14 Questions to Ask a General Contractor Before Hiring Them

1. How long have you been in business?

   Look for a contractor with several years of experience in the industry. This ensures they have the necessary expertise to handle your project successfully. We have been in business since 2016 but the general contractor has decades of experience working with homeowners, property managers, and commercial clients. Tom is a third generation builder who grew up around job sites and is familiar with building and construction projects.

2. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

   Verify that the contractor is properly licensed, bonded, and insured to protect yourself from liability. We are licensed, bonded, and insured which is a requirement from the state of New Jersey to be a GC in the garden state.

3. Can you provide references from past clients?

   Ask for references and follow up to get feedback on the contractor's work quality, professionalism, and project management skills. We can provide a list of clients that would be delighted to speak with you and you are welcome to visit our testimonial page if you want to get a sense of how our clients feel about our work.

4. What is your typical project timeline?

   Understand the contractor's typical project timeline to ensure it aligns with your expectations and needs. Every project is different and we really would need to know the scope before providing an estimate. But for our purposes here, let’s assume you are adding a level. The project can range to 3-5 months depending on the town’s ability to inspect your home. Things that can lengthen build time are generally out of our control, like weather or material availability or logistics issues. However, since the Covid era, most of the logistics issues many people experienced are no longer an issue.

5. Who will be the primary point of contact during the project?

   Identify the specific individual who will be responsible for managing your project and communicating with you. Generally you will be speaking with Tom Sowa, which you can call now at 862-200-0431.

6. How do you handle change orders and unexpected costs?

   Discuss the contractor's process for addressing any changes or additional costs that may arise during the project. We bill for change orders upfront. We are open and transparent with the client regarding unforeseen issues or what may be needed to resolve the situation the client is experiencing. Remember we can’t see behind walls when we provide a quote so we are quoting based on minimal unforeseen issues. Depending on the complexity, it can increase cost, but we try to avoid this through our in-depth estimating process.

7. What is your warranty or guarantee on the work performed?

   Inquire about the contractor's warranty or guarantee on the work they provide to ensure you are protected. We offer a one year warranty on all renovation work. However there are manufacturer warranties on certain materials and equipment that we use during the project. Check the manufacturer’s warranty materials to better understand your protection.

8. Do you subcontract any of the work?
   If the contractor uses subcontractors, ask about their qualifications and how they are managed. We use subcontractors or “subs” as they are often referred to. Our subs are well known in the industry, have a history of working with us, and have years of experience working independently as well as with our crews. Everyone maintains close communication and provides updates on their work. While rare, whenever a contractor makes the job harder than it needs to be or delays the project because of poor scheduling or time management that sub is removed from the team. We only work with the best.

9. How do you handle permits and inspections?

   Understand the contractor's process for obtaining necessary permits and coordinating inspections. We want to make this experience as easy as possible so we generally handle all permits and inspections. However, certain towns require permits to be submitted by the owner of the property. When this is occurs, we will fill out the paperwork on your behalf and we would be considered an “agent” of the homeowner. Avoiding the need to submit paperwork, permits, or approvals on your own.

10. Can you provide a detailed project scope and timeline?

    Request a comprehensive project scope and timeline to ensure you have a clear understanding of the work to be performed. Every project is unique and we would need to discuss your scope in order to provide a detailed project timeline.

11. What is your payment schedule?

    Discuss the contractor's payment terms and schedule to ensure it aligns with your financial capabilities. Our payment process is based on delivered materials and completed milestones. So you are only paying when we have finished portions of your project. For instance, when the “roughing” or the “framing” is completed.

12. Do you have any current or pending lawsuits?

    Inquire about any legal issues the contractor may be facing, as this could impact the project. Thankfully we do not have any pending lawsuits at the time of writing these answers. **knocks on wood**

13. How do you handle customer complaints or disputes?

    Understand the contractor's process for addressing any issues or concerns that may arise during the project. We work closely with the client to avoid any issues. We have meetings, calls, and text messages to insure proper communication throughout the process.

14. Can you provide examples of similar projects you have completed?

    Review the contractor's portfolio of past work to ensure they have the necessary experience for your project. Yes! Please check out our galleries or service pages throughout our website to see before and after shots of the homes we have worked on.

By asking these questions, you can gain a better understanding of the contractor's qualifications, experience, and approach to ensure a successful and satisfactory home improvement project. If you’re interested in speaking with Tom about your project please call us at 862-200-0431.