HEARTHSTEP WORKS / PRACTICAL GUIDE

Questions to ask a home-modification contractor

Use these prompts to understand a contractor’s experience, confirm who is responsible for the work, and learn what written paperwork may be needed. Bring a family member or trusted support person if that makes the conversation easier.

Questions 01

Experience with aging in place

Ask how the contractor understands daily routines and plans changes around the person who will use the home.
  • How often do you complete home modifications intended to support aging in place?
  • Can you describe similar work, such as safer bathing, handrails, ramps, or step-free entry?
  • How will you adapt the plan to the person’s routines, mobility, balance, vision, and the home’s layout?
  • Who will perform and supervise each part of the work, including any work assigned to another business?
  • How will you keep the home and its everyday routes as safe and usable as possible during construction?

Questions 02

Licensing, insurance, and responsibility

Requirements vary by jurisdiction and type of work. Ask for details you can check with the relevant local or state authority.
  • What license or registration applies to this work here? May I have the number and issuing authority so I can verify it?
  • Are permits or inspections required? Who will obtain them, and will I receive copies of the approvals and inspection results?
  • Can you provide current proof of general liability insurance and any workers’ compensation coverage that applies?
  • If another business or subcontractor will do part of the work, how can I verify its applicable licensing and insurance?
  • What written warranty covers the workmanship and products, and how do I request a repair if something needs attention?

Questions 03

A written estimate and clear scope

A detailed agreement makes it easier to compare proposals and understand what will happen in the home.
  • Can you provide an itemized written estimate that lists the work, materials, product specifications, and expected timeline?
  • What is not included, and what conditions could add time or cost?
  • How will we document and approve a change in scope or price before extra work begins?
  • Who is my point of contact if the work uncovers an unexpected condition or causes damage?
  • What are the payment schedule, deposit terms, and cancellation terms?

Questions 04

Paperwork and written funding approvals

If you may use a public program, benefit, or insurance plan, ask both the contractor and the funding source what must happen before work starts.
  • Does the program or plan need to review the contractor, itemized estimate, assessment, or product specifications before work begins?
  • What written approval or authorization is required, who issues it, and what work and amount does it cover?
  • Does the program or plan require a particular contractor enrollment, estimate format, or approval process?
  • What records will be needed after the work, such as a final invoice, paid receipt, inspection, or completion record?
  • If the price, materials, or scope changes, must the funding source approve the change in writing before it proceeds?
  • What deadlines apply, and who should I contact to confirm that the paperwork is complete?

A useful final check

Before you schedule the work

An estimate is not the same as funding approval. If you are relying on a program, benefit, or plan, ask its administrator to confirm in writing whether the contractor, scope, amount, and timing are approved. Find out whether you must wait for an authorization before work starts, and keep copies of the estimate, approvals, agreement, and final records.