It is important to ask questions before hiring a general contractor because this can help you to make an informed decision about which contractor is the right fit for your project. Asking questions allows you to gather information about the contractor’s experience, expertise, and approach to various aspects of construction, such as project management, communication, safety, and budget and schedule management. This can help you to determine whether the contractor is a good fit for your project and whether they have the necessary skills and resources to help you achieve your desired outcomes.
Additionally, asking questions before hiring a general contractor can help you to avoid potential misunderstandings or disputes that may arise during the construction process. By understanding the contractor’s process, approach, and expectations, you can help to minimize any potential issues and ensure that your project is completed smoothly and successfully.
Overall, asking questions before hiring a general contractor is an important step in ensuring that you choose the right contractor for your project and that you have a clear understanding of their capabilities and expectations. By gathering this information upfront, you can make a more informed decision about which contractor is the right fit for your project and help to ensure that your project is completed successfully. We asked our project operations team their top picks for best questions to ask a general contractor before you hire them:
#1: What is your experience and track record in commercial construction?
It is important to know a contractor’s experience and track record in commercial construction because this can give you an idea of their level of expertise and the types of projects they have successfully completed in the past. A contractor with a proven track record of successfully completing similar projects can provide reassurance that they have the necessary skills and experience to handle the demands of your project.
Additionally, a contractor with a strong track record may be more likely to have established relationships with subcontractors and suppliers, which can help to ensure the timely and efficient completion of your project. They may also be more familiar with local building codes and regulations, which can help to avoid delays or issues during the construction process.
Overall, a contractor’s experience and track record can be a good indicator of their capabilities and the level of quality you can expect from their work. It is generally a good idea to choose a contractor with a strong track record and relevant experience for your specific project.
#2: Do you have references from past commercial clients that I can contact?
Asking for references from a contractor’s past commercial clients can be a useful way to get a sense of the contractor’s work and reputation. Talking to past clients can provide valuable insights into the contractor’s communication, professionalism, and overall quality of work. It can also help you to understand how the contractor handles challenges or unexpected issues that may arise during a project.
Additionally, speaking with past clients can help you to gauge the contractor’s level of customer satisfaction and get a sense of how well they have maintained relationships with their clients over time. This can be an important consideration, as a contractor who has a good reputation and is respected by their clients is more likely to be reliable, trustworthy, and committed to delivering high-quality work.
Overall, asking for references from past clients is a good way to get a sense of a contractor’s work and reputation, and can help you to make an informed decision about whether they are the right fit for your project.
#3: Are you licensed and insured? Can you provide proof of insurance?
It is important to ask a contractor if they are licensed and insured because this can help to protect you and your business from potential legal and financial risks.
A contractor who is licensed has typically met the necessary requirements and standards to legally operate in their field. A license can provide reassurance that the contractor has the necessary skills and knowledge to complete your project to a high standard.
Insurance is also important because it can provide protection in the event of any accidents, injuries, or damages that may occur during the construction process. By asking for proof of insurance, you can ensure that the contractor has the necessary coverage to protect themselves, their employees, and your business in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.
Overall, asking a contractor if they are licensed and insured is an important step in protecting yourself and your business, and can help to ensure that your construction project is completed safely and to a high standard.
#4: How do you handle change orders and unexpected costs that arise during a project?
It is important to ask a contractor how they handle change orders and unexpected costs that may arise during a project because this can help to ensure that your project stays within budget and that any changes or unexpected expenses are properly managed.
Change orders are changes to the scope of work or the terms of the contract that are made after the contract has been signed. They can be caused by a variety of factors, such as changes in the project design, the discovery of unexpected issues during construction, or changes in material or labor costs. Unexpected costs can also arise for similar reasons, or due to unforeseen circumstances that were not accounted for in the original estimate.
By asking a contractor how they handle change orders and unexpected costs, you can get a sense of their process for managing these types of issues and whether they have a plan in place to minimize their impact on the project. This can help you to better understand how the contractor will handle changes or unexpected issues that may arise during the construction process, and can help to ensure that your project stays on track and within budget.
#5: How do you communicate with clients during a project?
It is important to ask a contractor how they communicate with clients during a project because effective communication is crucial for the success of any construction project. Good communication can help to ensure that the project stays on track, that all parties are aware of any issues or changes that may arise, and that any concerns or questions are addressed in a timely manner.
By asking a contractor how they communicate with clients during a project, you can get a sense of their communication style and whether it aligns with your own communication preferences. This can help you to determine whether the contractor is a good fit for your project and whether you feel comfortable working with them.
Effective communication is especially important when working with a contractor, as construction projects can involve many different parties and can be complex and dynamic. By ensuring that you have a clear understanding of how the contractor communicates with clients, you can help to minimize misunderstandings and ensure that your project is completed smoothly and successfully.
