✅ General Contractor Checklist Template
A comprehensive checklist for evaluating contractors before signing any contract. Covers licences, insurance, references, payment terms, and red flags.
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What's Covered
Licence and Insurance
- Verify trade licence (plumbers, electricians, gas engineers all require certifications)
- Confirm public liability insurance — minimum $2M / £2M cover
- Request a copy of their insurance certificate — legitimate contractors provide one without hesitation
References and Track Record
- Request 2–3 references from recent, similar projects — and actually call them
- Check Google, Checkatrade, Houzz, Yelp reviews for recent feedback
Quote and Contract Review
- Confirm the quote is fixed-price, not estimate (time & materials quotes routinely overrun)
- Never pay more than 25–30% upfront on any project
- Confirm start date and expected completion date in writing
Red Flags
- Requests for large cash payment upfront (>30%)
- Refuses to provide a written contract or quote
- Cannot provide licence or insurance documentation
- Unusually low quote with no explanation
- Pressure to sign immediately or "lose the slot"
💡 Use our Budget Template alongside this checklist — knowing your material costs in advance makes it immediately obvious when a labour quote is unreasonable.