How to Hire a General Contractor: 10 Questions to Ask Before Signing

Choosing the right contractor can make or break your renovation project. Before you sign anything, ask these 10 essential questions—and know what answers to look for.

Before You Start: Do Your Homework

Check These First

1. Verify their license - In Virginia, check the DPOR website. Look for a Class A, B, or C contractor license depending on your project size.

2. Read online reviews - Check Google, Houzz, and the BBB. Look for patterns, not just individual reviews.

3. Ask for references - Any reputable contractor will provide recent client references.

4. Get multiple bids - 2-3 estimates help you understand fair pricing and scope.

The 10 Questions to Ask

1. "Are you licensed and insured?"

What to look for:

• Virginia contractor license (Class A for projects over $120,000)
• General liability insurance ($1M minimum)
• Workers' compensation insurance

Red flag: Any hesitation or inability to provide documentation.

Follow-up: Ask for copies of current insurance certificates naming you as additionally insured.

2. "How long have you been in business?"

What to look for:

• At least 3-5 years of operation
• Stable business history
• Experience with your type of project

Red flag: Brand new companies or contractors who've changed business names multiple times.

Why it matters: Longevity suggests financial stability and quality work that generates repeat business.

3. "Can I see examples of similar projects?"

What to look for:

• Portfolio of completed work
• Projects similar to yours in scope and style
• Before and after photos

Red flag: Only showing one or two projects, or refusing to share examples.

Better yet: Ask to visit a current job site to see their work in progress.

4. "Who will be on-site daily?"

What to look for:

• Named project manager or lead carpenter
• Direct communication method
• Clear chain of command

Red flag: Vague answers like "whoever's available" or the contractor themselves never visiting.

Why it matters: You need someone responsible and reachable throughout your project.

5. "What does your estimate include—and exclude?"

What to look for:

• Itemized estimate with labor and materials broken out
• Clear scope of work
• Explicit list of exclusions

Red flag: One-line estimates with just a total number.

Ask specifically about:

• Permits and inspection fees
• Dumpster and cleanup
• Paint and finish materials
• Appliance installation
• Final cleaning

6. "How do you handle changes and unexpected issues?"

What to look for:

• Written change order process
• Pricing for changes explained upfront
• Transparent about how surprises are handled

Red flag: "We'll figure it out as we go" or no clear process.

Why it matters: Changes happen. A clear process prevents disputes and cost confusion.

7. "What's your payment schedule?"

What to look for:

• Milestone-based payments tied to completed work
• Reasonable deposit (10-25%, not 50%)
• Final payment held until completion

Standard schedule example:

• 10% deposit at contract signing
• 25% at rough-in completion
• 25% at drywall completion
• 25% at fixture installation
• 15% at final walkthrough

Red flag: Asking for 50%+ upfront or wanting full payment before completion.

8. "What's your timeline, and what could affect it?"

What to look for:

• Specific start and completion dates
• Honest discussion of potential delays
• Milestones throughout the project

Red flag: Unrealistically fast timelines or refusal to commit to dates.

Ask about:

• When materials will be ordered
• How weather affects the schedule
• What happens if they fall behind

9. "What warranty do you provide?"

What to look for:

• Written workmanship warranty (1-2 years minimum)
• Explanation of what's covered
• Process for warranty claims

Red flag: No warranty or verbal-only promises.

Also ask: How they coordinate manufacturer warranties on products they install.

10. "Can I speak with recent clients?"

What to look for:

• Willingness to provide 2-3 references
• Recent projects (within last year)
• Clients with similar projects to yours

Red flag: Unable to provide references or only offering references from years ago.

Questions for references:

• Did they stay on budget?
• Did they meet the timeline?
• How was communication?
• Would you hire them again?

Red Flags to Watch For

Major Warning Signs

• No written contract - Never start work without one
• Cash-only requests - Legitimate businesses accept checks/cards
• High-pressure tactics - "Sign today or price goes up"
• No physical address - Just a P.O. box or cell phone
• Won't pull permits - "We don't need them"
• Requires large upfront payment - More than 25-30%

Subtle Warning Signs

• Slow to return calls during the estimate process
• Unwilling to provide detailed scope
• Badmouthing competitors
• No process for handling problems
• Vague about who does the work

What Should Be in Your Contract

A solid contract protects both parties. Ensure yours includes:

Essential Elements

1. Full company information - Name, address, license number
2. Detailed scope of work - Everything they will do
3. Materials specified - Brands, models, quantities
4. Total price - Fixed or how changes are priced
5. Payment schedule - Tied to milestones
6. Start and completion dates - With consequences for delays
7. Change order process - In writing, priced before work
8. Warranty terms - Duration and coverage
9. Insurance requirements - Proof provided
10. Cancellation terms - Your rights and any fees

Nice to Have

• Daily/weekly cleanup requirements
• Work hours and site access
• Communication frequency
• Dispute resolution process

After You Hire: Stay Involved

During the Project

• Visit the site regularly (if you don't live there)
• Review work before each payment
• Document everything with photos
• Address concerns immediately in writing

At Completion

• Do a thorough final walkthrough
• Create a punch list of any issues
• Hold final payment until punch list is complete
• Get warranty documentation and lien waivers

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Ready to Find a Contractor You Can Trust?

At Majestic Contracting, we welcome these questions—and more. As a licensed Class A contractor with a 2nd generation family business, we build relationships on transparency and quality.

Schedule Your Free Consultation →

We'll answer every question and provide detailed written estimates for your project.