4 Questions to Ask a General Contractor Before Hiring

4 Questions to Ask a General Contractor Before Hiring

You’ve dreamt about your remodeling project, saved and budgeted to finance it, gathered a portfolio of ideas to work from, and now you need to hire a contractor. Whether you are building a new home or planning for a renovation, there are a lot of critical steps you need to take, and it all begins with hiring the right people for the job.

Having the right team and contractor makes all the difference; however, not all contractors are the same. Thankfully, here are four questions to ask a general contractor before hiring to help make the process easier for you!

1. Which Types of Insurance do You Have?
2. Will You Obtain the Building Permits and Set Up Inspections?
3. Do You Have a References List?
4. What’s the Expected Timeline for the Project?

Which Types of Insurance Do You Have?

You wouldn’t drive a car without insurance, so why would you hire a contractor without having proof of insurance as well? Asking if your contractor is insured could save you thousands of dollars in damages and a serious financial headache in the future. As a rule, your contractor should first have general liability insurance that protects your property and home in the event of an accident. Second, they should also be insured for workers’ compensation to protect you from liability if anyone is hurt while on the job.

Will You Obtain the Building Permits and Set Up Inspections?

Although it’s one of the more overlooked questions to ask a general contractor, knowing whether or not your contractor will handle the procuring of permits and setting up your inspections is essential. Make sure your contractor is knowledgeable about the permitting process and local building code requirements in your area. They should also be willing to get those permits for you and schedule inspections throughout the build process.

Do You Have a References List?

Reputation is everything in the construction industry. You should never be hesitant to ask for references when it comes to hiring a contractor. If you’re hiring local, chances are you have friends or family who have experience with contractors in the area. Do your research and find someone who is highly recommended. Don’t be afraid to ask about budget, professionalism, completion of timelines, and their overall experience!

What’s the Expected Timeline for the Project?

Having a clear, manageable timeline for a project is an essential step in building a home. Often, homeowners have a set deadline in mind for completion. If a contractor can’t follow the set timeline, it leads to frustration and complications. Knowing when the project will begin and end could mean the difference in who you hire as a contractor. In addition, you need to see if they have other projects or current bids they are working on that could get in the way of your completion. Having realistic deadline goals and managed expectations with your contractor will help keep things running smoothly throughout your project.

Have More Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor?

With every renovation or reconstruction project, you will face challenges along the way. However, having the right team in place can help make this process easier! At Luxe Renovation, we pride ourselves on taking a one-on-one approach with our clients. We make the process smooth and easy for you and your family. Not only do we provide quality service, but we maximize the time while on a job so you can get back to enjoying your home or business. Contact us today to get started!