Smart guidance for homeowners planning a remodel or custom home build
At Scroggs Construction Services, we know that choosing the right general contractor in Asheville — one vetted through resources like the National Association of Home Builders — is one of the most important steps in any remodeling or custom home project. To help you make a confident, informed decision, here are seven essential questions to ask when vetting a GC, with insight from our Director of Sales, Jack Sorrentino.
1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
This should be the first question you ask. A contractor’s license shows they’ve met the qualifications required by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors and that they’re held to those standards throughout your project.
“Being licensed means we have to follow all the guidelines set by the licensing board,” Jack says. “And it’s not just about meeting building codes—it’s about ethics, too.”
Ask for proof of current liability insurance and confirm whether any bond applies to your project.
2. Can you provide a portfolio of past work?
Reviewing a contractor’s previous projects is one of the best ways to understand their capabilities. A portfolio gives you a feel for their design style, attention to detail, and the types of projects they specialize in, whether that’s a full custom build or a whole-home renovation.
In addition to reviewing photos, take time to read client testimonials and online reviews. Sites like Google can give you insight into how the contractor communicates, handles issues, and follows through after the job is done.
3. What’s your warranty?
When you’re investing in a major remodel or custom home in Asheville, you want to know the work will hold up. That’s why it’s important to ask about the contractor’s warranty.
Ask each contractor for the written warranty that applies to your project, including its duration, coverage, exclusions, and claim process. Warranty terms should be confirmed in the governing agreement.
4. Do you use subcontractors, and if so, how do you vet them?
Most general contractors use subcontractors for specialized trades, such as electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. But not every contractor follows the same vetting process, and that can affect quality.
At Scroggs, we take a value-based approach to subcontractor selection. Instead of choosing the lowest bidder, we typically request proposals from at least three vendors per trade and weigh each one based on price, availability, and workmanship.
Before work begins, all subcontractors sign a formal agreement that outlines the scope of work and payment terms. It’s a simple step that helps ensure accountability and keeps everyone on the same page.
5. How do you communicate with clients during the project?
Good communication is at the heart of any successful remodel or custom home build. With so many moving parts, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks without a clear system in place.
At Scroggs, all project communication is managed through Buildertrend, a cloud-based platform designed specifically for construction. It serves as a central hub for schedules, photos, material selections, and messaging, “keeping everything in one neat place,” Jack says.
6. Do you provide lien waivers?
When hiring a general contractor, it’s important to ask if they provide lien waivers. If a subcontractor isn’t paid in North Carolina, they can file a lien against your property, even if you’ve already paid the contractor in full. It’s a risk many homeowners aren’t aware of.
At Scroggs, lien waivers are part of every project. Subcontractors sign them as payments are made, eliminating the risk of unexpected legal claims.
7. What sets you apart from other general contractors?
When planning a custom home build or complex remodel in Asheville, it’s worth asking every contractor: What makes your process different? Their answer offers insight into how they handle client care.
At Scroggs Construction Services, what sets us apart is our integrated design-build approach. By bringing architects, designers, and builders under the same roof, we can keep your project moving forward with fewer delays and surprises.
“It’s not just about the finished product—it’s about how we get there,” Jack says. “Our process is built on clear communication and detailed planning. It makes the experience better for everyone involved.”
Ready to Start Your Next Remodeling or New Construction Project in Asheville?
Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen in Waynesville, updating a bathroom in Black Mountain, or building a custom home in Hendersonville, choosing the right contractor makes all the difference.
At Scroggs Construction Services, we pair high standards with detailed planning and a streamlined design-build approach to keep your project running smoothly, from the initial consultation to the final walkthrough.
Want to learn more? Contact us today to start the conversation.