Meta description: Before you sign a construction contract in the Portland Metro area, ask these ten questions about experience, timelines, permits, change orders, and warranties to protect your budget and schedule.
Hiring a general contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on a renovation, addition, ADU, or new build. The right partner protects your budget, keeps schedules on track, and builds to code for long-term durability—especially important in the Portland Metro area, where wet weather, energy codes, and seismic considerations come into play. Use these ten questions to vet a contractor’s process and professionalism before you sign.
1) What similar projects have you completed recently in the Portland Metro area?
Experience with projects like yours matters most. Ask for recent, local examples—kitchen remodels, whole-home renovations, ADUs, garage conversions, or commercial TI—plus photos and references. Call references and ask what went well, what was challenging, and how communication felt during the project.
2) Are you licensed and properly insured in Oregon?
Confirm an active CCB license and ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you if someone is injured on-site and confirms the contractor operates above board.
3) Who will manage my project day to day?
Clarify whether the owner, a project manager, or a lead carpenter runs the job. Ask how often they’ll be on-site, how subs are supervised, and how you’ll get updates during key phases like demo, rough-ins, inspections, and finishes.
4) What does a realistic timeline look like?
Request a milestone-based schedule with design/final selections, permitting, demo, framing, rough mechanicals, inspections, finishes, and punch. In the Portland Metro area, build in time for inspections and weather contingencies. Ask how the team handles schedule risks like long-lead items and backorders.
5) How do you structure bids and handle changes?
Ask for a detailed scope of work with line-item pricing, allowances, and exclusions. Clarify the change-order process: how changes are documented, priced, and approved before work proceeds. Transparent paperwork is your best protection against surprises.
6) What warranties and post-completion support do you provide?
Strong contractors stand behind their work. Ask about workmanship warranties, manufacturer warranties, and how warranty requests are handled after move-in.
7) What’s your communication cadence?
Agree on weekly or biweekly updates, preferred channels (email, text, project portal), and your single point of contact. Clear communication keeps budgets aligned and decisions timely.
8) How do you manage jobsite cleanliness and safety?
If you’ll live at home during a remodel, dust control and daily cleanup matter. Ask about protective barriers, floor protection, debris removal, and safety protocols—especially important in rainy months to keep moisture out of finished spaces.
9) Who handles permits and inspections?
Permits aren’t optional. Confirm the contractor will pull permits, coordinate inspectors, and manage corrections. In the Portland Metro area, jurisdictions can vary, so experience working across multiple cities and counties is a plus.
10) Can I review a sample contract?
Before you sign, review payment schedules, lien releases, termination clauses, dispute resolution, and insurance/indemnification language. If anything is unclear, ask for plain-language explanations.
How to compare bids fairly
Line up scopes, allowances, and exclusions side by side. If one bid is far lower, probe for missing items or unrealistic allowances that will balloon later. The best bid is detailed, transparent, and aligned to your goals.
A well-run project starts with a contractor who values clarity, craftsmanship, and accountability. If you’re planning work in the Portland Metro area, consider partnering with a trusted, detail-focused team. Learn more about working with a general contractor in the Portland Metro area and start with a clear plan for scope, schedule, and budget.
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Optional author bio line: This article was contributed by NW Contracting, serving homeowners and businesses across the Portland Metro area.