Introduction
Hiring a contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make during any construction or remodeling project. The right contractor keeps your project on time, on budget, and built to a standard you are proud of. The wrong one can cost you months of delays, thousands in unexpected charges, and a finished product that does not meet your expectations.
In the Knoxville area, there is no shortage of contractors to choose from. That is both a good thing and a challenge. More options means more competition, but it also means more homework on your end to separate the professionals from the ones who will leave you frustrated.
At GM Construction Group, we have been building and remodeling across East Tennessee for over 15 years. We know what separates a good contractor from a great one because we hold ourselves to that standard every day. Here are seven questions you should ask any contractor before hiring them.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured in Tennessee?
This should be the first question you ask, and if the answer is anything other than a clear yes with documentation to back it up, walk away. In Tennessee, contractors are required to be licensed for projects over a certain dollar threshold, and insurance protects you from liability if something goes wrong on the job.
Ask for their license number and verify it with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Ask for a certificate of insurance and make sure it includes general liability and workers compensation coverage. Any legitimate contractor will provide these without hesitation.
At GM Construction, our license number is 81334 and we carry full insurance coverage. We provide documentation to every client before work begins.
2. Can You Provide References From Recent Projects?
A contractor who does good work should have no problem connecting you with past clients. Ask for at least three references from projects completed in the last 12 months, and actually call them. Ask about communication, timeliness, quality of work, and whether the final cost matched the estimate.
You can also check Google reviews for unfiltered feedback. In Knoxville, word of mouth matters a lot in the construction industry. If a contractor has consistently positive reviews from real clients in the area, that is a strong signal.
Beyond references, ask if you can see a completed project in person. Walking through a finished home or commercial space gives you a much better sense of the contractor's quality than photos alone.
3. What Is Included in Your Estimate?
This is where a lot of homeowners get burned. A low estimate might look appealing, but if it does not include permits, inspections, site prep, or cleanup, the final cost can balloon well beyond what you budgeted.
Ask your contractor to provide a detailed written estimate that breaks down every major cost category: materials, labor, permits, inspections, project management, and contingency. A good estimate should leave no room for ambiguity.
Be wary of contractors who give you a round number over the phone without visiting the site. Every project in Knoxville is different. The age of the home, the condition of the existing structure, the soil conditions on the lot, and local code requirements all affect cost. A responsible contractor needs to see the project before giving you a number.
4. How Do You Handle Change Orders?
Change orders are modifications to the original scope of work. They happen on almost every project, whether it is a homeowner deciding to upgrade a countertop material or an unexpected issue discovered during demolition.
The key question is how the contractor handles them. A professional contractor documents every change order in writing with a clear description of the change, the cost impact, and the timeline impact. You should never be surprised by a charge that was not discussed and approved in advance.
If a contractor tells you they will just figure it out as they go, that is a red flag. Clear documentation protects both you and the contractor.
5. Who Will Be On Site Managing the Project?
Some contractors sell the job and then hand it off to a crew you have never met. Others are on site daily managing every detail. You want to know which situation you are walking into.
Ask who your day-to-day point of contact will be. Ask how often the project manager or owner visits the site. Ask how you will receive updates and how quickly they respond to questions.
At GM Construction, we believe in direct communication. Our team is on site managing the work, not delegating it to strangers. When you call us, you get someone who knows your project inside and out.
6. What Is Your Realistic Timeline?
Pay attention to the word realistic. Some contractors will quote an aggressive timeline to win the job, knowing full well they cannot deliver on it. Others will give you an honest range and explain the factors that could affect it.
In East Tennessee, weather is a factor for any project with exterior work. Supply chain issues can affect material availability. Permit processing times vary by jurisdiction. A good contractor accounts for all of these and builds buffer into the schedule.
Ask for a written timeline with milestones. Ask what happens if the project falls behind schedule. Ask how they communicate delays. The contractor who gives you the most honest answer, not the fastest timeline, is usually the best choice.
7. What Warranty Do You Offer on Your Work?
Quality contractors stand behind their work. Ask what kind of warranty is included and get it in writing. Most reputable contractors offer at least a one-year workmanship warranty, and many manufacturers provide separate warranties on materials and products.
More importantly, ask what happens if something needs to be fixed after the project is done. Will they come back promptly? Is there a process for submitting warranty claims? A contractor who disappears after final payment is not someone you want to hire.
At GM Construction, we tell every client the same thing: we do not stop answering the phone after getting paid. If something needs to be made right, we make it right. That commitment is what builds long-term relationships and referrals.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a contractor is not just about finding the lowest bid. It is about finding a team you trust to be in your home or on your property, managing your money responsibly, and delivering a finished product you are proud of.
Take the time to ask these questions. Compare answers. Trust your gut. And if a contractor cannot answer these questions clearly and confidently, move on.
If you are planning a project in Knoxville, Maryville, Farragut, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, or anywhere in East Tennessee, we would welcome the chance to earn your business. Call us at (865) 805-0243 or request a free estimate through our website.
Written by GM Construction Group
Licensed residential, commercial, and industrial construction in Knoxville, TN and surrounding areas.
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