Why this matters:
Most cities and/or municipalities require general contractors to be licensed. General contractors who do not hold the proper licenses are working “on the side” and may not adhere to standard practices and regulations, which could put your construction project at risk.
What to listen for:
- Proof of current and active license
- Acknowledgment of the importance of licensure
- Awareness of local laws and regulations regarding licensure
Why this matters:
Experience is a reliable predictor of success. The skill and efficacy a general contractor can bring to your project vary depending on what types of specific projects they’ve worked on before. Your project will run more smoothly and be completed more quickly and efficiently if this is not your contractor’s first time attempting such construction.
What to listen for:
- Specific examples of similar projects
- Problems solved and lessons learned due to challenges
- Competent assessment of your project’s challenges vs. prior projects
Why this matters:
On the job, accidents happen. To protect your organization from the costs of fixing damages and replacing parts as well as liabilities, you need to be insured. When general contractors have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance for project accidents or natural disasters, they demonstrate an adherence to and understanding of best practices.
What to listen for:
- A detailed warranty provided in writing
- Proof of active insurance policies
- Insurance coverage amount
Why this matters:
Construction can be a dangerous field. After all, insurance companies don’t often cover accidents due to negligence, and unsafe work environments resulting in injury can expose you to legal ramifications. Make sure your candidate understands and can follow all necessary safety measures — from proper fall protection to clear hazard communication — to ensure the safety of the entire worksite.
What to listen for:
- Understanding important safety precautions
- Respect for employees who report unsafe conditions
- Examples of how their policies prevent accidents
Why this matters:
You want to hire a general contractor who won’t just do the job, but do it well. If mistakes are made, they should be rectified immediately to avoid delays or inadequacies. Not only that, but you want to work with someone who is honest and transparent. Everyone makes mistakes, and this question helps you assess a candidate’s integrity, as well as their willingness to learn and grow.
What to listen for:
- Specific examples
- Emphasis that clients were satisfied after mistakes were corrected
- The ability to admit to mistakes without deflection
Why this matters:
Construction projects are rarely completed by just one person. A general contractor must work with a team of people: carpenters, architects, electricians, plumbers, and more. You want to know that the general contractor can work well with others, even under pressure. The answer to this question gives you a chance to understand how your candidate coordinates team members for success.
What to listen for:
- Recommendations by other professionals
- Friendly attitude and positive experiences working with a team
- Examples of cooperation
Why this matters:
If your construction project takes longer than expected to complete, it’s going to cost you or your business money. You want a general contractor who can manage all the moving parts of a project and deliver them on time.
What to listen for:
- Strong organizational skills
- Not running too many jobs at once
- Specific description of what they prioritize and why
Why this matters:
Good communication is essential for construction projects of any size. You’ll want to be able to reach your general contractor to talk about your project and keep apprised of its progress. A lack of communication can be stressful for the client.
What to listen for:
- Specific methods of communication (ex: phone or email)
- Specific times of day the contractor is available
- Willingness to approach clients, even with bad news
Why this matters:
Like all industries, the construction industry is evolving rapidly. A general contractor should be keeping their skills and processes sharp to avoid inefficiency and redundancy in their work. Staying up to date on new technologies or trends also means your project can avoid products or installations that may become obsolete in the near future.
What to listen for:
- Awareness of current trends
- Awareness of new technologies
- Willingness to adopt new and proven methods
Contact a sales consultant.