Hiring a contractor means you need someone you can trust with your home and your budget. The questions to ask general contractors will help you in learning more about how a builder really works, not just how well they sell. When you ask the right questions early, you reduce surprises later, and that alone can save you from having stress and money issues.
At Georgia Best Home Builders, we believe the best projects start with clear expectations and honest conversations.
7 Questions to Ask General Contractors for a Successful Home Construction
Which Type of License Do You Have?
In Georgia, only being “licensed” is not enough.
Ask:
“Which specific license do you hold, and can I see your current General Liability and Workers’ Compensation certificates?”
Why this matters
Georgia has multiple license types, including Residential Basic and Residential-Light Commercial. Your contractor’s license must match the scope of your project, especially if you are having structural work, new home additions Atlanta, or full home builds.
The detail many homeowners miss:
Workers’ Compensation insurance. If a subcontractor is injured on your property and your contractor doesn’t carry proper coverage, liability could fall on you.
Always ask for insurance certificates sent directly from the contractor’s insurance agent, not screenshots or verbal confirmation.
Who Will Actually Manage My Project?
Many homeowners assume the person they meet during the proposal stage will manage the project day to day. That’s not always the case.
Ask:
“Who will be my dedicated project manager, and how many projects are they currently managing?”
Why it matters
If your project manager is handling too many jobs, you will likely have to face delays and missed details.
Ask one more thing:
“Will there be a lead carpenter or on-site supervisor every day?”
When you are making a list of questions to ask general contractors, make sure to ask about on-site consistency to keep communication clear and avoid lost instructions.
Do You Work with a Subcontractor Team?
You need to understand the “Shadow Team.” A general contractor is only as strong as the trades they hire.
Ask:
“How long have you worked with your primary subcontractors, and how do you vet new ones?”
What you want to hear
Long-term relationships. Contractors who consistently work with the same electricians, plumbers, and framers tend to deliver better quality and accountability.
An important follow-up question:
“Do you provide lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers with each payment?”
In Georgia, unpaid suppliers can place a lien on your home, even if you have already paid the contractor in full. Lien waivers are your legal proof that everyone who is involved has been paid.
How Will We Communicate Once Construction Starts?
Poor communication is the most common complaint that many homeowners have.
Ask:
“What’s your main communication method, and how quickly should I expect a response?”
Many professional builders now use project management software that lets you see schedules, progress photos, and daily updates from your phone.
Don’t forget this:
“How do we handle after-hours emergencies?”
When you separate real emergencies from routine questions, communication stays smoother and more productive for both sides.
How Do You Structure Your Pricing?
One of the key questions to ask general contractors isn’t just how much the project costs, but how they structure that cost.
Ask:
“Can you provide a detailed schedule of values instead of a lump-sum estimate?”
A schedule of values breaks your project into clear categories, like demolition, framing, electrical, and finishes, so you understand exactly where your money is going.
One more essential question:
“How do you handle change orders?”
You need to make sure that all changes are documented, priced, and approved in writing before work begins. Verbal changes are one of the fastest ways your new home construction Atlanta budget gets out of control.
Will the Construction Affect My Routine?
If you are living in the home during construction, the small things can quickly become big ones.
Ask:
“What are your daily site-cleaning standards, and how will you protect the rest of my home?”
Details you must clarify:
- Dust barriers like ZipWall systems.
- Protecting HVAC vents from debris.
- Dumpster placement and driveway protection.
Also ask:
“What are your working hours, and where will your team park?”
In many Georgia neighborhoods and HOAs, parking and noise rules are strictly enforced.
What Happens After the Job Is Done?
A project is not really finished the day construction ends.
Ask:
“What does your warranty cover, and do you offer a 10-month walkthrough?”
Why 10 months are crucial in Georgia
Georgia’s clay soil and humidity cause natural settling. Issues like drywall cracks or sticking doors often show up within the first year.
Ask for this in writing:
A warranty manual that outlines what’s covered, what’s not, and how to submit a claim.
FAQs
1. How many questions to ask a building contractor when hiring?
Ask as many questions as you want. A reputable contractor won’t be bothered. Clear questions signal that you are a serious and prepared homeowner.
2. Should I get answers in writing?
Yes. You should always document key details like pricing, change orders, insurance, and warranties.
3. Is the cheapest bid ever the best option?
Rarely. Extremely low bids often leave out critical details that show up later as extra costs.
4. Can a contractor refuse to provide insurance certificates?
They can, but that’s a red flag. Insurance documentation should never be an issue.
5. When should I stop interviewing contractors?
You can stop when one contractor answers these questions clearly and confidently, and they back them up with documentation.
The Bottom Line
The right questions to ask general contractors help you spot professionalism, avoid costly errors, and feel confident in who you are trusting with your home. At Georgia Best Home Builders, we believe communication and transparency are just as important as quality construction.
Are you prepared to for home remodeling Atlanta or Atlanta exterior renovations? We are here to help you start on solid ground and provide clear guidance. Reach out to custom home builders Atlanta today!
