14 Critical Questions to Ask Any Contractor Before Signing a Contract in Maryland

You’re not just hiring a contractor—you’re investing in your home, your future, and your peace of mind. For homeowners across Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and the greater Washington D.C. area, choosing the right partner can feel overwhelming. High financial stakes and the fear of scams make this decision even more critical.

At DiPietri Contractors Inc., we believe trust isn’t earned through flashy sales pitches—it’s earned through total transparency and unwavering compliance with Maryland law. As a family-owned company serving Maryland for over 30 years, our goal is to empower you with the exact checklist we hold ourselves to.

Before you commit to a major renovation, roof replacement, or deck build, use these 14 critical questions to vet any contractor. If they hesitate on any answer, consider it a red flag. If they cannot answer Question #6 clearly, walk away.

I. The Trust Foundation: License, Insurance, and Credentials

These questions verify the contractor’s legal right to operate in the state and their financial security.

1. Are you licensed, registered, and certified to work in Maryland?

A legitimate contractor must hold an active license issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). This license confirms the contractor has met state requirements for examinations, insurance, and financial stability.

Our Answer:
DiPietri Contractors Inc. is fully licensed and proud to operate under MHIC License #40946. We encourage every potential client to call the MHIC directly to verify our status and check our complaint history.

2. What specific insurance coverages do you hold, and can I see proof?

Insurance is your primary financial shield. Without it, you could be held liable for injuries or damages. Request current certificates for all three mandatory coverages in Maryland:

• Personal Liability Insurance: Protects against property damage or bodily injury claims.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Mandatory for contractors with employees. Covers medical costs and lost wages if a crew member is injured. Without this coverage, homeowners may be held liable for accidents or damages.
• Property Damage Coverage: Protects your home and adjacent property from accidental damage during construction.

DiPietri Contractors ensures continuous, verifiable coverage across all categories, protecting both client and company from unnecessary liability.

3. Will you handle all necessary permits in my specific county?

Local permitting rules vary dramatically. While a simple deck repair in one county might be straightforward, major additions in another or historic renovations can be complex.

DiPietri handles all filings and inspections for you, ensuring full compliance with local building codes.

II. Evaluating Experience and Reputation

Compliance is the entry ticket; experience is the proof of quality.

4. Can you provide proof of experience in projects similar to mine?

Longevity signals stability. DiPietri Contractors Inc. has been family-owned and operated for decades. Beyond tenure, consider specialized certifications:

• GAF GoldElite Commercial Contractor: Enhanced roofing warranties.
• Authorized DeckRite Installer: Deep expertise in waterproof decking solutions.

5. How can I check your references and reviews?

A reputable contractor maintains long-term client relationships. Don’t rely solely on recent reviews—ask for references that span several projects.

6. What is the estimated timeline, and what happens if you are in high demand?

Quality contractors are often busy. Transparent scheduling is a sign of respect. Homeowners should understand that exceptional quality may require patience.

Proactive communication ensures quality is prioritized over speed.

III. Financial and Contractual Safeguards

These questions test the contractor’s ethics against strict state consumer protection laws.

7. What is your deposit requirement, and does it comply with Maryland law?

This is the single most important question you will ask.

• Maryland law prohibits contractors from accepting more than 1/3 of the total contract price as an initial deposit.
• No contractor can accept payment before the written contract is fully signed by both parties.
• Any contractor requesting more than 1/3 or cash upfront is violating the law—a serious red flag.

DiPietri strictly adheres to the 1/3 legal maximum, protecting your investment from day one.

8. Are your bids detailed, and what standard charges are included?

A proper bid includes:

• Complete scope of work
• Specifications and brands of all materials
• Total price for the job
• Transparent disclosure of any small, reasonable fees (e.g., material surcharges, credit check fees)

9. How will we handle unexpected change orders or delays?

Contracts should clearly define the process for scope changes, including pricing and written approval before execution. This protects your budget and timeline.

10. What type of warranty do you provide on materials and labor?

Warranties protect your investment. DiPietri offers:

• Explicit labor warranties
• Enhanced manufacturer warranties through GAF and DeckRite certifications
• Written documentation for all coverage

IV. Project Management and Final Sign-Off

11. Who is my direct contact for daily updates?

A clear point of contact prevents confusion. DiPietri assigns a dedicated manager for daily communication.

12. How do you handle site cleanup and waste removal?

Ensure that site security, debris removal, and final clean-up are included in the bid. This protects your property and neighborhood aesthetics.

13. How will project disputes be resolved before legal action?

Contracts should outline negotiation or mediation procedures. Final recourse is filing a complaint with the MHIC if necessary.

14. When is the final payment due?

Final payment is contingent on:

• Completion of all work
• Final walkthrough approval
• Sign-off on county permits

Never pay until fully satisfied and documentation is received.

Ready to Partner with a Contractor You Can Trust?

Choosing DiPietri Contractors Inc. means selecting decades of experience, proven compliance, and unmatched expertise.

When you choose us, you get:

• Decades of Experience: Serving Maryland and the D.C. Metro area.
• Guaranteed Compliance: Strict adherence to the 1/3 Maryland deposit law.
• Elite Expertise: Certified GAF GoldElite Commercial Contractor & Authorized DeckRite Installer.
• Verifiable Trust: Licensed MHIC 40946—we encourage third-party verification.

Stop settling for generic bids that ignore state law. Partner with licensed experts who truly protect your interests.

Call DiPietri Contractors Inc. today at 301-855-2584 to discuss your project and secure your estimate.