Key Questions to Ask a General Contractor at Your Initial Consult

Your initial consultation with a general contractor is your chance to begin a strong relationship with the key point person for your project. Asking the right questions at your first meeting sets the foundation for a smooth working relationship. Bring this list to your first meeting so you don’t forget to go over important information.

1) Who can I expect to see working on my project?

For large projects, your general contractor may employ a crew of skilled carpenters or subcontractors to ensure timely, professional completion of your project. Getting a sense of who will be part of your project is a good first step. This will also help you assess the strength of your contractor’s relationships with his crew and subcontractors which will provide you peace of mind, especially if you plan to remain in your home as your project is being completed.

2) Are you comfortable working on this project while I am living in the space? How do you typically handle these situations?

For ground up builds, the homeowner is typically living elsewhere. For other projects, like additions and remodels, you may choose to remain living in your home while the work is taking place. This question helps you assess the contractor’s plan for working around you to ensure your comfort during the project. What time in the morning will the work begin? When will it end? These questions can affect both the timeline and scope of the work.

You may want to ask how factors like lumber storage, trash storage, and construction dust will affect you if you choose to live in the home during the project. A good contractor will have a plan in place for dust control and storage that will make the process so much smoother.

3) How do you handle additional expenses once the project has commenced?

Sometimes during a remodeling project, you may change your mind about finishes or have additional design ideas that you want to implement. How will your contractor help you make these changes once the project has already started and the contract is signed? A good contractor will explain their process for change orders at the initial consult.

You may also want to ask how the contractor collects payments for their projects. Do they accept major credit cards or bank transfers? Are they cash or check only?

4) How will you handle the permitting process for this project?

Local building codes vary widely from community to community, even within the same county. Depending on the scope of your project, you may need permits in place before work commences. The permitting process can be tricky for a homeowner to accomplish alone, and a knowledgeable general contractor can be a huge asset during the process. Ensuring that your contractor will have the proper permit for the job will help you to avoid steep penalties for unpermitted work in the future. A good contractor should be familiar with the permitting process in your area, providing you peace of mind while protecting your asset.

5) Do you have any ideas that I haven’t considered?

This is a great question to ask. A good general contractor will have seen and worked on many projects just like yours. They may have ideas for materials, design, or even additional features that you never considered. For example, on a recent bathroom remodel, our general contractor suggested adding radiant floor heating and waterproof LED niche lighting for the soap recesses in the client’s bathroom. The client had no idea that these features were so cost effective, and they have added much value to their home.

Always keep in mind that when you hire a general contractor, this person may be part of your life and your family’s life for a significant period of time depending on the scope of the project. Their personality, communication style, straightforwardness, and customer service are all key components of choosing the best general contractor possible for your project.