15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Construction Company

Before you sign a construction contract, you’re not just choosing a company — you’re trusting a team with your money, timeline, and property. Whether it’s a home remodel, office build-out, or a full ground-up project, the right general construction company will save you stress, delays, and surprise costs.

These 15 questions will help you quickly filter out risky contractors and find a professional, reliable partner for your project.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Construction isn’t just about bricks, beams, and blueprints. It’s about:

• Clear communication

• Transparent pricing

• Proper licensing, permits, and insurance

• On-time delivery and quality workmanship

The questions below are designed to protect your budget, your schedule, and your peace of mind.

Company Credentials & Experience

1. How long have you been in business, and what types of projects do you specialize in?

You want a construction company that has experience with projects similar to yours—residential, commercial, remodeling, additions, etc. Longevity plus relevant experience usually means they’ve solved real-world problems and know how to manage unexpected issues.

2. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

This is non-negotiable. A licensed general contractor understands local building codes and regulations. Being bonded and insured protects you financially if there’s damage, accidents, or the contractor fails to complete the project.

3. Can you provide recent references and project photos?

Ask for recent clients you can actually call, not just old testimonials. Photos, case studies, or a portfolio of similar work help you verify their quality and consistency.

Planning, Scope & Permits

4. What is included in your scope of work?

A detailed scope of work should cover labor, materials, demolition, cleanup, and finishing. The more specific it is, the less room there is for “surprise” extras later.

5. Who handles permits and inspections?

Reputable general construction companies usually pull the necessary permits and coordinate inspections with the city or county. If they expect you to do it, consider that a red flag.

6. How do you approach project planning and timelines?

Ask how they create their project schedule, what tools they use (e.g., Gantt charts, project management software), and how often they update you. A clear plan shows they take deadlines seriously.

Pricing, Payments & Change Orders

7. Is this a fixed-price bid or an estimate?

A fixed-price contract offers more cost certainty, while an estimate can change as the project progresses. Make sure you understand which one you’re getting and why.

8. Can you give a detailed written breakdown of costs?

You should see a clear breakdown for materials, labor, subcontractors, permits, and contingencies. Vague or one-line quotes can hide future upcharges.

9. What is your payment schedule?

Avoid paying too much upfront. A fair schedule usually includes a reasonable deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, and a final payment after completion and walkthrough.

10. How do you handle change orders?

Changes happen — design tweaks, hidden damage, or upgraded finishes. Ask how change orders are documented, priced, and approved so you don’t get surprise invoices.

Team, Communication & On-Site Management

11. Who will be my main point of contact?

You need one person responsible for answering questions, coordinating trades, and giving updates. Whether it’s a project manager, site supervisor, or the owner, communication should be consistent.

12. Do you use subcontractors, and how do you vet them?

Most general construction companies rely on subcontractors for trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Ask how long they’ve worked together and how quality and safety are monitored.

13. How often will I receive progress updates?

Weekly or bi-weekly updates—via email, calls, or site meetings—help you stay in the loop on timeline, budget, and any issues. If they don’t have a system, expect confusion later.

Quality, Safety & Aftercare

14. What kind of warranty do you offer on your work?

A solid contractor stands behind their work with a written warranty on labor and sometimes materials. Ask what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how long the coverage lasts.

15. How do you handle punch lists and final inspections?

Before final payment, you should walk the site together, create a punch list of small items to fix, and confirm everything meets your expectations and local building standards.

Final Thoughts: Choose a Builder, Not Just a Bid

The cheapest quote isn’t always the best choice. A trustworthy general construction company will be transparent, communicative, and happy to answer every question on this list without pressure or excuses.

When you take time upfront to ask smart questions, you:

• Avoid risky contractors

• Protect your budget and timeline

• Get a better, longer-lasting result

Ready to start your project? Use these 15 questions in your next contractor meeting, compare answers, and choose the team that gives you confidence—not just a low number on a piece of paper.