5 min read · Updated 2026
Every contractor will tell you they deliver quality on time and on budget. These questions surface how they actually operate.
Experience and fit
Ask for projects of similar type, size and complexity, and ask what went wrong on them and how it was handled. A contractor who cannot describe a problem project has either not had one or is not being candid.
Who is actually on my job?
Ask who the project manager and superintendent will be, how many other projects they are running, and how often the superintendent is on site. This matters more than the company's overall size.
How is the budget presented and tracked?
Ask to see a sample budget report. Look for written assumptions and exclusions, committed versus projected cost, and contingency status.
- Are allowances clearly identified?
- What is excluded from the number?
- How often is the budget updated?
How are changes handled?
Ask whether changes are priced and approved before work proceeds, how long pricing takes, and how schedule impact is documented.
How is the schedule built and maintained?
Ask whether owner decisions, permits, inspections and long-lead procurement appear on the schedule, and how often it is updated and shared.
How are subcontractors selected?
Ask about qualification criteria, whether bids are scope-leveled, and how many bidders are carried per trade.
Safety and insurance
Ask for their safety program, experience modification rate and certificates of insurance. On occupied projects, ask specifically how construction is separated from your operations.
Closeout and warranty
Ask what the closeout package includes, how punch lists are managed, and who to call twelve months after occupancy.
References worth calling
Ask for a reference on a project that had a problem, and for a repeat client. Repeat business is the strongest available signal.