10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor

The contractor you choose shapes your budget, your schedule, and how your home feels for years. Ask every contractor you are considering the same questions so you can compare answers side by side.

1. Who is licensed for the trade work?

Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license, but electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians must hold state licenses, and many cities require contractors to register before pulling permits. Ask who will do the electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work, and confirm those licenses yourself.

2. Can I see proof of insurance?

Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance, ideally sent directly from the insurance agent, and ask whether the company carries workers’ compensation, which Texas does not require. If a worker is hurt or your property is damaged, you want that covered by the contractor’s insurance, not yours.

3. Who pulls the permits?

The contractor doing the work should pull the required permits and schedule inspections. Be cautious if you are asked to pull permits as the homeowner, since that can shift responsibility for the work onto you.

4. Will I get a written, itemized estimate?

A good estimate breaks the job into line items for labor, materials, and allowances. That makes it easier to compare bids and shows exactly what is and is not included.

5. What is the payment schedule?

Payments should be tied to completed milestones, not dates on a calendar. Be wary of a large payment up front before any work or material delivery has happened.

6. Who will be on site, and who is my point of contact?

Find out who supervises the job day to day, whether work is done by employees or subcontractors, and how quickly you can expect a reply to calls or texts.

7. How are changes handled?

Projects change once walls are opened. Ask how change orders are priced and approved. Every change should be written down and signed before the extra work starts.

8. What warranty do you offer?

Ask for the workmanship warranty in writing, including how long it lasts and what it covers. Product warranties from manufacturers are separate, so ask who handles those claims.

9. Can I see similar projects and talk to past clients?

Photos of past jobs help, but a conversation with a recent client tells you more about communication and how problems were handled. Customer reviews are a good place to start.

10. What does a normal workday look like?

Ask about start and finish times, how your floors and furniture will be protected, where materials will be stored, and how the site will be cleaned at the end of each day.

Clear, specific answers are a good sign. Vague answers, pressure to sign quickly, or reluctance to put things in writing are reasons to keep looking.

Want to ask us these questions? Learn about S&L Good Fellas, see our general contracting work, or text or call for a free quote.