Top Questions to Ask Your General Contractor Before Starting a Project

When it comes to construction—whether it’s a complex healthcare renovation, a government facility upgrade, or a commercial tenant fit-out—choosing the right general contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

At TST Construction, we believe that transparency, communication, and alignment from the start are key to a successful partnership. But how can you be sure your contractor is the right fit before you break ground?

Here are the top questions every owner, facility manager, or stakeholder should ask a general contractor before starting a project—and the kind of answers you should expect.

1. What is your experience with projects like ours? 
   Not all general contractors are created equal. A strong GC should be able to show experience in your specific industry—whether it’s healthcare, federal, commercial, or education—and demonstrate a track record of success with similar project types, scopes, and constraints.
   Look for: Portfolio examples, client references, and knowledge of industry-specific compliance (like ICRA 2.0 in healthcare or federal procurement protocols).
    
2. Who will be managing our project day-to-day?
   You’re not just hiring a company—you’re hiring a team. Ask who your project executive, project manager, and site superintendent will be, and whether you’ll have a dedicated point of contact throughout the project.
   Look for: Clear roles, bios or resumes of key personnel, and a consistent team from preconstruction through closeout.
    
3. How do you approach scheduling and budget management?
   Delays and cost overruns can derail even the best-laid plans. A reputable GC should be able to walk you through their approach to project phasing, schedule controls, contingency planning, and cost transparency.​​​​​​​
   Look for: Realistic timelines, open-book budgeting, proactive problem-solving strategies, and use of construction scheduling software.
    
4. What is your approach to safety and site cleanliness? 
   Safety isn’t optional, it’s essential. Ask about the contractor’s safety training programs, incident history, and protocols for occupied job sites.​​​​​​​
   Look for: A dedicated safety manager, EMR (Experience Modification Rate), daily job site inspections, and strong communication around hazards.
    
5. How do you handle change orders and unforeseen conditions?
   Change is inevitable in construction. The key is how your contractor manages it. Ask how they communicate change orders, control scope creep, and keep you informed without surprises.​​​​​​​
   Look for: A formal change management process, regular project updates, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.​​​​​​​
    
6. How do you collaborate with owners, architects, and engineers?
   Construction is a team sport. Strong GCs act as collaborators, not just executors, and foster alignment across all stakeholders.​​​​​​​
   Look for: Preconstruction coordination, value engineering capabilities, and experience working in design-build or design-assist formats.
    
7. What technology or tools do you use to improve efficiency and communication?
   Modern construction demands modern tools. From digital plan sets and real-time reporting to cloud-based construction management software, ask how your GC leverages technology to keep projects moving.​​​​​​​
   Look for: Platforms like Procore, Bluebeam, or Autodesk Build, plus dashboards for owners and real-time updates.
    
8. Can you share your quality control process?
   Quality doesn’t happen by accident, it’s planned, measured, and enforced. Your contractor should have a well-defined quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) process for every phase of the project.
   Look for: Standardized punch lists, inspection procedures, and a culture of accountability at every level.
    
9. How do you ensure a smooth project closeout?
   The end of a project is just as important as the beginning. Ask what the contractor does to make closeout, occupancy, and turnover seamless.​​​​​​​
   Look for: Detailed closeout binders, O&M manuals, warranty tracking, and post-construction walkthroughs.
    
10. What makes your company different from other general contractors?
    ​​​​​​​This is your opportunity to understand your contractor’s values, culture, and approach. You want a partner who not only builds well—but builds with integrity, collaboration, and long-term thinking.​​​​​​​Look for: A clear mission, a people-first mindset, and a track record of repeat clients.

Why These Questions Matter

Asking the right questions upfront protects your investment, minimizes risks, and sets the tone for a successful construction partnership. At TST Construction, we encourage these conversations because we believe in building trust before we build anything else.

We’re proud to serve clients across the Mid-Atlantic, specializing in federal and commercial construction with a values-driven approach that puts people, performance, and partnership first.