5 questions you should ask every contractor before signing a timber home contract

Price and photos on the website are the first thing we look at when evaluating a timber home contractor — but by no means the most important. Before you sign a contract, we recommend asking these five things.

1) Is the quoted price final, or can additional items appear during construction? A solid contractor will give you a clear answer and a quote that holds.

2) Who exactly carries out the on-site assembly — an in-house team or a subcontractor? The difference lies in who bears responsibility for quality and the timeline.

3) What is the warranty on the load-bearing structure and what does it specifically cover? The standard should be a warranty measured in years, not months.

4) What happens if complications arise on the plot side during construction (utility connections, terrain)? A good firm anticipates this and can advise you right from the start.

5) Will someone be available to communicate with you even after the keys are handed over, should a complaint or question arise? After-sales service often determines how well you live with your home for the next ten years.

If a contractor cannot answer these questions clearly and concretely, that is a warning sign — regardless of how good their website looks.