10 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Contractor

When you embark on a new construction, addition, or renovation project, there is a lot at stake—your budget, schedule, productivity, and a host of other concerns. When looking for a contractor, you may come across many options. How do you choose the right partner for your project? Here are 10 questions to ask before hiring a contractor:

1. What's your background and experience?

Contractors who have been in business for many years have weathered a few storms. They will have established a team and processes to ensure projects are done on time and on budget. Asking about a contractor's experience will quickly indicate if they have completed a project like yours in the past. Remember: time in business does not always equate to experience. Ask them specifically about projects completed, especially those in your industry. 

2. Do you have any references?

If a company is unable to provide you with references from previous projects, this may indicate a lack of client satisfaction or an inability to complete a project on time or on budget. Regardless, seek a contractor who has a high customer satisfaction rate and is open to sharing recommendations from previous clients. Don’t hesitate to conduct this research on your own by searching their website or other review sources. Once again, ask questions of a potential contractor—doing your homework ahead of time will save you hassle and money in the long run.

3. Will I have a dedicated team working on my project?

Many contractors work on multiple projects at a time. Ensuring you have a dedicated team means those employees and subcontractors are knowledgeable about your project. Be sure to get phone numbers for those individuals who will be on-site to contact if there are any questions.

4. Are you licensed and insured?

Out of all the questions you ask a contractor, this is one of the most important. Companies without licensing and insurance can be a huge financial risk. If they are uninsured, you’ll be required to assume liability for their safety covering all the costs associated with any accidents that occur on your site. Remember: licensing and insurance are not the same. Some states may not require a contractor to hold a state license, so ask them if they have registered with their city or county government office.

5. Do you have a strong safety record?

Safety records are another thing to examine. Were there any safety issues that arose during the contractor's previous projects? Did the contractor adhere to worksite safety regulations? One thing you don’t want to do is risk having your worksite become a hazard area. Hiring a safety-conscious contractor will help you avoid disasters like falls, electric shocks, or scaffold collapses—and lawsuits.

Brindley Construction is proud to have maintained a bronze or higher level of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) STEP Safety Award every year since 2004. We were most recently awarded the Platinum Level in the STEP program this year.

6. Are you part of a trade association or professional organization?

Members of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) and the Construction Leadership Network (CLN) take advantage of advanced safety training, focus groups, and peer roundtables on subjects such as project management, technology, and innovative techniques. These contractors are typically at the top of their game and stay there by honing their skills and certifications each year. If a contractor is not involved in associations, it may indicate their lack of desire to remain updated on the industry—which could mean you end up with a subpar deliverable.

7. What is your construction process?

Starting a construction project can seem daunting. Between gathering your team, identifying your needs, selecting a site, and obtaining the financing, you create a mountain of work that seems impossible to overcome. And, then there are the unknowns—the things you haven't even considered.

At Brindley Construction, we value education and we know that information is power. We want to educate our customers on the construction process in advance so that they feel like part of the team and they feel confident knowing they have us—the general contractor—holding their hand throughout the entire project.

Read more about the Brindley Construction process here >>>

8. Do you normally complete a project on time and on budget?

If a contractor emphatically exclaims "Always!" to this question, find another contractor! Supply chain delays, change orders, and other unforeseen circumstances can alter a project's timeline and budget. A responsible contractor will be in constant communication with their clients should problems arise. Ask a prospective contractor how they handled these issues during past projects. 

9. How involved will you be in my project?

If a contractor doesn’t return your initial phone calls or emails, keep looking. You want a reputable company that stays in constant communication throughout all aspects of your project. The best contractors will be open and always strive to keep their clients informed. Typically, you will have an individual or a team assigned to your project that will manage it from start to finish. If a company is not quick to provide you with information about your construction project, search for a more reliable company.

Every Brindley Construction project starts with an initial project consultation. Once the project moves forward, we hold a kick-off meeting with our client to review the budget, the schedule, and the list of subcontractors. The client will also meet the rest of the team (superintendent, executive in charge, and support staff). Over the duration of the project, the individuals the client meets at the kick-off meeting will be their points of contact. This is a great time for the client to get to know our team as we will likely be working closely together for months.

10. What sets you apart from other contractors?

Ask about unique skill sets, especially if you are looking for a contractor with distinct abilities in things like sustainable construction, pre-construction services, pre-engineered metal buildings, or a specialty in construction management or design-build delivery systems.

Ultimately, the best contractor is the one who best understands your project, industry, budget, timeline, and business goals. Work with a contractor who is licensed, insured, and has a strong safety record to ensure you end up with a quality deliverable and positive experience. Don't be afraid to ask prospects tough questions to make sure they're the best fit for your project.