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What to Ask Any Contractor Before You Sign a Backyard Contract

January 2, 20258 min read
Elan Benor

Elan Benor

Co-Founder, Moda Outdoor Living

Michael told me he got 8 bids before choosing us. That's exactly what I recommend—but it only works if you're asking the right questions.

The 15 Questions to Ask

Licensing & Insurance

  1. What's your contractor license number? (Verify at cslb.ca.gov)
  2. Do you have current liability insurance?
  3. Do you have workers' compensation coverage?

Experience & References

  1. How many projects like mine have you completed?
  2. Can I speak with references from similar projects?
  3. Can I visit a current job site?

Project Specifics

  1. What exactly is included in your quote?
  2. What is NOT included?
  3. Who pulls the permits?
  4. What's your payment schedule?

Process & Communication

  1. What's your projected timeline?
  2. How often will you update me?
  3. Who is my main point of contact?
  4. What happens if something unexpected comes up?
  5. What warranty do you offer?
I got about 8 bids for the project and decided to go with them. I cannot express how happy we are with our backyard now. — Michael Martinho

💡 Pro Tip

Write down the answers. Compare them across contractors. The differences will be revealing.

What Our Clients Say

"I got about 8 bids for the project and decided to go with them. I cannot express how happy we are with our backyard now. Ilan really listened to my wife and did an amazing job designing a beautiful backyard for our family."
MM

Michael Martinho

Googlevia Google

Frequently Asked Questions

What if a contractor won't answer these questions?

That's a red flag. Professional contractors are transparent about their qualifications and process.

How do I compare quotes fairly?

Look for itemized breakdowns. Make sure you're comparing the same scope of work.

Ready to Transform Your Backyard?

Let's discuss your project. Book a free consultation and I'll personally walk you through your options.

Elan Benor

Elan Benor

Co-Founder, Moda Outdoor Living

Elan co-founded Moda Outdoor Living with Ilan Koifman after they met during Ironman training. Together, they've completed over 1,000 backyard transformations across Los Angeles, bringing transparent pricing and exceptional craftsmanship to every project.

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