As a business owner or stakeholder, choosing a contractor for your next project can be one of the biggest decisions you make. It’s important to take the time to ask these questions before you hire a contractor, to avoid mistakes down the road.

What Kind of Experience Do You Have?

It’s understandable that every company has to have their first job. On the flip side, just because a company has done many jobs, it doesn’t mean they were of high-quality. When you’re shopping around for a contractor, choose one with direct experience in your industry.

Don’t be afraid to ask about their background and work history to give you a better idea of the types of jobs they’ve completed in the past.

How Many Projects Are You Working on at the Moment?

This one, similar to asking about experience, can seem like a double-edged sword. If they aren’t doing any work you might wonder why, and if they’re really busy, you could be concerned your project will be done hastily or take too long.

The answer to this question should tell you if the contractor will devote enough time and attention to your project. This will also indicate their availability and schedule.

What Types of Licenses Do You Have? Are You Insured?

No matter how big or small the project is, you never want to take the risk of hiring a contractor without the proper licenses. Be sure to obtain licenses and proof of insurance because without that documentation, you could be putting your property and whole organization at risk.

Have You Obtained Building Permits in This Area?

It’s important to know whether or not your potential contractor has obtained building permits in your area. They may be unfamiliar with codes or other factors relating to permits and laws which may cause hiccups down the road.

In addition to asking if they’ve worked in your area, you should also ask if they will be pulling the permits. An experienced professional contractor can take care of the permit process and inspections so you don’t have to worry.

Were Your Last Projects Delivered on Time?

Ask your contractor if their last three projects were on time. While some setbacks are inevitable and unforeseen circumstances can arise at any moment in the build process, a pattern of missed deadlines is a red flag. If the last three or so projects they did were delivered beyond the agreed time, chances are it could happen to you as well.

Keep in mind, missed deadlines also eat into your budget! Choose a contractor that carefully and thoroughly plans ahead.

Choosing the Right Contractor

Before you settle on a contractor, make sure you ask these questions to ensure a proper fit for your project. While construction projects can seem like a daunting task, your concerns should be addressed before the building begins. Choosing the right contractor means picking the person to do the job right, on-time, and to scope.

With our unique approach to construction, project management, safety management, and more, Valiant Group stands out from the crowd. We hold ourselves to a higher standard and include our core values and principles into every project to ensure accuracy, transparency, and quality of work.

Valiant Group is available to answer any question you have regarding your next project. Get in touch with us today.