All the Most Important Questions to Ask a Contractor Before Breaking Ground
Making the ultimate decision to break ground and build a custom home from the ground up is an exciting experience, oftentimes accompanied by having to make all the most important decisions. The first of many will be who to trust to bring your vision to life. When it comes down to choosing a contractor, asking all the right questions is going to be essential in your homebuilding journey.
In this article, we will break down all the most important questions to ask a contractor before you start breaking ground.
- What Are Some of Your References?
Speaking with previous clients and cross-checking references and reviews can help you establish trust with your potential contractor and gain a full understanding of their expertise and specialties. Knowing their previous experience and how that will correlate to the job you are entrusting them with will build confidence and help you to make a more well-informed decision.
- Who Is the Point of Contact During the Process?
Communication is going to be key during the home-building process, so it is essential to establish your main point of contact early on while discussing communication preferences. Is there a project manager who will moderate the conversation with the contractor? Will you have multiple points of contact? When communication styles clash, it can lead to moments of frustration and delays in the build. Knowing these things early can help you identify whether or not a contractor is the right choice for you.
- Do You Have a License?
Many states often require contractors to have a license in different areas, so you must research your state’s requirements and ensure that any contractor you are vetting abides by all licensing requirements. Ask to see some proof or contact the issuing agency in your state. This will protect you in case your contractor tries to leave in the middle of your project or does something incorrectly.
- Do You Have Insurance?
Insurance protects both your contractor and you from any accidents that can happen during the job. Request a detailed summary from the insurance provider so that you know what is covered and the coverage amount in the off chance that someone is injured or there is damage to the property. Construction sites are dangerous, and failing to insure yourself properly can end up costing you in the long run. Your contractor must have both workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
- How Frequent are General Project Updates Given?
Regular project updates help you to stay connected to the progress of your home and can give you peace of mind at the end of the day. While you are in the process of vetting out contractors, ask how frequently they intend to give you updates and express your expectations as well. Get a clear understanding of what is going to be discussed in your updates, where they will take place, and how to communicate between these updates. A few questions you might be interested in asking your project manager during one of these updates might be the following:
- What has been completed by the team since we last talked?
- Have there been roadblocks the crew has encountered because of the weather?
- Is there anything the construction crew needs to clarify project goals?
A project manager with a reputable reputation will be proactive in sharing this type of information with you. Open and transparent communication is your best tool to achieve the results that you are expecting.
- What is the Projected Finish Date?
On average, a custom home will take anywhere between 10 to 16 months to build, depending on the scope of the project. Ask your contractor of choice for an estimated completion date that will include planning, drawing, construction, designing, and any other types of finishing steps with room for different delays. Speaking with Sandy Jamison of Tuscana Properties: “Building materials, inclement weather, and injuries are all potential factors that will lead to a delay in your project, so be sure that your contractor has taken these into account before presenting you with an estimated completion date. You might be inclined to choose the contractor that promises the quickest turnaround time; it is always best to choose someone more realistic.”
- Will You Obtain Permits/Inspections for This Job?
Your contractor should be responsible for obtaining all the right permits while scheduling all necessary inspections. Be sure to ask your prospective contractor what permits or inspections are necessary and when they will be fully obtained. If they are unsure of the requirements or suggest that you are responsible, it can be a red flag. The contractor is a professional and should be willing to obtain any necessary permits.
- What is the Expected Payment Schedule?
We suggest arranging a low down payment and only paying the contractor according to how much work has been finished at the appointed time. Don’t make the final payment until after all the work has been finished and it meets all your standards. Ensure to discuss the payment terms before construction on your home begins. It is also a good idea to make a payment schedule with the contractor of how much and when the payments will be due according to what is accomplished.
- Can All This Be Put into Writing?
I reached out to Bill Stanley of Blue Sky Homes and Land for his advice: “A contract will protect you, your house, your contractor, and the crew. Everything that is discussed during the entire hiring process needs to be put in actual writing. Ensure that the contract has everything listed, including deadlines, payments, and requirements that need to be followed if any specific requirements need to be followed. If anything gets off track, you can opt to go back to the contract to avoid legal trouble. It helps avoid the contractor going back on their word. Once the contract is made, make sure that you read through it carefully before signing it.”
Bottom Line
You must have trust in your contractor. Home building can be a stressful time, but if you are working closely with a company that you trust, you will be allowed to focus more on the excitement of a new build! From contact and planning payments to ensuring there are permits and a contract of what is to be expected in writing, it will make the home building process flow all the smoother for everyone involved.
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