Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor

Choosing the right general contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make on a construction project. The contractor you hire will impact your budget, schedule, quality, and overall experience from start to finish. Asking the right questions upfront helps you avoid surprises, reduce risk, and ensure your project is set up for success.

At Grass Creek Construction, we believe informed clients make better partners. This guide outlines the most important questions to ask before hiring a general contractor and explains why each one matters.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

A general contractor is responsible for coordinating every aspect of construction. This includes managing subcontractors, maintaining safety, controlling costs, and delivering a finished product that meets expectations.

Asking thoughtful questions helps you:

  • Understand how the contractor operates
  • Evaluate experience and qualifications
  • Clarify communication and accountability
  • Identify potential red flags early
  • Build trust before construction begins

A reputable contractor will welcome these questions and provide clear, honest answers.

1. What Experience Do You Have With Projects Like Mine?

Not all contractors specialize in the same types of work. Commercial, industrial, and specialty projects each require different expertise.

Ask about:

  • Similar project types
  • Project size and complexity
  • Industry specific experience
  • Challenges encountered and how they were resolved

Experience with similar projects helps ensure the contractor understands your needs and can anticipate potential issues.

2. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

This is a critical question that protects you as the owner.

A qualified general contractor should carry:

  • Proper state and local licensing
  • General liability insurance
  • Workers compensation coverage
  • Required bonds

Ask for proof and verify coverage. This protects you from liability and ensures the contractor meets legal requirements.

3. Who Will Be Managing My Project Day to Day?

Some companies handle everything internally, while others assign different teams to different phases.

Clarify:

  • Who the Project Manager will be
  • Who the Superintendent will be
  • How often they will be on site
  • Who your main point of contact is

Knowing who is responsible for daily decisions helps establish clear communication.

4. How Do You Select and Manage Subcontractors?

Subcontractors perform much of the physical work on a project. Their quality directly affects the final result.

Ask about:

  • How subcontractors are vetted
  • Whether they are long term partners
  • How performance and safety are monitored
  • How conflicts or issues are handled

Strong subcontractor relationships are a sign of a reliable general contractor.

5. How Do You Handle Scheduling and Delays?

Construction schedules are complex and subject to many variables. Understanding how a contractor manages time is essential.

Ask:

  • How the schedule is created and maintained
  • How delays are communicated
  • How weather impacts are addressed
  • How schedule recovery is handled

A proactive contractor will have clear processes in place to keep projects moving forward.

6. How Do You Manage Project Costs and Changes?

Budget control is a major concern for any owner. Changes can happen, but they should be managed transparently.

Ask about:

  • Cost tracking and reporting
  • How change orders are handled
  • Approval processes
  • How potential cost impacts are communicated

Clear cost management builds trust and prevents surprises.

7. What Is Your Approach to Safety?

Safety should never be an afterthought. A contractor’s safety culture reflects their professionalism and care for their team.

Ask:

  • What safety programs are in place
  • How PPE is enforced
  • How incidents are reported
  • How subcontractor safety is managed

A strong safety program protects workers, the public, and your investment.

8. How Do You Ensure Quality Control?

Quality is built through planning, execution, and oversight.

Ask about:

  • Quality control procedures
  • Inspection processes
  • How deficiencies are addressed
  • Documentation and reporting

A contractor with clear quality standards is more likely to deliver lasting results.

9. How Do You Communicate Throughout the Project?

Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and delays.

Ask:

  • How often updates are provided
  • How meetings are structured
  • How issues are escalated
  • What tools or platforms are used

Consistent communication helps keep everyone aligned.

10. Can You Provide References or Past Project Examples?

Reputable contractors should be able to share references and examples of completed work.

Ask:

  • For recent client references
  • About similar completed projects
  • What challenges were encountered

Speaking with past clients offers valuable insight into what it is like to work with the contractor.

11. How Do You Handle Permits and Inspections?

Permitting is a critical part of construction.

Ask:

  • Who is responsible for permits
  • How inspections are scheduled
  • How compliance is ensured

A contractor experienced with permitting helps prevent delays and compliance issues.

12. What Is Included in Your Contract?

Before signing, understand exactly what is included and what is not.

Review:

  • Scope of work
  • Payment terms
  • Schedule expectations
  • Warranty provisions

A clear contract protects both parties.

13. How Do You Handle Project Closeout?

Closeout is often overlooked but just as important as construction.

Ask about:

  • Documentation provided
  • Warranty handling
  • Final inspections
  • Training or turnover procedures

A smooth closeout ensures long term success.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if a contractor:

  • Avoids answering questions
  • Provides vague or inconsistent answers
  • Lacks proper documentation
  • Pushes for rushed decisions

Transparency and professionalism are key indicators of a trustworthy contractor.

