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Hiring a general contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make during a renovation. Whether you are updating a kitchen, finishing a basement, restoring damage, or planning a whole-home transformation, the right contractor should provide more than an attractive estimate. You need verified credentials, detailed planning, clear communication, and a process that protects your investment.

If you are comparing a general contractor in Atlanta, GA, use the following questions to evaluate each company consistently. New Image Construction’s licensed and insured status, 650+ five-star reviews, and designation as an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor provide a useful standard for the level of professionalism and accountability you should expect.

1. Are you licensed and insured for this type of project?

Start with the basics. Ask whether the contractor is properly licensed for the work involved and carries current general liability insurance. You should also ask about workers’ compensation coverage for employees and subcontractors.

Request documentation rather than relying on a verbal answer. Confirm that the policies are current and appropriate for the size and scope of your project.

A licensed and insured contractor helps reduce your exposure to unnecessary risk. If a company hesitates to provide this information, consider it a warning sign.

At New Image Construction, we are fully licensed and insured. We believe transparency should begin before the contract is signed.

2. Will you handle permits and inspections?

Many Atlanta-area renovation projects may require permits, especially when the work involves structural changes, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, additions, or major remodeling. Permit requirements can vary depending on whether your home is located in the City of Atlanta, a neighboring city, or another county jurisdiction.

Ask:

• Which permits will this project require?
• Who will apply for the permits?
• Who will coordinate inspections?
• How could the permit process affect the schedule?

A qualified contractor should be familiar with local requirements and explain the process clearly. FEMA’s Checklist to Ask Your General Contractor also recommends asking how many permits a contractor has obtained in the relevant jurisdiction.

3. Can you show me recent projects similar to mine?

A contractor may have years of experience, but you want to see evidence that their experience matches your project. Ask for recent examples involving similar layouts, materials, architectural styles, or construction challenges.

For example, a kitchen remodel requires different planning than a basement finish or a storm-related restoration project. Look for quality craftsmanship in the details: cabinet alignment, trim work, tile installation, flooring transitions, and overall finish quality.

New Image Construction provides services ranging from whole-home renovations to kitchen remodeling, basement finishing, and bathroom remodeling. Reviewing relevant work can help you determine whether a contractor is equipped for your goals.

4. Can you provide recent local references?

Ask for three to five references from homeowners whose projects are similar to yours. When speaking with references, do not focus only on the finished appearance. Ask about the entire experience.

Useful questions include:

• Was the project completed near the original budget?
• Was the timeline realistic?
• How did the contractor handle unexpected issues?
• Was the jobsite kept clean and organized?
• Did the team communicate consistently?
• Would you hire the contractor again?

Online reviews are helpful, but detailed references can provide additional insight into how the contractor works inside an occupied home.

New Image Construction has earned more than 650 five-star reviews from Georgia homeowners. That reputation reflects the importance we place on reliability, communication, cleanliness, and lasting results.

5. Who will supervise the work each day?

You should know who is responsible for your project after the contract is signed. Ask whether you will have a dedicated project manager, site supervisor, or foreman. Also ask how often that person will be on-site and how subcontractors will be managed.

Clarify:

• Who is your primary point of contact?
• Who will have access to your home?
• Which trades are handled by employees and which are subcontracted?
• How are subcontractors selected and supervised?

A clear chain of responsibility makes it easier to resolve questions and maintain consistent quality throughout the project.

6. What exactly is included in the written scope of work?

A detailed scope of work is one of your most important protections. It should explain what the contractor will do, which materials are included, what finishes have been selected, and what is excluded.

Ask for an itemized estimate that separates labor, materials, allowances, and potential exclusions. Confirm details such as:

• Demolition and debris removal
• Permits and inspections
• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work
• Cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures
• Painting and finish work
• Appliance delivery or installation
• Landscaping or exterior repairs

The more specific the scope, the less room there is for confusion later. A low estimate may not be the best value if important work has been left out.

7. What is the projected timeline, and what could cause delays?

Ask for an expected start date, projected completion date, and a general sequence of work. A professional contractor should also explain the factors that could affect the schedule.

Common causes of delays include:

• Permit processing
• Material availability
• Weather
• Inspection scheduling
• Hidden damage
• Homeowner-requested changes
• Long-lead items such as cabinets, windows, or specialty fixtures

No contractor can guarantee that every project will follow the original schedule. However, your contractor should have a plan for communicating changes quickly and managing the work responsibly.

8. How are payments and change orders handled?

Before signing, review the payment schedule carefully. Payments should be tied to clearly defined milestones rather than vague promises about progress.

Ask:

• How much is required upfront?
• When are future payments due?
• What work must be completed before each payment?
• How are unforeseen conditions priced?
• Will all changes be documented in writing?

A change order should state the revised scope, added or reduced cost, and any impact on the timeline. Do not approve significant changes based only on a verbal conversation.

You should also receive receipts or invoices for payments and retain copies of all project documents.

9. What warranties apply to the work and materials?

Ask the contractor to explain both workmanship warranties and manufacturer warranties. Confirm:

• How long the labor warranty lasts
• Which repairs are covered
• What exclusions apply
• How warranty claims are submitted
• Which products carry separate manufacturer coverage

Industry-leading partners can provide additional confidence when the correct installation standards are followed. New Image Construction works with respected manufacturers and partners, including Owens Corning, CertainTeed, and GAF, to help homeowners access premium materials and strong warranties where applicable.

10. How will you communicate if something goes wrong?

Renovation projects rarely proceed without questions or unexpected conditions. The important issue is how the contractor responds.

Ask how often you will receive updates and which communication method the team prefers. Establish who will notify you about delays, cost changes, inspection issues, or decisions that require your approval.

A reliable contractor should emphasize clear communication rather than avoiding difficult conversations. You should feel comfortable asking questions throughout the project and confident that concerns will be addressed promptly.

Use these questions to compare value: not just price

The lowest bid is not always the lowest overall cost. An incomplete scope, poor supervision, inadequate insurance, or weak communication can lead to delays and additional expenses.

When comparing a general contractor in Atlanta, GA, measure each company against the same standards:

• Are they licensed and insured?
• Do they have strong, relevant references?
• Do they provide a detailed written scope?
• Do they understand local permitting?
• Is the payment and change-order process clear?
• Can they explain warranties?
• Do they have a dependable communication plan?
• Do their reviews reflect consistent customer care?

New Image Construction is fully licensed and insured, backed by 650+ five-star reviews, and recognized as an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor. We bring detailed planning, quality craftsmanship, and clear communication to residential renovations and restoration projects throughout the Greater Atlanta and Georgia area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many contractor estimates should I get?

Many homeowners compare two or three qualified contractors. The goal is not simply to collect the lowest price, but to compare scope, materials, schedule, communication, and overall value.

What should I bring to a contractor consultation?

Bring inspiration photos, measurements if available, a list of priorities, your preferred materials, and any questions about budget or scheduling. The more information you provide, the more useful the initial discussion will be.

Should I sign immediately after receiving an estimate?

You should have time to review the contract, scope of work, payment schedule, warranties, and change-order procedures. A reputable contractor should be comfortable answering your questions before you make a decision.

Does New Image Construction offer more than remodeling?

Yes. Our team provides full-service contracting for whole-home renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, concrete, decks and patios, flooring, cabinets and countertops, landscaping, and restoration needs. Visit our services page to learn more.

Start with a clear conversation

The right contractor should make your project feel organized, transparent, and manageable from the beginning. If you are planning a renovation or need help with restoration, contact New Image Construction to discuss your goals and request a consultation.

Call 678-444-4901 or visit Newimageconstruction.com to get started.