There are both reputable and reliable general contractors out there and ones who will steal your money and do a crappy job on your project. To ensure that you get the right kind of general contractor it is vital that you interview them before you hire them. Here are some important questions to ask any general contractor before you choose to hire them for your home improvement project.

1. How long have you been operating in this region? Have you completed projects similar to mine in the past?

You may want to choose a general contractor who has been operating in your region for some time, as this likely means that they have decent customer service. Contractors with poor customer service records rarely stay in business for a long time. You also want to make sure that the contractor has the equipment and skills to complete your specific job. If they have finished a project similar to yours in the past then odds are they do have the right equipment and skills.

2. Are you licensed, insured and bonded in accordance with local laws?

The answers to these questions should always be yes. All general contractors must be licensed to operate in your state and must carry liability insurance coverage. Never hire an unlicensed contractor and always check that their licenses and insurance information is valid and current before you hire them.

3. How many projects are you currently undertaking?

Many contractors will have several projects on their plates at any given time. Knowing how many projects your contractor currently has will let you know if they will be able to spend the right amount of time on your project.

4. Will you be pulling all of the required permits?

Again the answer to this question should be yes. All states will require that you obtain a work permit for your construction project and your contractor should be more than willing to pull this permit for you. If they ask you to pull the permit it probably means that they are not legally able to get it from the state.

5. Can you provide me with an estimate?

All general contractors should be willing to provide you with an estimate. The good ones will want to visit the work site before they create an estimate for you.