By Pallavi Thakur 
If you are remodeling a kitchen, adding a room or rebuilding after storm damage, the contractor you hire can make or break your project. A good contractor will keep your timeline on track, your budget on track and your stress levels down. A bad one can mean unfinished work, surprise costs and headaches that last for months.
The good news? Most of these problems can be avoided by asking the right questions at the outset. Before you sign on the dotted line, sit down with your short list of local general contractors and go through this checklist.
1. Do you have insurance and licensing?
No ifs, ands or buts. A licensed contractor has met the requirements in your state or municipality to legally do construction work, and insurance protects you if something goes wrong on the job site — whether it’s property damage or worker injury.
Request to view(for insurance and licensing):
- Current license number of the contractor (this can usually be verified online through your state licensing board)
- General liability insurance coverage proof
- Certificate of Workers Compensation Coverage
If the contractor hesitates or can’t produce these documents quickly, consider it a red flag.
2. How long have you been in the business?
Experience is important, especially for complex projects. A contractor that has been in business for a few years has probably established relationships with dependable subcontractors, suppliers, and local permit offices. They’ve also been through the inevitable construction-site bumps in the road and know how to deal with them.
That said, newer businesses are not necessarily a bad choice – just look a little deeper into their background, training and the experience of their team.
3. Can you provide references and photos of previous projects?
Good contractors will be happy to give you references from past clients or show you a portfolio of work they’ve done. When talking to references ask pointed questions:
- Did the project complete on time and on budget?
- How did the contractor handle unforeseen problems?
- Would you hire them once again?
Photos and reviews are helpful, but often the best source of information is to talk directly to a former client.
4. What Does Your Written Estimate Cover?
Vague, one line quote is a warning sign. A detailed estimate should include labor, materials, permits, timeline and payment schedule.” This protects you and the contractor by setting clear expectations from the get-go.
Also don’t be afraid to ask what is not included. Permit fees, disposal costs or unexpected structural repairs can add up if not taken care of early on.
5. Who Will Be There?
Some contractors do all the work themselves while others may hire subcontractors to do plumbing, electrical or specialty work. Ask who will be in charge of day-to-day progress and who to reach out to with questions or concerns. Having this knowledge up front prevents miscommunication once the work begins.
6. What is the estimated timeline?
Construction delays happen, but a good contractor will give you a realistic start date, time frame for the project and completion window. Ask how they deal with delays from weather, supply issues, or permitting and how they will keep you updated along the way.
7. What happens if there are unexpected or changed costs?
Almost every renovation comes with surprises – an old pipe that needs replacing, wiring that doesn’t meet code, or a material that’s suddenly out of stock. Ask about the contractor’s policy on change orders and whether they will get your written approval before doing any extra work or charging you for it.
8. How Does the Payment Schedule Work?
Don’t hire contractors who want to be paid up front. The standard structure is usually a smaller deposit and then payments according to milestones of the project. The last payment is made on completion and your satisfaction. Responsibility lies with both parties throughout the process.
9. Are You Assured?
Quality contractors back their craftsmanship. Ask what kind of warranty is offered on labor and how long it lasts. Also, see if the materials have separate manufacturer warranties, because those terms can vary.
10. How Do You Speak?
Will you get weekly updates, a dedicated point of contact or access to a project management app? Clear, consistent communication is one of the biggest predictors of a smooth renovation experience, so make sure expectations are set before the project begins.
Finding the Right Local General Contractors Doesn’t Need to Be Stressful
These questions will help you weed out reliable professionals from contractors who might cut corners. Do your research, get several quotes and trust your gut. If something feels rushed or confusing while you’re hiring someone, it may be time to take a beat before you sign on the dotted line.
And when you’re ready to begin your search, keep in mind that it’s easier to find great local general contractors when you know where to find deals and trusted recommendations in your community.
Find great deals from local businesses and service providers near you — home improvement, dining, retail and more. LocolDeal is a handy marketplace to find offers from reliable local pros, such as general contractors, in your area.