25 Essential Questions to Ask Your General Contractor Before Building Your Dream Home

Building a custom home is a dream come true — but without asking the right questions upfront, that dream can quickly turn into a costly, stressful nightmare. Choosing the right general contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and the more informed you are before construction begins, the smoother your experience will be.

Here are 25 must-ask questions to bring to the table before signing a contract. These will help protect your investment, clarify expectations, and prevent unwanted surprises down the road — including a few most homeowners forget to ask.

✅ Credentials, Experience & Legitimacy

  1. Are you licensed, insured, and bonded in this state?
    (Request documentation and verify that it’s up to date.)
  2. How many custom homes have you built in the past 5 years?
    (Ask for examples similar in size, scope, and style to yours.)
  3. Can you provide a list of recent client references and photos?
  4. Will you be on-site daily, or who will supervise the project?
    (Meet the project manager or foreman in advance — they’ll be your point of contact.)
  5. Do you use subcontractors, and how long have you worked with them?
    (You want consistency — not a rotating cast of random freelancers.)

📆 Timeline & Process

  1. What is your estimated timeline from start to finish?
  2. How do you handle delays caused by weather, labor, or supply chain issues?
  3. Will you provide a detailed construction schedule with milestones?
  4. How do you communicate progress throughout the project?
    (Weekly updates? Site photos? Regular meetings?)
  5. How far in advance do I need to make design or material decisions?
    (This prevents rushed choices or delays that can throw off the timeline.)

💵 Budget, Contracts & Change Orders

  1. What’s included in the contract price — and what’s not?
    (Make sure everything is clearly defined in writing.)
  2. What’s your process for handling changes or upgrades during the build?
  3. Can you walk me through your billing schedule and payment terms?
  4. How do you ensure the project stays on budget?
  5. What happens if labor or material costs increase during construction?

🏗️ Construction Quality & Oversight

  1. What quality control measures are in place throughout the build?
  2. Who is responsible for obtaining permits, inspections, and utility hookups?
  3. How often do you schedule walk-throughs with homeowners?
  4. Can I bring in an independent inspector at key phases of construction?
  5. What is your process for site cleanup and waste removal?

🔧 Warranty, Service & Post-Completion

  1. What kind of warranty do you offer on workmanship and materials?
  2. How do you handle punch lists and post-construction fixes?
  3. Will I receive manuals, maintenance schedules, and vendor contact information?

🧠 Often Forgotten but Critical Questions

  1. How do you protect the job site during construction?
    (Ask about security, weatherproofing, and safety measures.)
  2. Can we pre-select “allowance” items to avoid builder markups and time crunches?
    (Think: appliances, light fixtures, tile, flooring — anything that might otherwise be rushed.)

Choosing the right general contractor is about more than just price — it’s about trust, transparency, and teamwork. These questions help establish a solid foundation for your project and ensure that your dream home doesn’t come with unexpected stress or hidden costs.

Whether you’re just beginning the search or narrowing down your list, don’t skip this step. The more you ask now, the fewer regrets you’ll have later.