Luke has been on the other side of a lot of these conversations, first as a subcontractor and now as the contractor. These are the questions he wishes every homeowner asked.

Who is actually going to be in my house?

Some contractors sell the job and never come back. Ask who is on site daily, who does the finish work, and who to call at 7 am. On an LTA job the answer to all three is Luke.

Are you licensed and insured, and can I see it?

Ask for the license number and the insurance certificate. A contractor who hesitates is a contractor to skip. LTA Construct LLC is a Colorado entity in good standing, and Luke passed the ICC national residential building contractor exam in 2025.

What is included, and what is not?

Get the scope in writing, line by line. Paint? Disposal? Permits? Appliance install? Every “I assumed that was included” is a fight later.

How do changes work?

Changes happen on every job. Ask how they are priced and approved. The answer should be: in writing, before the work, with the effect on the schedule.

What is the payment schedule?

A deposit for materials, progress payments at milestones, and a final payment on completion is normal. Fifty percent up front for labor is not.

How long, really?

Ask for the schedule with the lead times built in. Cabinets are 4 to 10 weeks out. Windows, 6 to 12. A contractor who says “two weeks” for a kitchen is not counting the parts that are not here yet.

Who pulls the permits?

The contractor should. A homeowner-pulled permit shifts liability to you.

Can I talk to your last three clients?

Not the three best ones. The three most recent. Google reviews are the public version of this.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Ask about a warranty on workmanship. One year is standard. Ask what it covers.

What will the house look like at the end of each day?

Dust protection, tool storage, and a broom-clean site are the difference between a remodel you live through and one you leave for.

Ten Questions to Ask a General Contractor Before You Sign