Hiring the right General Contractor can mean the difference between a dream renovation and a construction nightmare. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, home addition, or full renovation, a General Contractor will be your go-to expert—managing timelines, subcontractors, materials, and quality control. But not all contractors are created equal.
To protect your investment and ensure a smooth process, here are the 10 essential questions you should ask before hiring a General Contractor.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is the first and most critical question. A legitimate General Contractor should hold all necessary state or local licenses and carry insurance, including liability and workers’ compensation.
Why It Matters:
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Verifies they meet legal requirements
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Protects you from liability if someone is injured
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Ensures they have a professional reputation
Always ask for documentation, and don’t hesitate to verify the license through your local building authority.
What Is Your Experience With This Type of Project?
Not all General Contractors specialize in the same kind of work. A contractor who builds custom homes may not be the best fit for a bathroom remodel.
Ask About:
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Projects similar to yours they’ve completed
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Before-and-after photos
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Specific challenges and how they handled them
Experienced General Contractors bring not only knowledge but also foresight to anticipate potential issues.
Can You Provide References?
Reputable General Contractors will happily provide references from past clients. Speaking to homeowners who have worked with the contractor offers valuable insights.
Questions to Ask References:
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Were you satisfied with the final results?
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Was the project completed on time and within budget?
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How was communication throughout the project?
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Would you hire them again?
Don’t rely solely on online reviews—direct references are more reliable and detailed.
What Is Your Project Timeline?
Every renovation comes with expectations—and knowing how long your project will take helps manage those expectations.
Clarify:
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Start and completion dates
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Workday hours and on-site schedules
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Any possible delays and how they’ll be handled
A professional General Contractor should provide a realistic and well-structured timeline, not just an optimistic guess.
Who Will Be on Site Every Day?
In many cases, the General Contractor you meet may not be on-site daily. That’s why it’s important to ask who will be in charge day-to-day.
You Should Know:
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Who the project manager or site supervisor is
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How often the General Contractor will check in
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Whether background checks are done on crew members
Clear oversight is essential to ensure quality work and consistent progress.
How Do You Handle Permits and Inspections?
Home renovations often require local permits and inspections. Your General Contractor should take care of this process from start to finish.
A Responsible Contractor Will:
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Know which permits are needed
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Submit all necessary paperwork
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Schedule and manage all inspections
If a contractor asks you to “pull the permit” yourself, it’s usually a red flag. It may indicate they’re not properly licensed.
What’s Included in the Contract and Estimate?
Before signing anything, ask for a detailed written contract and estimate that breaks down the scope of work, costs, materials, and payment schedule.
Your Contract Should Cover:
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Itemized costs (labor, materials, permits, etc.)
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Payment milestones and due dates
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Change order policy
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Warranties on workmanship and materials
A reputable General Contractor will be transparent and organized—nothing should be vague or open-ended.
What Is Your Payment Schedule?
Avoid contractors who demand large sums upfront. Instead, a stage-based payment schedule tied to project milestones is industry standard.
Common Payment Structures:
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Initial deposit (10–20%)
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Progress payments based on work completed
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Final payment upon satisfactory completion
Never pay 100% before the work is done, and ensure payment terms are clearly written into your contract.
How Do You Handle Changes or Unexpected Issues?
Renovations often come with surprises. Maybe the walls hide mold, or the client decides to upgrade finishes mid-project. Either way, you need to know how your General Contractor handles changes.
Ask About:
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Change order process and documentation
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How additional costs are communicated
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Timeline adjustments due to surprises
Clear communication during changes prevents tension and keeps the project moving forward smoothly.
How Will You Communicate With Me?
Consistent communication is key to a successful project. Determine how your contractor will keep you informed.
Clarify:
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How often you’ll receive updates (daily, weekly)
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Preferred communication methods (email, phone, app)
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Who your main point of contact is
Some General Contractors use project management apps like Buildertrend or CoConstruct for real-time updates and photos—making it easier for you to stay in the loop.
Bonus Tips for Hiring the Right General Contractor
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Trust your instincts. If something feels off, keep looking.
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Don’t base your decision on price alone. The cheapest bid often comes with cut corners.
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Review their online presence. Websites, portfolios, and social proof matter.
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Check for professional memberships. Affiliations with NAHB or NARI show credibility.
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Ask about cleanup and site protection. A great contractor respects your home.
Final Thoughts: Make an Informed Decision
Hiring a General Contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a home renovation. By asking these 10 key questions, you gain clarity, build trust, and avoid costly mistakes. A reliable contractor isn’t just a builder they’re your project partner, ensuring quality, accountability, and peace of mind from start to finish.
