Interview questions for a general contractor

[Benjamin Lemieux]

Good evening BiggerPockets family, 

My partner and I have spent the last month or so building a team out of state (Missouri). One part of our team we have not lined up yet is a general contractor. I was wondering if anyone had any good advice they could share for interview questions when looking for a GC. Of course there is always risk with contractors, but want to do my best to make sure I don't lose my shirt. Our real estate agent had a referral list they gave us and I intend on going through it, vetting them through their reviews and then choosing who to interview from there.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. 

Thank you

Ben

[Scott Krone]

@Benjamin Lemieux - We have a design build firm so we get these questions all the time.  There are distinctions which are good to know and ask.  Depending where you are in MO, I may be able to recommend someone.  Our friend does GC work in the StL market.

That being said some questions:

1.  What services do you provide?  (Some GC's do all the work themselves, others sub it out)

2.  Do you have your own crews, if so, what trades?

3.  How do you handle payouts - use a title company?  (This is important to know if there are subs, to insure they get paid)

4.  What types of insurance do you carry?

5.  What types of projects do you enjoy working on and are considered in your wheelhouse.

6.  What areas do you work in, do you have experience with "X" city or town, etc.

7.  What is your current work load, and how would this project fit into your schedule.

8.  How big of a firm is your company.

9.  What is your process for obtaining a proposal and contract.

10.  Can you provide an example of a contract.

These are the most common questions we get once we have explained our business model.