15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Professional General Contractor

Finding the right construction company for your project is a critical decision. To ensure you make the best choice, it's essential to ask the right questions. But what kind of references should you request when selecting a general contractor?The ideal is to talk to references from contractors who have done the same type of work as you. For instance, if you're hiring a contractor for a complete basement remodel, you'll want to talk to someone who has completed similar work, not just a small project.

It's also wise to check with more than one reference, so that you always have a backup. Fortunately, there are questions to ask a general contractor that can help you find the best option for your project. Here are 15 inquiries to ask before hiring a general contractor:1.How long have you been in business?2.Are you licensed and insured?3.Do you have any references from similar projects?4.What is your estimated timeline for completion?5.What is your payment schedule?6.How do you handle changes or unexpected issues?7.Do you provide written contracts?8.What type of warranty do you offer?9.How do you handle disputes or disagreements?10. Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?11. Do you subcontract any of the work?12. What safety protocols do you follow?13. How do you handle communication during the project?14. Are there any permits or inspections required for the project?15. What is your policy on clean-up and disposal of materials?Asking these questions can help you make an informed decision when selecting a general contractor for your project. It's important to take the time to research and interview potential contractors, so that you can be sure that they are the right fit for your needs.