A remodel or addition ties up your home, budget, and schedule for weeks or months. Use these questions to compare general contractors on licensing, scope clarity, payment structure, and how they manage subcontractors — not just who quotes the lowest number.
Why it matters: GC licensing thresholds and classifications vary by state. A verifiable license number lets you check status, complaints, and whether the classification covers your project size. Ask for liability insurance and workers’ compensation certificates that name your property if the job is large.
Why it matters: Remodels balloon when scope is vague. A detailed written scope (rooms, finishes, allowances, exclusions) plus a fixed price or capped T&M structure makes comparison fair and limits open-ended billing.
Why it matters: Most GCs coordinate trades rather than swing every hammer. Knowing who does the critical work — and that the GC’s warranty covers sub failures — tells you where quality and accountability actually live.
Why it matters: Large upfront deposits are a common risk. Prefer progress payments tied to milestones (demo complete, rough-in inspected, finishes installed) rather than a big cash ask before anything happens on site.
Why it matters: Structural, electrical, and plumbing work usually needs permits. Clarify that the GC (not you) pulls them, attends inspections, and fixes code issues at their cost before the next payment milestone.
Why it matters: “Six weeks” often ignores cabinet or window lead times. A schedule with dependencies, weather allowances, and a change-order path for owner-caused delays sets realistic expectations and reduces friction mid-job.
Why it matters: Verbal “while we’re at it” adds are how budgets explode. Require a written change order with cost and days added, signed before the extra work starts, and ask how allowances for finishes are reconciled.
Why it matters: Some GCs sell the job then disappear. A named site lead, visit cadence, and response-time expectation for questions keeps decisions moving and prevents trades waiting on unanswered emails.
Why it matters: Remodels spread dust into living spaces and ductwork. Pros who specify containment, floor protection, daily cleanup, and a final deep clean (including punch-list walkthrough) show they plan the job end-to-end.
Why it matters: Manufacturer warranties on fixtures are not the same as labor warranties. Get duration in writing, what voids coverage, and confirmation the GC remains your single point of contact if a trade’s work fails after completion.
Why it matters: A kitchen remodel is different from a full addition. References for comparable scope help you gauge communication, schedule honesty, and whether the punch list was finished without chasing.