7 Questions to Ask Your Home Addition Contractor

Before starting your home addition, asking the right questions can help you choose a trustworthy contractor and ensure a smooth project. This blog covers seven essential questions to set expectations and make an informed decision.

Ryan Brining -

December 17, 2024

Deciding to move forward with a home addition is an exciting time! However, the initial excitement about adding space, designing new rooms, and planning your dream home can quickly fade once you start reaching out to contractors.

For a successful project, it’s vital that you work with a team you trust. To ensure you select the right partner, we recommend asking these seven questions before you sign on the dotted line.

In this article, we cover:

  1. What is Your Experience in My Area?
  2. What’s Your Approach to Home Renovation Projects?
  3. What Are Your Qualifications?
  4. Do You Offer Warranties or Guarantees?
  5. What is Your Communication and Project Management Style?
  6. What Happens If We Go Off Schedule or Budget?
  7. How Can I Visualize the Final Result?

1. What is Your Experience in My Area?

First and foremost, you want to engage a local contractor who knows your location. A partner with expertise in your municipality will know the local market well and can advise on how to maximize the value of your addition. They will also have relationships with suppliers and subcontractors that service your area.

In addition, they’ll understand local permitting and zoning requirements, which can save a lot of time and money!

2. What’s Your Approach to Home Renovation Projects? 

Asking a contractor to detail their approach to home renovation projects can be an enlightening way to find out about their process. A good contractor will have a clear answer — even if that answer begins with “it depends on the scope of the project.” We always start our projects with a free consultation, where we can learn about your vision for your home, and supply ideas for how to make the most of your existing space.

You should be looking for a contractor that plans ahead and understands the challenges you are likely to encounter. Architectural plans are generally not comprehensive, and typically comprise only about 50% of the planning required to prepare for a successful project. In addition, though contractors may have specialties, and you may choose to engage someone based on their strengths, you shouldn’t feel that their approach leaves no room for individuality.

3. What Are Your Qualifications?

You’ve probably already researched the qualifications you should expect a contractor to have, but it never hurts to confirm. Ask if they are licensed and insured, if they staff a full-time team or rely on outsourced labor, and if they have preferred vendors in the area. A good contractor will have a strong network!

It’s also acceptable to ask for references. Ask to speak with past clients in your area and find out about their experiences. If they don’t have similar projects, it could be a sign they don’t have as much experience with the type of addition or renovation you are looking for.

4. Do You Offer Warranties or Guarantees? 

Offering a guarantee or warranty signifies a contractor stands behind their work. Most contractors will offer warranties or guarantees on the craftsmanship of their work, as well as structural and mechanical elements. It’s important to ask so you can compare between contractors, and understand exactly what is covered and for how long.

new jersey home addition contractor

5. What is Your Communication and Project Management Style?

Learning how your contractor plans to manage your project — are weekly status updates included? Do they prefer to text or email? A good contractor will have a system in place and will clearly set expectations before your project starts.

There are plenty of different project management styles that are effective, but if you know you want to see detailed timelines and get regularly scheduled written updates, ensure your contractor already works that way.

6. What Happens If We Go Off Schedule or Budget? 

With projects like home additions, schedule delays or budget changes can happen. Especially for home renovations in New Jersey, weather conditions can sometimes delay work, particularly if roofing or concrete pouring is involved.

Ask your contractor how they handle these situations. Do they offer you a chance to review new plans or do they go ahead and proceed at any cost? Situations vary and there’s no one right answer, but ensure you are comfortable with the possibility of changes to your schedule and budget, and that your contractor takes a fair and respectful approach. A comprehensive pre-construction process that focuses on planning and ensuring that all selections are made prior to starting construction is an effective way to minimize preventable delays and change orders.

7. How Can I Visualize the Final Result?

Aside from drawings, renderings, and walkthroughs of your space, your contractor might have some creative ways to help you picture the end result as you work on your project together. Especially with new technology, contractors can quickly mock-up ideas and show you how a space will look so you can make informed, guided decisions. 

In addition, it’s always a good idea to review a project portfolio of past work.  They can point to similarities or offer inspiration when you are visualizing what you want your new space to look like! 

How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your NJ Home Addition

When adding on to your house, do your research first to narrow down a list of home remodeling contractors in New Jersey that fit your desired style. 

Then, you can inquire about free consultations to learn more from each one. We always find it helpful to ask the same questions of each — this gives you a great foundation to compare and contrast services. 
Learn more about our home additions and other services, or get in touch to kickstart your renovation project!

Author

Ryan Brining

Ryan is a co-founder of White Maple Construction and writes about all things home renovation and remodeling.

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