Depending on your choice, a general contractor can make or break your remodel or construction project. Whether it’s the quality, professionalism, or cost of the work, knowing what to expect up front can only benefit both parties over the life of the project.
To ensure you’ll get the most from your general contractor, ask these 5 essential questions before you hire them:
1. Is Your Bid an Estimate or a Fixed Cost?
Most contractors bid by estimate to make room for unforeseen costs or additional work required later in the construction process.
Why it matters:
- You should be wary of a fixed price, though it can be unrealistic
- Estimates gives you room for contingency, but should be based on clearly defined scope
Both will bring you closer together and help increase transparency during the project.
—> Related: Risks of a Low Bid on a Construction Project
2. Do You Have References or Examples of Your Work?
No one who makes their living through customer relationships and good referrals would shy away from sharing those with prospective customers. If they hesitate to share testimonials or projects, there’s a good chance you won’t be satisfied, either!
Ask for:
- Portfolio of completed jobs
- Relevant experience, especially related with your type of project (kitchen, additions, commercial spaces)
—> Check Our Portfolio of Interior Renovations
3. Who Are Your Subcontractors?
Subcontractors can be scary. Some contractors cut corners in this department or hire questionable subcontractors, but fortunately for you, they also operate based on reputation.
Ask for:
- How long they’ve worked with each subcontractor
- How they are managed and held accountable
A reputable contractor should be proud of their network and emphasize strong relationships with local teams. If you want to understand how important their role is, don’t miss the reasons why a general contractor is only as good as it’s subcontractors blog!
4. Where Do You Get Your Material?
Talking to the owners or operators of your potential contractor’s suppliers can not only give you a good idea of the quality of your contractor, but help you understand the value of the material itself and whether or not it matches your preferences.
If your contractor is open and upfront about where he gets his materials, that’s a good sign he’s a reputable operator.
5. How Do You Handle a Problem?
Construction projects are like anything else – problems will arise and the character of your contractor will show during these times.
Ask:
- The type of problems they’ve encountered in the past
- How they communicated and resolved them without breaking the bank
- Discuss the nature of the issue with the previous client (if possible).
Knowing what to expect when the unexpected happens can only help in the long run.
Choose a Contractor Who’s Ready to Answer the Hard Questions
At Vertical Construction Group, we believe in honest communication, experienced craftsmanship, and detailed planning from start to finish.
Wether you’re planning home interior renovations or looking for a trusted team of commercial general contractors in Seattle, we’re here to help!
