Hiring a general contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make during a home improvement project. The right contractor makes the process smooth and delivers quality results. The wrong one can leave you with shoddy work, unexpected bills, and months of frustration. Asking these ten questions before you sign anything helps you separate the professionals from the problems.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
First, ask if they are licensed and insured. In Texas, general contractors are not required to hold a state license, which means anyone can call themselves a contractor. Ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. If a worker gets hurt on your property and the contractor does not carry workers' comp, you could be held liable. This is not optional.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Second, ask how long they have been in business and request references from recent projects similar to yours. A contractor who has been operating for five or more years has survived the test of time. Call the references and ask specific questions: Was the project completed on time? Were there unexpected cost increases? Would you hire them again?
3. Can You Provide a Detailed Written Estimate?
Third, ask for a detailed written estimate. A professional estimate breaks down labor, materials, and any subcontractor costs. Vague estimates like a single lump sum with no detail are a red flag. You need to understand exactly what you are paying for so you can compare bids accurately and catch any omissions.
4. How Do You Handle Change Orders?
Fourth, ask about their process for handling change orders. Changes happen during almost every project. Maybe you decide to upgrade a fixture, or unexpected damage is discovered behind a wall. A professional contractor has a written change order process that documents the scope change, the cost impact, and your approval before the work proceeds. Verbal agreements about extra work are where disputes start.
5. Who Will Be Working on My Property?
Fifth, ask who will actually be doing the work on your property. Some contractors use their own crews, while others subcontract everything out. Neither is inherently bad, but you should know who will be in your home daily. Ask if the lead person on your project is an employee or a subcontractor, and whether the contractor supervises the work regularly.
6. What Is Your Payment Schedule?
Sixth, ask about their payment schedule. Legitimate contractors do not ask for full payment upfront. A common and fair structure is a deposit of 10 to 25 percent, progress payments tied to completed milestones, and a final payment upon satisfactory completion. Any contractor who wants 50 percent or more upfront before starting work is a major red flag.
7. Do You Offer a Warranty?
Seventh, ask about their warranty. Reputable contractors stand behind their work with a written warranty covering workmanship for at least one year. Material warranties are separate and come from the manufacturer. Make sure you understand what is covered and for how long.
8-10. Timeline, Permits, and Communication
Eighth through tenth: ask about their timeline and how they handle delays, whether they pull their own permits, and how they communicate during the project. A contractor who gives you a clear timeline, handles permitting, and has a defined communication process, whether that is weekly updates, daily texts, or a project app, is someone who runs a professional operation.
At Adrian's Custom Services, we welcome every one of these questions. We carry full insurance, provide detailed estimates, use a written change order process, and communicate proactively throughout every project. The homeowners who ask the hard questions upfront are the ones we enjoy working with most, because they are invested in a good outcome just like we are.