Questions about the work
What exactly is included in this estimate, and what is specifically excluded? Who supplies materials? What happens to old material and debris?
Will the same crew be on site throughout, and who is my point of contact if I have a question mid-project?
Questions about schedule
When can the work start, and roughly how long should it take? Which days will the house be unusable in certain areas?
What could realistically delay the project — material lead times, weather, or discoveries behind existing finishes?
Questions about money
How is payment structured? What triggers each payment? How are change orders priced and approved?
A contractor who explains this clearly up front is far less likely to surprise you later.