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Contractor Checklist Generator

Select your project scope and get a customised checklist of questions to ask your contractor — before you sign anything.

Homeowner vetting an Indian interior contractor

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Checklist — 52 Questions

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Credentials & Experience

0/6

Do you have a valid contractor licence / GST registration?

Why: Ensures legal operation; needed for warranty claims and tax invoices.

How many years have you been doing this type of work?

Why: Experience reduces risk of rookie mistakes on your project.

Can you share 3 references from recent projects (with phone numbers)?

Why: Speaking to past clients reveals reliability, quality, and punctuality.

Can I visit a completed project site?

Why: Seeing finished work in person is the best quality check.

Do you have a permanent office or workshop?

Why: Fly-by-night operators are harder to hold accountable post-project.

Is your team in-house or do you sub-contract?

Why: Sub-contracting adds coordination risk and dilutes accountability.

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Pricing & Payment

0/7

Is this a fixed-price quote or will it change?

Why: Variable quotes can balloon 30-50% by project end.

What is the payment schedule (milestones, not time)?

Why: Milestone-based payments protect you from slow or stalled work.

What percentage is the advance payment?

Why: More than 20-30% advance shifts too much risk to you.

Is GST included in the quoted amount?

Why: 18% GST as a surprise addition blows any budget.

Are transport, loading, and scaffolding charges included?

Why: These are common hidden extras that add 5-10%.

Will you provide receipts for all material purchases?

Why: Receipts prove brand claims and enable warranty claims.

What is the cost for changes after work starts?

Why: Change-order rates should be agreed before, not after.

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Timeline & Workforce

0/7

What is the total project duration (start to handover)?

Why: Get a written timeline — verbal promises are forgotten.

Will you provide a day-by-day or week-by-week schedule?

Why: A granular schedule lets you track progress meaningfully.

Is there a penalty clause for delays beyond the deadline?

Why: Without penalty, there is no incentive to finish on time.

How many workers will be on-site daily?

Why: 2 workers on a full-home project signals understaffing.

Will you or a supervisor be present on-site daily?

Why: Unsupervised labour leads to quality and safety issues.

What are the working hours? Any work on Sundays?

Why: Avoid neighbour complaints and society rule violations.

How will you handle delays caused by material shortage?

Why: Material delays are common — a backup plan prevents standstills.

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Warranty & After-Service

0/5

What warranty do you provide on workmanship?

Why: Industry standard is 1 year on labour, 5-10 years on hardware.

What is covered under warranty and what is not?

Why: Exclusions (e.g., 'normal wear') should be explicit.

What is your response time for warranty complaints?

Why: 48-hour response should be written into the agreement.

Will you fix defects that appear within 30 days free of charge?

Why: Snag period defects are the contractor's responsibility.

Do you provide a maintenance guide after handover?

Why: Users need to know how to maintain the work to preserve warranty.

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Contract & Documentation

0/5

Will you sign a written agreement / work order?

Why: No written contract = no legal recourse.

Will the agreement include scope, BOQ, timeline, and payment terms?

Why: Incomplete contracts leave room for dispute.

Is there a termination clause with refund terms?

Why: If you need to fire them mid-project, terms should be pre-agreed.

Will you provide before, during, and after photographs?

Why: Photo documentation protects both parties.

Will you provide daily / weekly progress reports?

Why: Written progress reports create an audit trail.

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Site Safety & Cleanup

0/5

Who is responsible for worker safety and insurance?

Why: Worker injury liability falls on you if the contractor is uninsured.

Will you protect existing furniture, flooring, and fixtures?

Why: Dust, paint splatter, and scratches damage existing interiors.

Is daily cleanup included or charged separately?

Why: Debris accumulation is a safety hazard and delays other trades.

Who handles debris removal and disposal?

Why: Municipal rules on construction waste disposal carry fines.

Will you restore common areas (lobby, lift) after moving materials?

Why: Society fines for damaged common areas fall on you, not the contractor.

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Handover & Final Inspection

0/5

Will there be a formal snag list / punch list before final payment?

Why: Snag lists document defects that must be fixed before closure.

Will final payment be held until all snags are resolved?

Why: Retention amount (5-10%) ensures contractor returns to fix issues.

Will you provide all brand warranties and invoices at handover?

Why: Without invoices, manufacturer warranties cannot be claimed.

Will you provide a completion certificate?

Why: Written confirmation that the project is complete per agreed scope.

Will you do a walkthrough with me before handover?

Why: Joint inspection catches issues before the contractor leaves.

Overall Progress

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Disclaimer: This checklist is provided by Studio Matrx – DesignAI for reference and planning purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Requirements may vary by state, municipality, and project type. Always consult a qualified professional before signing contracts. Studio Matrx is not liable for decisions made based on this checklist. Governed by the laws of India — Courts of Karnataka.

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