10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor

Hiring a general contractor is a bigger decision than most home purchases, and it's one you usually only get to make right — or badly — once per project. These are the questions worth asking before you sign anything.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured for This Type of Work?

Ask to see proof of both, not just a verbal confirmation. In New Jersey, home improvement contractors need to be registered with the state, and it's worth confirming that registration directly rather than taking it on faith.

2. Who Will Actually Be On-Site Managing the Project?

Some contractors run every job personally; others hand day-to-day management to a project manager or lead who you may not meet until work starts. Ask specifically who your point of contact will be day to day, since that's the relationship that determines how smoothly the project actually runs.

3. Can I See Examples of Similar Completed Work?

A contractor who's done plenty of kitchens but never a home addition may not be the right fit for your addition, even if they're skilled overall. Ask for examples specific to your project type, not just a general portfolio.

4. How Will Payments Be Structured?

A legitimate contract breaks payments into stages tied to completed work, not a large deposit upfront followed by vague milestones. Be wary of any contractor asking for the majority of payment before work begins.

5. What's Included in the Written Estimate — and What's Not?

Ask specifically what's excluded, not just what's included. Permit fees, disposal costs, and allowances for materials like tile or fixtures are common places where estimates diverge from final costs if they weren't spelled out clearly upfront.

6. Who Pulls the Permits?

Permits should be pulled by the contractor, under their license, for any work that requires them. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save time or money, treat that as a red flag — unpermitted work can create real problems when you sell the house.

7. What's the Realistic Timeline, Including Likely Delays?

Ask for a realistic range, not just a best-case number. Material lead times, inspection scheduling, and weather all affect timelines, and a contractor who gives you an overly optimistic date without caveats may be telling you what you want to hear rather than what's likely.

8. How Do You Handle Changes Once Work Has Started?

Changes happen on almost every project. Ask how change orders are documented and priced before you're mid-project trying to figure out why a small adjustment came with a surprise cost.

9. What Warranty Do You Offer on Workmanship?

Materials typically carry their own manufacturer warranties, but ask separately about the contractor's warranty on their own labor and installation. Get the specifics in writing, not just a general assurance.

10. Can I Speak With Recent Clients?

A contractor confident in their work should be comfortable connecting you with recent clients, not just providing a list of names from years ago. A quick conversation with someone who went through a similar project recently tells you more than any portfolio photo.

Take Your Time With This Decision

The right contractor answers these questions clearly and without hesitation. If you're planning a project and want to talk through what to expect, request a consultation and we'll walk you through our process.

Related: General Contracting