10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor

Hiring the right general contractor can make or break your home improvement project. In Massachusetts, where building codes are strict and weather conditions demanding, choosing a qualified professional is essential for success.

Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters

A quality general contractor brings expertise, project management skills, and a network of reliable subcontractors to your project. The wrong choice can lead to cost overruns, delays, and subpar work that costs even more to fix.

10 Essential Questions to Ask

1. Are you licensed and insured in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts requires contractors to hold proper licenses for certain types of work. Always verify their license with the state and confirm they carry both liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

2. How long have you been in business?

Experience matters. A contractor who has been operating successfully for several years has proven they can deliver quality work and maintain client satisfaction.

3. Can you provide local references?

Ask for references from recent projects similar to yours. Follow up with those homeowners to learn about their experience with the contractor.

4. Do you pull permits for the work?

Reputable contractors handle all necessary permits. Work done without proper permits can create problems when you sell your home or file an insurance claim.

5. Who will be on-site daily?

Know who your point of contact will be during the project. Will the contractor be present, or will a project manager oversee the work?

6. What is your timeline for this project?

Get a realistic timeline with milestones. Be wary of contractors who promise unusually fast completion times.

7. How do you handle change orders?

Changes happen. Understand their process for handling modifications to the original scope of work and how additional costs will be communicated.

8. What is your payment schedule?

Never pay the full amount upfront. A typical schedule includes a deposit, progress payments, and final payment upon completion.

9. Do you offer warranties on your work?

Ask about warranties for both labor and materials. Get the warranty terms in writing as part of your contract.

10. Can I see a detailed written estimate?

A professional contractor provides a detailed, itemized estimate that breaks down costs for materials, labor, and any other expenses.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Requesting full payment upfront
• No physical business address
• Pressure to sign immediately
• Unwillingness to provide references
• Significantly lower bids than competitors