Top 5 Questions to Ask Your General Contractor Before Starting a Project

Hiring a general contractor isn’t just about picking someone who can swing a hammer. Whether you’re planning a home renovation, building from the ground up, or tackling a commercial project, choosing the right contractor can make all the difference. You want someone who’s reliable, skilled, and, let’s be honest, easy to work with.

But how do you know you’ve got the right person? Start by asking the right questions. Here are five key questions to help you feel confident about your choice.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Why It Matters:
Imagine this: Your contractor is halfway through remodeling your kitchen when an accident happens. Turns out, they aren’t insured. Guess who’s responsible? Yep, it’s you. Licensing and insurance aren’t just formalities—they’re your safety net.

Follow-Up Questions:

• Can you show me your license and insurance certificates?
• Are the subcontractors covered as well?

Why You Should Ask:
You’re not just being picky. A license shows they’re qualified, while insurance protects you if something goes wrong. Trust me, if a contractor hesitates to provide this info, that’s a big red flag. You’re better off walking away than dealing with a mess later.

2. What Is Your Experience with Similar Projects?

Why It Matters:
Not all contractors are a good fit for every project. Some specialize in residential work, while others are pros at commercial builds. Asking about their experience ensures you’re hiring someone who actually knows what they’re doing.

Follow-Up Questions:

• Can you share some photos or references from similar jobs?
• Were there any challenges, and how did you handle them?

Why You Should Ask:
You wouldn’t want a contractor whose last big project was a doghouse taking on your entire home renovation. Seeing their past work helps you gauge their competence and reliability. Plus, it gives you a chance to spot any red flags early.

3. Can You Provide a Detailed Written Estimate?

Why It Matters:
No one likes surprises when it comes to their wallet. A detailed estimate shows where your money’s going—from materials to labour to permits. It also helps you compare quotes from different contractors without wondering why one is way cheaper than the other.

Follow-Up Questions:

• Does this include labour, materials, and permits?
• What if unexpected expenses come up?

Why You Should Ask:
A reliable contractor will lay out costs clearly. If they brush off your request or say something vague like, “We’ll figure it out as we go,” it’s time to rethink your choice. You deserve transparency, not guesswork.

4. How Do You Manage Project Timelines and Delays?

Why It Matters:
We all know that even the best-laid plans can hit a snag. Maybe it’s a supply chain issue or just plain bad weather. Whatever the case, you need to know how your contractor handles setbacks.

Follow-Up Questions:

• What’s your estimated timeline?
• How do you deal with delays or unexpected changes?

Why You Should Ask:
Getting a timeline upfront helps set realistic expectations. Good contractors will be honest about potential delays and have a plan for dealing with them. If they seem overly optimistic without a backup plan, take that as a warning sign.

5. How Do You Communicate During the Project?

Why It Matters:
Clear communication can make or break your experience. You don’t want to be left wondering why there’s a pile of lumber in your yard or why work has stopped for three days. Knowing who to contact and how often you’ll be updated keeps you in the loop.

Follow-Up Questions:

• Who will be my main point of contact?
• How often will you provide updates?
• Do you prefer phone, email, or face-to-face meetings?

Why You Should Ask:
Consistent communication means fewer surprises and a smoother project overall. If your contractor seems hesitant to commit to regular updates, that’s a potential headache you don’t need.

Conclusion

Choosing the right general contractor is about more than just price. You want someone who’s experienced, reliable, and willing to keep you informed. By asking these questions upfront, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, less stressful project.

When in doubt, go with your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Take the time to vet your contractor properly—you’ll thank yourself later when your project goes off without a hitch.

Looking for a trusted general contractor in California? Check out Creation7 to see how we can make your vision a reality.