What to Ask a General Contractor Before Hiring

Hiring a general contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for any construction or renovation project. Whether you’re remodeling your home, adding a new room, or building from scratch, selecting the right contractor can make or break the success of your project. This guide will walk you through the key questions to ask a general contractor before hiring, helping you make an informed decision and ensuring a smooth construction process.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Why It’s Important:

A valid license ensures that the contractor is legally allowed to work in your area and adheres to local building codes and regulations. Insurance protects you in case of accidents or damage during the project.

What to Ask:

"Can you provide proof of your license and insurance?"
"What kind of insurance coverage do you have? Does it include liability and workers' compensation?"

Why It Matters:

Licensed: A licensed contractor meets the legal requirements of the state or city. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can lead to fines or complications if there are any problems with the work.
Insured: If something goes wrong during the project (for example, an employee is injured or your property gets damaged), an insured contractor ensures you won’t be held financially responsible.

2. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

Why It’s Important:

Past client reviews and references give you a clear idea of the contractor's reliability, quality of work, and professionalism. Positive reviews indicate a proven track record, while negative feedback may raise red flags.

What to Ask:

"Can you provide contact details of previous clients?"
"Do you have any online reviews or portfolios of your past projects?"

Why It Matters:

References: Direct feedback from past clients allows you to assess the contractor’s performance and customer service.
Online Reviews: Checking websites like Google, Yelp, or Angie's List gives you an unbiased look at the contractor’s reputation.

3. What Is Your Experience with Similar Projects?

Why It’s Important:

Experience in handling projects similar to yours ensures that the contractor has the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the specific challenges of your project.

What to Ask:

"Have you worked on projects like mine before?"
"What specific expertise do you have in handling this type of construction or renovation?"

Why It Matters:

Contractors who have experience with similar projects will be more familiar with the potential issues, timelines, and solutions.
If the contractor has a portfolio of similar work, it provides reassurance that they can handle your project efficiently.

4. What Is the Timeline for My Project?

Why It’s Important:

Clear expectations about the project timeline can help avoid misunderstandings and delays. It also helps you plan for disruptions, especially if you’re living in the home during renovations.

What to Ask:

"How long will the project take from start to finish?"
"What factors could cause delays?"

Why It Matters:

Realistic Timeline: A reputable contractor should give you a clear estimate of how long the project will take, with room for potential delays.
Delays: Understanding potential causes for delays (e.g., weather, supply chain issues, etc.) will help you manage expectations.

5. What Is Included in the Estimate?

Why It’s Important:

The estimate should cover all aspects of the project, including materials, labor, permits, and any other costs. If the estimate is vague, you might end up facing unexpected expenses.

What to Ask:

"Can you provide a detailed written estimate, including all costs?"
"Are there any potential additional costs not included in the estimate?"

Why It Matters:

Clear Breakdown: A detailed estimate helps you understand the full scope of the project and prevents surprises down the road.
Hidden Costs: Ask about potential additional costs for things like permits, subcontractors, or changes in materials.

6. Who Will Be Working on My Project?

Why It’s Important:

Understanding who will be on-site, whether it's the general contractor or subcontractors, gives you insight into the level of professionalism and expertise of the people working on your project.

What to Ask:

"Will you be managing the project, or will subcontractors be handling the work?"
"Can I meet the subcontractors before the work begins?"

Why It Matters:

Managing Team: Knowing who is responsible for each part of the project helps ensure clear communication and accountability.
Trustworthiness: If subcontractors are involved, you can ask for their credentials and experience to ensure they meet your standards.

7. How Do You Handle Changes or Unforeseen Issues?

Why It’s Important:

Construction projects often come with unexpected challenges. A good contractor should have a clear process for dealing with changes, whether it’s budget adjustments or changes to the scope of work.

What to Ask:

"How do you handle changes in the project scope or unexpected problems?"
"Will you provide a written change order if there are adjustments?"

Why It Matters:

Change Orders: A reputable contractor will provide a written change order to document any alterations in the scope, costs, or timeline.
Flexibility: Understanding how a contractor handles unforeseen issues can help you avoid conflicts during the project.

8. What Is Your Payment Schedule?

Why It’s Important:

The payment schedule should be fair and based on project milestones. It’s important to understand when and how you will pay the general contractor during different stages of the project.

What to Ask:

"What is your payment schedule?"
"How do you handle deposit requests and progress payments?"

Why It Matters:

Progress-Based Payments: A good contractor will request payments based on milestones, not upfront full payment. This ensures that you’re not paying for work that hasn’t been completed.
Deposits: Avoid contractors who ask for a large upfront deposit. Standard practice is to pay a reasonable amount upfront, with the remainder paid as work progresses.

9. What Happens If I’m Not Happy with the Work?

Why It’s Important:

Understanding the contractor’s approach to disputes and dissatisfaction is key to protecting your interests. You want a contractor who is committed to delivering quality work and addressing any issues that arise.

What to Ask:

"How do you handle customer complaints or dissatisfaction with the work?"
"Do you provide any warranties for the work completed?"

Why It Matters:

Customer Service: A good contractor will work to resolve issues quickly and fairly, providing peace of mind throughout the project.
Warranty: Many contractors offer warranties on their work, which can give you security if issues arise after the project is completed.

10. What Is Your Communication Process?

Why It’s Important:

Effective communication is essential for a successful project. Knowing how often you will receive updates and who to contact in case of questions or concerns will help avoid confusion.

What to Ask:

"How often will you provide updates on the progress of my project?"
"Who will be my main point of contact throughout the project?"

Why It Matters:

Communication Channels: A contractor who is easy to reach and keeps you updated will reduce stress and ensure that things stay on track.
Point of Contact: Having a single person to communicate with prevents misunderstandings and streamlines the process.

Conclusion

Hiring the right general contractor is crucial for the success of your construction or renovation project. By asking the right questions, you ensure that the contractor is qualified, reliable, and transparent, which will give you confidence throughout the process. Always do your research, check references, and make sure you fully understand the terms before signing a contract. With the right contractor by your side, you can enjoy a smooth and successful project.