Before you sign: questions for your contractor
A practical checklist for South Jersey homeowners: registration, insurance, contract terms, permits, payment schedule and who actually does the work.
New Jersey gives homeowners real protections when they hire a remodeling contractor — but only if you know what to look for. These are the questions worth asking before you sign anything.
1. What is your New Jersey home-improvement contractor registration number?
Registered contractors are required to display their registration number in advertising, on contracts and on their vehicles. You can verify any number through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs license verification site. If a contractor cannot give you a number, stop there.
2. Can I see your certificate of liability insurance?
A copy of the contractor’s commercial general liability certificate is required to be attached to a New Jersey home-improvement contract. Ask for it before the contract stage so there are no surprises.
3. Will the contract be in writing, and what will it include?
For projects over $500, New Jersey requires a written contract that includes the contractor’s legal name, address and registration number, the total price, the start and completion dates, and a notice of your right to cancel within three business days.
4. Who pulls the permits, and who does the plumbing and electrical?
In New Jersey, plumbing and electrical work must be performed by licensed trade contractors, and permit-required work should not start until the permit is issued. A good general contractor will tell you which licensed trades they coordinate and will not start regulated work early.
5. What is the payment schedule?
A reasonable schedule ties payments to milestones — deposit, rough-in, finishes, completion — rather than asking for most of the money up front. Ask what happens if a selection is back-ordered or the schedule slips.
6. Who is my point of contact during the project?
On an owner-led project, the person who gave you the estimate is the person you call. Ask how progress updates will be communicated and how often.
7. Can I see finished work, not just photos?
Real project photography is a good sign; references from recent projects are better. Ask whether any of the projects were in your town.
This guide is general information for homeowners, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.