Introduction
I’m Mike Werner, CEO of Matera Builders. The best renovations I have been part of started with homeowners who asked good questions before signing anything.
Below are the questions I would ask any contractor before a major renovation, and what a good answer looks like.
Questions About the Contractor
Start by confirming who you are hiring:
- Are you registered and insured in New Jersey? Ask for the Home Improvement Contractor registration number and proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- How long have you worked in shore towns? Local experience matters for permits, flood rules and seasonal scheduling.
- Who will be on site every day? Find out whether your own crews or subcontractors do the work, and who supervises.
- Can I speak with past clients? Recent references for similar work tell you more than a portfolio.
Matera Builders’ NJ HIC registration number is 13VH13414900, and we are glad to share references for projects like yours.
Questions About the Project
Once you trust the contractor, these questions make sure you agree on the project.
- Scope
- Why It Matters: A vague scope leads to disagreements and change orders.
- What I Look For: A written scope that spells out what is included and excluded.
- Schedule
- Why It Matters: Shore projects have to fit around seasons and rentals.
- What I Look For: A clear start date, a realistic construction duration and a plain answer on what could delay it.
- Payments
- Why It Matters: A clear payment schedule protects both sides.
- What I Look For: A deposit tied to ordering materials, then payments tied to clear milestones.
- Changes
- Why It Matters: Changes happen, but they should be handled the same way every time.
- What I Look For: A written process for pricing and approving every change order before work continues.
- Permits
- Why It Matters: Permits protect your insurance and resale value.
- What I Look For: A contractor who pulls the permits and schedules every inspection.
- Communication
- Why It Matters: Most frustration on a project comes from not knowing what is happening.
- What I Look For: One named contact and regular updates throughout the project.
Questions Specific to Shore Homes
Shore homes add a few questions you would not need inland:
- Is my home in a flood zone, and could this project trigger the substantial improvement rule?
- Does my town restrict construction during the summer?
- Which materials and fixtures hold up best to salt air and humidity?
- How will you protect the home if it is empty during construction?
If a contractor cannot answer these confidently, keep looking.
Planning Checklist
- Verify the HIC registration and insurance certificates.
- Get a written scope with inclusions and exclusions.
- Review the payment schedule and change order process.
- Confirm the start date, duration and seasonal limits.
- Call at least two recent references.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These shortcuts cause the most regret:
- Choosing the lowest bid without comparing scopes.
- Starting without a written contract.
- Paying a large share of the cost up front.
- Not asking who is responsible for permits.
- Waiting until spring to interview contractors.
A few weeks this winter spent interviewing contractors and comparing proposals is time well spent.
FAQ
What should a renovation contract include in New Jersey?
The contractor’s HIC registration number, a detailed scope, start and completion dates, total price, payment schedule and notice of your right to cancel within three business days.
How many contractor quotes should I get?
Two or three detailed proposals for the same scope is usually enough. More than that makes comparison harder, not easier.
How much deposit is normal?
It depends on project size and product orders. A deposit tied to ordering materials, followed by payments at clear milestones, is a common structure.
When should I talk to contractors for a spring project?
In the fall or early winter. Good contractors book up for spring, and design and ordering take time.
The Bottom Line
The right questions show how a contractor plans, communicates and handles problems before you commit. The answers matter as much as the price.
We are happy to answer every question on this list. Call Matera Builders at 609-905-4156 or request a consultation.
Related Reading
- About Matera Builders
- Why Permits and Planning Matter on Jersey Shore Remodeling Projects
- How to Avoid Change Orders During a Kitchen or Bath Remodel
- What to Expect During a Kitchen Remodel: Phases and Timeline
