Hiring a general contractor is one of the biggest spending decisions a homeowner makes. These are the questions that separate a safe hire from an expensive mistake in Scottsdale.
1. “What’s your ROC license number and legal business name?”
This is non-negotiable. Verify it at the AZ ROC contractor search and confirm the license is active and correctly classified. See our step-by-step verification guide.
2. “Are you insured — liability and workers’ comp?”
Ask for certificates. Without coverage, you can be exposed if someone is injured on your property or work causes damage.
3. “Can I see recent Scottsdale projects and references?”
Ask for addresses or photos of comparable jobs and call references. A strong contractor is proud to show local work.
4. “What’s the written scope, timeline, and payment schedule?”
Everything should be in writing: detailed scope, start and finish dates, and payments tied to milestones — not a large lump sum upfront.
5. “Who is actually on my job?”
Find out whether they self-perform or subcontract, who supervises, and how they communicate progress.
Skip the guesswork — get matched with a licensed Scottsdale general contractor
Tell us about your project and we’ll connect you with ROC-verified contractors serving Scottsdale. Free, no obligation, and we only match you with licensed pros.
The shortcut
You can ask all of this faster by starting with contractors who are already licensed and verifiable. Browse our directory of ROC-listed general contractors, custom home builders, and remodelers — or tell us about your project and we’ll match you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I ask a contractor before hiring in Scottsdale?
Ask for their AZ ROC license number and legal business name, proof of liability insurance and workers’ comp, references from recent Scottsdale projects, a written contract with payment schedule, and their timeline and crew details.
How many quotes should I get?
Get at least three written quotes for a meaningful project. Compare scope and inclusions, not just the bottom-line price — the cheapest bid often excludes things the others include.
Should I pay a deposit?
A reasonable deposit is normal, but be cautious about large upfront payments. Arizona limits and consumer-protection guidance generally favor progress payments tied to completed milestones rather than paying most of the cost in advance.
How do I protect myself legally?
Hire only ROC-licensed contractors, get everything in writing, keep records of payments and changes, and verify the license is active at roc.az.gov before signing.