts
Charges significantly more for changes
Protection Tips:
Never approve verbal changes
Always get written pricing first
Understand timeline impact before approving
Don't feel pressured to decide immediately
Keep all change orders in project file
10: What Happens If Issues Arise?
Why It Matters:
Problems happen on virtually every project. What matters is how the contractor handles them. This question reveals problem-solving approach and professionalism.
Topics to Discuss:
1. Dispute Resolution Process
How are disagreements handled?
Is there a mediation process?
What if we can't agree?
Legal recourse if needed
2. How They Handle Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes—what matters is correction
Do they take responsibility?
How quickly are issues corrected?
At whose expense?
3. Delays and Weather Impacts
How are weather delays communicated?
Material delivery delays?
Subcontractor scheduling issues?
Timeline adjustments?
4. Damage to Property
Accidental damage protocols
Insurance claim process
Repair responsibility
Documentation procedures
5. Communication During Problems
How quickly are you notified?
Who communicates issues?
Solutions presented?
Decision-making process?
What Good Contractors Say:
"We communicate issues immediately and present solutions. Most problems have multiple solutions at different price points. We explain options and let you decide. Our goal is to solve problems, not hide them."
🚩Red Flags To Watch For:
"We never have problems" (unrealistic)
Defensive about the question
No clear problem-solving process
Blames homeowners or subcontractors
Vague about responsibility
No insurance for damage
Fresh Home Approach:
We believe in radical transparency:
Issues communicated immediately
Multiple solution options presented
Clear cost and timeline impacts explained
Problems solved collaboratively
Our mistake = our expense
15 years of proven problem-solving in Columbus
Questions to Ask:
Can you give an example of a problem you encountered and how you resolved it?
What's your policy if your crew damages something?
Choosing the right contractor is the single most important decision in your renovation journey. Take the time to research thoroughly, ask the right questions, and verify credentials. The difference between a successful renovation and a disaster often comes down to contractor selection. Don't rush this decision. Don't choose based solely on price. Don't skip reference checks or license verification.
Invest the time upfront to choose the right contractor, and you'll enjoy the process and love the results for years to come.
Ready to Work with a Contractor You Can Trust?
Fresh Home brings integrity, experience, and quality craftsmanship to every Central Ohio renovation project. Our commitment to transparency, communication, and customer satisfaction has earned us an A+ BBB rating and hundreds of five-star reviews from homeowners throughout Columbus and surrounding areas.
What Makes Fresh Home Different:
✅15+ Years Serving Central Ohio – Proven stability and local expertise
✅Fully Licensed & Insured
✅Employee Crews – Not subcontractors, better quality control
✅2-Year Craftsmanship Warranty – We stand behind our work
✅Transparent Pricing – Detailed, itemized estimates with no hidden costs
✅A+ BBB Rating – Consistently high customer satisfaction
✅Dedicated Project Manager – One point of contact throughout
✅We Handle All Permits – Complete project management
✅Clean, Respectful Service – Your home is our job site
Get expert advice and a free quote for your home renovation project. Our team is ready to bring your vision to life.
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