28 Essential Questions To Ask Before Hiring A General Contractor
                     28 Essential 
QTo Auske Bsetfoiroe nHirsing A General Contractor
The ultimate guide and checklist for hiring a contractor for your 
home building or renovation proįect.
Home improvements and building projects are some of the most significant 
undertakings you or your business will ever manage. Hiring the right 
general contractor can save you hundreds, thousands—and for major 
renovations or new construction—possibly millions of dollars. Before 
committing to a general contractor, it’s crucial to ensure they meet your 
expectations and can deliver your project within budget.
“Asking a contractor for an estimate is simply not enough,” says Punit 
Chugh, co- founder of BuildLabs. “Here, I’ve outlined a comprehensive list 
of questions you should ask when screening and vetting potential 
contractors. A skilled, ethical, and trustworthy contractor should be open 
to answering all of these questions.” Doing so, he adds, will provide you 
with a clear understanding of what you’re paying for, and help you weigh 
your options with confidence.
Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor
EARLY & ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: When screening candidates for your 
construction job, these are the first set of questions to ask to ensure a 
contractor fits your project scope, budget and vision.
What is the typical timeline for your construction projects, from start to finish? 
Understanding the timeframe for completion helps you gauge the 
project’s scale and potential delays.
Can you discuss your experience and recent projects similar to mine? 
Requesting examples of their past work helps you evaluate the 
contractor’s expertise and suitability for your project.
Do you require a complete set of construction drawings to provide a quote? 
This helps you understand what information the contractor needs to 
provide an accurate estimate.
How do you handle change orders?
Do you charge fees for change orders, and if so, what is the fee 
structure? How often do change orders occur, and what is the typical 
cause (client requests, mistakes, unforeseen conditions)?
What types of construction contracts do you work with?
Do you work with fixed-sum contracts (lump sum)? A fixed-sum contract 
specifies  a predetermined price for the entire project, regardless of the 
actual costs incurred. Or do you prefer time-and-materials contracts, 
where charges are based on hourly labor and materials used?
What is the difference in the final cost between a fixed-price contract and a 
time-and-materials contract?
It’s important to understand how costs may vary depending on 
the type of contract.
Is construction management by architects required on your projects?
Some contractors prefer to work alongside architects to ensure design 
and construction are aligned. Understanding whether this is necessary 
for your project will clarify the workflow.
Can you provide examples of your project budgets and how you help clients track 
costs?
A transparent budgeting process helps you keep track of expenses 
and avoid surprises.
UNDERSTAND HOW THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR OPERATES DURING THE
CRITICAL BUILD STAGE. The next set of questions will help you understand 
how they approach each project, and how to manage expectations 
throughout the process.
How do you ensure the project is built and delivered as specified?
Make sure the contractor has clear systems in place for monitoring and 
maintaining quality, ensuring your project matches the agreed-upon 
plans.
How do you provide updates on project progress?
Knowing how and when you’ll receive updates ensures you stay 
informed throughout the project.
Are your fixed-price contracts broken down transparently for cost control? 
Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, especially in a fixed-price 
contract. This transparency helps you monitor the project’s financial 
aspects.
Do you offer design-build services, or is your work limited to general contracting? 
A design-build contract can simplify the process by providing a single point 
of responsibility for both design and construction. This might streamline 
timelines and communications.
UNDERSTAND HOW THEY MANAGE THEIR PEOPLE AND PARTNERS. How many
employees do they have? How are their subcontractor relationships? You 
will want to know who will have a hand in your project, whether they are 
in-house or outsourced.
How much of your work do you handle in-house versus through subcontractors? 
Do you manage all trades with your own teams, or do you rely on 
subcontractors? What specific trades do you handle internally, and which 
ones do you outsource?
How do you manage the construction team?
Who will be the primary points of contact and site managers 
throughout the project? Understanding the team structure will ensure 
smooth communication.
Do you have established partnerships with any trades or suppliers that could 
save clients money?
Discounts or savings from long-term trade relationships can reduce 
overall project costs. Ask about potential savings and how they’re passed 
on to clients.
Do you lock in material costs, such as lumber, at the time of contract signing, or 
do prices fluctuate during the project?
Material costs can vary over time. Knowing whether the price is locked 
in can help you avoid unexpected cost increases.
What quality control standards do you have in place?
Quality control ensures the work is done to the highest standard. 
Ask about inspection protocols and how they maintain quality 
throughout the process.
What sustainability goals do you aim for in your construction projects?
If sustainability is important to you, discuss the contractor’s approach 
to green  building practices, energy-efficient materials, and waste 
reduction.
MATERIAL MANAGEMENT. Second to employee and subcontractor relations 
are how they source and oversee material handling, as these factors affect 
cost and quality.
What is your process for managing owner-provided items?
If you plan to provide any materials or fixtures, it’s important to know 
any fees or considerations for managing those items.
Where do you source your materials, and what types of materials do you use? 
Material sourcing affects both cost and quality. Ask about their suppliers, 
materials, and any preference for sustainable, local, or premium options.
If there are delays, do you charge for general conditions or management fees 
after the agreed schedule?
It’s crucial to understand how delays will affect costs, especially if the 
project runs past the expected completion date.
What additional services do you offer to make the process smoother and reduce 
risks for clients?
Look for added services that can simplify the project, such as interior 
design, project management, or post-construction services.
What percent of your change orders are due to oversights, rework, or misses by 
consultants, rather than client changes?
This will give you insight into the contractor’s attention to detail and 
professionalism in managing the project.
BEYOND THE BUILD: TURNKEY SOLUTIONS & WARRANTIES. The finishes may be
complete, but the contractor’s job isn’t. These final set of questions will 
inform the concluding stages of your project, ensuring that the final 
product meets safety regulations and exceeds expectations.
Can you define the warranty for your projects, including what’s covered and for 
how long?
A solid warranty can protect you after the work is completed. Make 
sure you understand what’s covered, such as structural elements, 
finishes, or systems.
Do you provide a turn-key solution?
A turn-key project means that the contractor takes full responsibility for 
everything from design to final delivery, so you simply move in when the 
project is finished.
Do you have any trade partnerships that could provide additional savings to 
clients?
Some contractors have special agreements with suppliers or 
subcontractors that result in cost savings for their clients.
What are your safety protocols during construction?
Safety is paramount. Ensure the contractor has a clear plan for safety 
checks throughout the construction process, especially if your family 
will be living in the home during work.
How do you handle the final inspection and handover of the completed project? 
Understanding the process for final inspections, walk-throughs, and key 
handover is crucial to ensure that everything meets your expectations.
Before handing over the keys to our valued clients, the BuildLabs team 
meticulously goes through a comprehensive checklist that includes full 
fumigation; this ensures that everything–from the electrical wirings to the 
air quality–is ready for the homeowners.
By asking these questions, you’ll be well-equipped to select a general 
contractor who meets your needs, adheres to your budget, and delivers a 
quality project.
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