#6: How do you ensure that the project stays within budget and on schedule?
It is important to ask a contractor how they ensure that a project stays within budget and on schedule because this can help you to understand their process for managing the financial and logistical aspects of a project. A contractor who has a clear and effective plan for keeping a project on track can help to minimize delays and unexpected costs, which can ultimately save you time and money.
By asking a contractor how they ensure that a project stays within budget and on schedule, you can get a sense of their experience and expertise in managing projects of a similar scope and complexity. This can help you to gauge their ability to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget, and can help you to make an informed decision about whether they are the right fit for your project.
Overall, a contractor’s ability to manage the financial and logistical aspects of a project is an important factor to consider when choosing a contractor. Asking about their process for keeping a project on track can help you to understand their level of experience and expertise in this area, and can help you to make a more informed decision about whether they are the right fit for your project.
#7: What are your payment terms?
It is important to ask a contractor about their payment terms because this can help you to understand how you will be expected to pay for the work and what you can expect in terms of payment schedules and milestones. Most contractors customize the payment terms for each project, however, the best commercial contractors, typically ask for a deposit upfront (in order to start ordering materials) and set milestone payments based off of successful task completion of the project
Payment terms typically outline the amount of money that is due at various stages of the project, as well as any conditions that must be met before payment is due. For example, payment terms may specify that a certain percentage of the total cost is due upon completion of the project, or that a certain amount is due at specific intervals throughout the construction process.
#8: Do you have a process for handling punch lists and final inspections?
It is important to ask a contractor about their process for handling punch lists and final inspections because this can help you to understand how the contractor ensures that the work meets your expectations and is completed to a high standard.
A punch list is a list of items that need to be completed or corrected before a project can be considered complete. It typically includes items that have been identified during a final inspection or walk-through of the completed work. A final inspection is a formal review of the completed work to ensure that it meets the requirements of the contract and any applicable building codes and regulations.
By asking a contractor about their process for handling punch lists and final inspections, you can get a sense of how they approach quality control and how they ensure that the work meets your expectations. This can help you to gauge their commitment to delivering high-quality work and to ensure that any issues or deficiencies are addressed before the project is considered complete.
Overall, a contractor’s process for handling punch lists and final inspections is an important factor to consider when choosing a contractor. Asking about their approach to quality control can help you to understand their level of commitment to delivering high-quality work and can help to ensure that your project is completed to your satisfaction.
#9: How do you handle safety on your construction sites?
It is important to ask a contractor how they handle safety on their construction sites because this can help you to understand the measures they take to protect workers and minimize the risk of accidents or injuries. Ensuring that safety is a top priority on a construction site is crucial for the well-being of workers and for the overall success of the project.
By asking a contractor about their approach to safety, you can get a sense of their commitment to ensuring a safe work environment and their level of experience in managing safety on construction sites. This can help you to determine whether they have the necessary protocols and procedures in place to protect workers and minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.
Additionally, a contractor’s approach to safety can have a significant impact on the cost and duration of a project. Accidents and injuries can cause delays and unexpected costs, which can ultimately impact the budget and timeline for your project. By ensuring that the contractor has a strong focus on safety, you can help to minimize these risks and ensure that your project stays on track and within budget.
Overall, asking a contractor about their approach to safety is an important step in protecting workers and ensuring the success of your construction project.
#10: Do you have any additional services or resources that you can provide to support the success of the project?
It is important to ask a contractor if they have any additional services or resources that they can provide to support the success of the project because this can help you to understand the full range of support and expertise that they can offer.
Additional services or resources that a contractor may be able to provide can include things like project management, design, cost estimating, and procurement services. These types of services can be especially useful for clients who are new to construction or who have limited experience in managing projects of a similar scope and complexity.
By asking a contractor about additional services or resources that they can provide, you can get a sense of the full range of support and expertise that they can offer and whether they have the necessary resources to help you achieve your project goals. This can help you to determine whether the contractor is a good fit for your project and whether they have the expertise and resources to help you achieve your desired outcomes.
Overall, a contractor’s ability to provide additional services or resources can be a valuable asset in ensuring the success of your construction project. Asking about these services can help you to understand the full range of support and expertise that a contractor can offer and can help you to make a more informed decision about whether they are the right fit for your project.
About GTA General Contractors Ltd:
GTA General Contractors is a leading Canadian restaurant design & construction company specializing in Full-service architecture & design, engineering, millwork fabrication and construction services in Toronto/GTA, Barrie, Hamilton, London, Guelph, Kitchener, Niagara Falls, and surrounding areas. We can assist you in turning your construction into a reality…on time, on budget, and just as you intended. Call us at 647-341-1030 or send us an email today.
