Asking the typical interview questions when hiring a contractor is great but you need to dig a little deeper and go beyond their “price” and are you licensed? Do you carry insurance? How long have you been in business? Do you finish your projects on time? Will you provide references? Hiring an experienced contractor is important but what is equally important is hiring someone who is trustworthy and easy to communicate with. When interviewing a contractor pay attention to these character traits that will let you know if s/he is the contractor for you!

If your project involves custom details yet the contractor gives you an estimate on the spot followed by do you want to move forward - RED FLAG! We give our clients a budget range and share the costs of similar projects we have completed but there is no way to give a solid estimate for a custom project on the spot. If you take the bait be ready to be hit with change orders throughout the project.
During the meeting s/he interrupts and talks over you - RED FLAG! Not only is this rude and disrespectful but it is a tell-tell sign that your ideas and concerns will likely be ignored. It will end up being their project and not yours.
When discussing your ideas s/he does not offer suggestions and recommendations - RED FLAG! A one sided conversation is never good and is a sign the contractor is not interested in details and/or doesn’t have the experience and expertise to make suggestions for the type of project you are consider hiring them for.
The contractor enters your home with muddy shoes - RED FLAG! If you will be living in your home during construction the last thing you need is a contractor who is going to trash your house. Politely escort them and their muddy shoes out the door!
It’s time to sign on the dotted line and the contract does not include a payment schedule and details about your project - RED FLAG! Typically contractors require a deposit followed by payments based on completion of work. Payment should not be based on “I need money to pay my people”. Be advised that it is YOUR responsibility to provide the contractor with details and not the other way around. It is important that project specifics and a payment schedule are made a part of the written contract. TIP: Before meeting with contractors have detailed plans and specifics for your project (in writing and not in your head) so the contractor can give you an accurate price. It’s also a good idea to ask the contractor for a sample contract during the interview stage to avoid being surprised when it’s time to sign.
The contractor is jumping around during the conversation and is unable to complete his/her thoughts - RED FLAG! Much like the conversation, how your project is managed won’t be any different - ALL OVER THE PLACE! In order to keep a project on schedule and within budget your contractor needs to be able to stay on task. Poor Management = Poor Results.

Asking questions and checking references is very important but paying attention to ones behavior and trusting your gut will tell you so much more. You’re trusting this person with your money and letting them into your home so you want to make sure they are trustworthy and the real deal.