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Pre-Construction Client Questionnaire

A comprehensive pre-construction intake questionnaire for GCs and remodelers — covering project scope, budget reality, timeline expectations, decision-making authority, and prior contractor experience.

★★★★★ Rated ⚡ Instant Download 🔒 Secure Checkout 📄 PDF + Excel Formats ✓ 30-Day Guarantee

What's Included

  • Contact and property information fields
  • Project type and scope description (open-ended + guided checkboxes)
  • Budget range and financing status (cash, HE loan, construction loan)
  • Timeline expectations vs. realistic timeline comparison
  • Decision-making authority (who approves changes, who signs checks)
  • Prior contractor experience (previous project, outcome, reason contractor changed)
  • Selections readiness checklist (have they already chosen tile, cabinets)
  • Permits required checklist
  • Site access and occupancy status (occupied home, vacant, tenant)
  • Deal-breaker screening questions (budget reality check)

Who This Is For

Used before you invest time writing an estimate. Every experienced GC has wasted days writing detailed proposals for clients who were not serious, could not afford the project, or had unrealistic expectations. This questionnaire surfaces the red flags before you commit hours to estimating and bidding.

What Professionals Say

★★★★★

I stopped writing proposals for tire-kickers. This questionnaire surfaces budget mismatches in the first 10 minutes. My estimate-to-close rate went from 18% to 41%.

— Don T., residential GC
★★★★★

The decision-maker question alone has saved me from countless projects that dragged on. Get the right people in the room first.

— Maria S., remodeling contractor
★★★★★

I present this at every first meeting. Clients who push back on the questions reveal themselves immediately.

— Gary L., custom home builder

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I collect a questionnaire before writing an estimate?
An estimate for a 12-room gut renovation takes 4-8 hours to write properly. If the client has a $50K budget and a $150K scope, that is 4-8 hours wasted. The questionnaire is a 20-minute conversation that tells you whether to invest in estimating or politely decline to bid.
Should I charge for a pre-construction consultation?
Many experienced contractors charge $250-$500 for a formal pre-construction consultation that includes a walkthrough, this questionnaire, and a preliminary scope meeting. The fee qualifies serious clients and is typically credited toward the contract if they hire you.
What red flags should I look for in a client questionnaire?
Budget below 60% of industry average for the scope, prior contractor disputes or unfinished projects, unrealistic timeline expectations, inability to identify who makes decisions and signs checks, and statements suggesting they are just price shopping.

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Related downloadClient Selections Form & Deadline TrackerGet selections signed before construction startsFrom $17Related downloadContractor Bid TemplateProfessional proposal once you have qualified the clientFrom $17Related downloadRemodeler Complete Professional BundleFull remodeling business OSFrom $17
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