What questions should you ask your general contractor?
- coraliefortin076
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
Building or renovating a house, cottage, or garage is a major life project. It represents a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. For this reason, it's imperative to surround yourself with the right people, starting with choosing a reliable, competent, and transparent general contractor.
At Plan Maison Québec, we assist hundreds of clients with their residential projects each year. With this experience, we know how successful collaboration begins with asking the right questions at the right time.
Why is it crucial to choose your general contractor carefully?
The general contractor is the cornerstone of your project. They are responsible for planning, managing, and executing the work. They coordinate the various trades, manage deadlines, ensure budget compliance, and, above all, ensure the work is completed according to current quality standards.
Making the wrong choice can have unfortunate consequences. A poorly organized or inexperienced contractor can cause significant delays, incur additional costs, and even compromise the safety of your future home. By working with Plan Maison Québec, you can rest assured that you'll benefit from accurate and professional plans that will serve as a solid foundation for your general contractor. This facilitates communication between you and them and greatly reduces the risk of misinterpretation.
The essential questions to ask
What is your experience in similar projects?
Experience is a determining factor in choosing a contractor. A professional who has already completed projects similar to yours—whether it's a new home, a rustic cabin renovation, or the addition of a detached garage—will be better prepared to tackle the specific challenges involved. It's a good idea to ask to see photos of past projects, or even to visit a current construction site if possible. Some Plan Maison Québec clients have been able to reassure themselves by visiting a similar project completed by their contractor, which has allowed them to look forward to the next step with confidence.
Are you licensed and insured?
In the province of Quebec, the law requires all general contractors to hold a valid license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). This license demonstrates the professional's training and expertise. Furthermore, liability insurance is essential to cover potential damage during construction. Some contractors also purchase insurance for the work itself, called builder's risk, which is an additional advantage.
At Plan Maison Québec, we always remind our clients to never hire a contractor without verifying these two essential elements. A simple search on the RBQ website can confirm a contractor's status in just a few clicks.
Who will be responsible for supervising the work?
In many cases, the main contractor is not the one who will be present on the construction site every day. They delegate this task to a foreman or project manager. It is therefore important to know this person's identity, their level of experience, and their specific responsibilities. You must know who to contact with questions, follow-ups, or to report a problem.
At Plan Maison Québec, we encourage our clients to maintain regular communication with their site supervisor. This allows for quick intervention in the event of a problem and prevents misunderstandings from building up.
Do you use subcontractors?
It's common for a general contractor to use subcontractors for specialized work such as plumbing, electrical work, or heating. This isn't a problem in itself, as long as these subcontractors are themselves qualified and well-supervised. You have the right to ask who these partners are, whether they are also licensed by the RBQ, and whether they have the necessary insurance.
Plan Maison Québec also recommends including a clause in the contract stipulating that the main contractor remains responsible for the quality of their subcontractors' work. This saves you from having to manage disputes in the event of poor workmanship.
What is the planned schedule for the work?
A detailed schedule is an essential tool. Not only does it allow you to track the progress of the work, it also allows you to better plan your personal and financial life around the project. Each phase of the work—demolition, foundation, structure, roofing, and finishing—must be estimated in terms of duration. Also ask what leeway is expected in case of delays caused by bad weather or supply issues.
When you present the plans prepared by Plan Maison Québec to your contractor, you provide them with a clear and structured vision of the project. This helps them establish a more realistic schedule, based on professional and detailed documents.
What is the estimated budget and what are the payment terms?
A good contractor will provide a clear, detailed, and structured estimate. It should include the cost of labor, materials, permits, as well as any management or coordination fees. It's also important to establish a reasonable payment plan: an initial deposit, followed by installment payments as the work progresses. Be wary of contractors who demand more than 20-30% of the total cost before work begins.
Thanks to Plan Maison Québec, several clients have been able to present a rigorous construction plan that allows the contractor to cost the work more accurately, thus reducing the risk of financial surprises.
What guarantees do you offer?
A reputable contractor should offer a minimum warranty on the work completed. This can vary, but generally, the warranty is one year for labor and several years for certain components such as the structure or roof. It's also helpful to know if the contractor is registered with a recognized warranty plan, such as the Guarantee Plan for New Residential Buildings (GCR) in Quebec.
How do you deal with the unexpected?
In any renovation or construction project, unforeseen events can arise: non-compliant plumbing, the presence of mold, changes in building codes, etc. What distinguishes a good contractor is their ability to anticipate and manage these situations without disrupting the entire project. Ask them for concrete examples of problems they have already encountered and how they resolved them.
Plan Maison Québec always recommends setting aside a contingency budget of approximately 10% to cover these unforeseen events, and discussing them with the contractor from the outset.
Do you provide a turnkey service?
A turnkey service is ideal for clients who want to limit their involvement in project management. This means the contractor takes care of everything: obtaining permits, managing subcontractors, sourcing materials, and final site cleanup. Be sure to check what's included in this offer, as some contractors use the term very broadly.
Clients who choose Plan Maison Québec for their planning often benefit from this option because their plans are comprehensive, detailed, and designed to facilitate site coordination.
Do you have any references from previous clients?
A reliable contractor will be happy to provide you with references. Don't hesitate to call them and ask specific questions: Was the work completed on time? Was the site clean? Was communication smooth? Were warranties respected? This feedback often reveals the professional's reliability.
Conclusion
The success of your construction or renovation project depends largely on choosing a competent general contractor. By asking these questions and demonstrating thoroughness from the very first meetings, you maximize your chances of avoiding unpleasant surprises. You also ensure that the project will be executed according to professional standards, respecting your vision, budget, and deadlines.
At Plan Maison Québec, we pride ourselves on being much more than just a plan drawing service. We are a strategic partner in your project, providing you with the tools you need to make the right choices from the start. Our custom plans are designed to facilitate the contractor's work and ensure a well-organized construction site.
Are you ready to take action?
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