Grass Creek Construction’s Commitment to Transparency

At Grass Creek Construction, we welcome questions. We believe clear communication, accountability, and trust are the foundation of successful projects. Our team works closely with clients from the first conversation through final closeout to ensure expectations are met and exceeded.

Trust the Process

Hiring the right general contractor sets the tone for your entire project. Asking the right questions helps you make informed decisions, reduce risk, and build a strong partnership.

Taking the time to evaluate contractors thoroughly pays dividends throughout the construction process.

Tisha Hiatt

Director, Home Office

Tisha brings more than 20 years of experience in effectively overseeing administrative operations. She is known for her attention to detail and excellent communication skills, which ensure smooth day-to-day operations and foster a positive workplace environment. She is a proven leader with a wealth of experience in managing home office operations.

Her skills also include maintaining accurate records, managing accounts payable and receivable, and making sure that financial transactions are processed efficiently and accurately. She is also dedicated to supporting the company’s success through effective HR practices by fostering a positive and inclusive work culture through implantation of company policy and structure.

Dedicated to cultivating a positive and dynamic workplace, Tisha offers unparalleled support to both colleagues and clients, elevating her indispensable role within the executive team.

Britton Long

Area Director, FL

Britton is a seasoned leader in the commercial construction industry, bringing more than 10 years of experience to his role as Area Director. With a proven track record of success in overseeing projects, he excels in driving operational excellence and delivering exceptional results. His strategic vision and collaborative approach ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.

He excels in coordinating teams, managing timelines, and ensuring project goals are met with efficiency and precision. He is dedicated to delivering results that exceed client expectations while maintaining a focus on quality and adherence to budgetary constraints.

Britton’s steadfast dedication to nurturing a culture of innovation and ongoing advancement establishes him as a respected leader within the industry and a cornerstone of our Florida operations.

Jeremy Taggart

Lead Estimator

With 10 years of experience in commercial construction estimating, Jeremy is a seasoned professional known for his meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of project cost analysis.

As the lead estimator, he plays a pivotal role in guiding the preconstruction phase, leveraging his expertise to accurately assess project requirements and develop competitive bids. He excels in collaborating with project stakeholders to ensure accurate budgeting and forecasting, ultimately contributing to the success of each project.

Jeremy is a vital asset to our executive team, leveraging state-of-the-art estimating software and industry-leading practices to optimize workflows and provide accurate cost estimates. His unwavering dedication to quality and efficiency allows him to consistently surpass project deadlines and exceed client expectations. Jeremy’s exceptional skills not only cultivate strong relationships but also ensure clarity and understanding across all our projects.

Craig Riddle

Director, Business Development

Craig has been in the construction industry for over 37 years and is well versed in the aspects of the construction industry. He is a dynamic leader who possesses a strong track record in building and nurturing relationships with clients and stakeholders. Craig excels in developing tailored solutions to meet client needs and enhance overall business performance.

He possesses a strong track record of identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities, leveraging his market expertise and innovative approach to expand the organization’s reach and revenue streams.

Craig is dedicated to driving sustainable growth and creating value for the organization through proactive business development initiatives, making him an integral part of the executive team.

KC Peisley

COO

KC is an accomplished and results-driven professional and serves as our Chief Operating Officer (COO). His just under 30 years of experience provides a proven track record in the construction industry and brings a wealth of experience and strategic leadership to the executive team.

As COO, KC is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, ensuring efficiency and excellence in project execution. KC has a keen understanding of construction processes and a commitment to quality.

In addition, KC has a strong background in project management, resource optimization, and risk mitigation. He collaborates closely with the team to streamline workflows, enhance operational performance, and uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance.

KC’s extensive knowledge makes him a very effective leader and he is an integral part of the company’s leadership, contributing to our reputation for delivering outstanding construction projects.

Spence Richins

Founder/CEO

Known for his hands-on approach and dedication to quality, Spence is involved in every phase of a project, from initial concept to final delivery. He places a strong emphasis on collaboration, fostering a company culture that values teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to exceeding client expectations.

With a clear vision for the future, Spence continues to lead Grass Creek towards new horizons, leveraging his expertise to navigate the evolving landscape of commercial construction and drive sustainable growth. This is evidenced by Grass Creek’s recent expansion to Florida in December 2022, where profitable projects are currently underway, as well as more in negotiation, that will continue to add to Grass Creek’s overall profitability.

Since 2014, Spence has played a pivotal role as a silent equity partner at AMC Concrete, based in Las Vegas, Nevada. AMC Concrete is renowned for its expertise in concrete tilt-up projects, and this strategic partnership has enriched Spence’s extensive understanding and proficiency in the construction industry.

Spence’s unwavering commitment is not only reflected in the quality of the delivered projects, but also in the enduring relationships built with clients who have come to rely on his expertise. As a result, Spence’s impact extends beyond individual projects, creating a legacy of trust, quality, and lasting partnerships within the professional landscape.