Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor in Texas

Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters

Home remodeling, new construction, or even small renovations can be expensive and time-consuming. Hiring the wrong contractor in Texas can lead to delays, overspending, poor quality work—or even lawsuits. According to the Texas Attorney General’s Office, thousands of complaints are filed every year due to unfinished or poorly done projects.

That’s why asking the right questions before hiring a general contractor is not just smart—it’s essential.

This guide breaks down the top questions every homeowner, business, or property owner in Texas should ask before signing a contract. It’s based on facts, legal recommendations, industry data, and real-world construction practices in Texas.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured in Texas?

Why it matters: Texas does not require general contractors to hold a statewide license for residential projects. However, many cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Houston have local licensing requirements for certain trades (like plumbing, electrical, HVAC).

You should always ask:

Are you licensed in this city/county for this type of work?
Can you show proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance?

Stat: According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), contractors without proper insurance can expose homeowners to lawsuits and personal liability.

✅ At SHR Tarrant, all work is handled by licensed and insured professionals giving you peace of mind from day one.

2. Can You Share Recent References or Project Portfolios?

Good contractors are proud to show past work and happy to give references.

Ask for:

At least 3 recent references from Texas homeowners or business owners
A photo gallery or online portfolio of completed work
Links to reviews on Google, Yelp, or Houzz

Pro Tip: Use Google Earth or Google Maps to verify the addresses they provide. Many fake contractors use stock images and fake locations.

📍See how SHR Tarrant showcases its craftsmanship across remodeling, kitchen redesign, flooring, and more on the Project Gallery page.

3. How Long Have You Been Operating in Texas?

Experience matters especially with Texas-specific challenges like:

Foundation shifts due to clay soil
Hurricane or flood-resistant construction in Gulf areas
Energy codes in cities like Dallas and Fort Worth

Ask:

How long have you worked as a general contractor in Texas?
Have you completed projects in my county?

A contractor who understands local codes, inspectors, suppliers, and weather conditions can save you thousands in delays or rework.

🏡 SHR Tarrant has been serving the Texas community with custom remodeling and full-service contracting for years, combining local expertise with high standards.

4. What Is the Estimated Timeline and Process for My Project?

A professional contractor should be able to walk you through:

Estimated project timeline
Milestones for payments
Permitting and inspection process

Red flag: If a contractor refuses to give a detailed timeline, they may be juggling too many jobs or unsure of their scope.

🛠️ Learn more about how SHR Tarrant manages timelines and keeps clients informed from start to finish on the Start to Finish Project Management page.

5. Will You Handle Permits and Inspections?

Texas law requires permits for most structural, electrical, and plumbing changes.

Ask:

Will you apply for the necessary permits on my behalf?
Have your previous projects passed final inspections?

Fact: Unpermitted work can be fined, required to be torn down, or cause issues during home resale.

✅ SHR Tarrant follows all local codes and handles permitting for you, so your project stays legal and stress-free.

6. What Is Your Payment Schedule?

Never pay 100% upfront. According to the Texas Property Code, a fair schedule typically looks like this:

10%–20% upfront deposit
Scheduled draws after inspection or completion milestones
Final payment after client approval

Ask:

What is your typical payment breakdown?
Do you accept checks, credit cards, or offer financing?

💸 SHR Tarrant offers flexible, milestone-based payment plans and complete transparency—no hidden fees.

7. Can I Get a Detailed Written Estimate?

This is your protection against price gouging or mid-project cost surprises.

Ask for:

Itemized costs for labor, materials, permits, etc.
Contingency plan for unexpected expenses
Validity duration of the quote

📝 Use this guide when reviewing estimates. If something seems vague, ask for clarification in writing.

🔗 Visit SHR Tarrant’s Contact Page to get a detailed, transparent quote for your Texas project.

8. Who Will Be Onsite Daily?

Some contractors sell you on the job but outsource the actual work to unknown subcontractors.

Ask:

Will you be personally supervising the work?
Will the same team work throughout the project?
Who is my point of contact for updates?

👷‍♂️ SHR Tarrant ensures experienced, vetted professionals handle every job and you’ll know who is on site each day.

9. What Type of Warranty Do You Offer?

A reliable contractor will back their work with:

A workmanship warranty (often 1–5 years)
Manufacturer warranties on installed products

Texas law requires certain structural warranties on new homes. Ask about both labor and product warranties.

📄 SHR Tarrant provides clear written warranties so you’re covered long after the work is done.

10. How Will You Keep the Jobsite Safe and Clean?

Construction is messy but safety and cleanliness shouldn’t be optional.

Ask:

Do you clean up daily?
Will you protect my floors, furniture, or landscaping?
Do you have safety protocols for workers?

Fact: According to OSHA, 21.1% of worker deaths in the U.S. occur in construction. Safety matters—for them and you.

🧼 SHR Tarrant maintains clean, organized worksites and protects your home as if it were their own.

11. Do You Specialize in My Type of Project?

Every contractor has strengths. You want one that matches your needs:

Full home remodeling
Bathroom or kitchen updates
Commercial tenant buildouts
Structural repairs or add-ons

Ask:

What percentage of your work is this type of project?
Can I see photos or videos of similar projects?

📸 See how SHR Tarrant has transformed everything from kitchens to whole homes on the Remodeling Services page.

12. What Happens If There Are Delays or Issues?

No project goes 100% according to plan. Good contractors have protocols.

Ask:

How do you handle material delays or worker no-shows?
What happens if there’s a weather delay?
Will change orders be documented and priced clearly?

🧾 SHR Tarrant prioritizes client communication and adapts fast—with proper documentation, updated timelines, and ongoing transparency.

13. Are You Familiar With Energy Codes and Green Building in Texas?

Texas is moving toward more energy-efficient construction codes. Many cities now require:

Low-E windows
Energy Star appliances
Efficient insulation
HVAC upgrades

Ask:

Are you up-to-date on energy efficiency codes?
Can you recommend green alternatives?

🌱 SHR Tarrant offers sustainable remodeling options, including smart layouts, better insulation, and eco-friendly materials.

14. How Do You Communicate During the Project?

Communication is the #1 factor for project satisfaction according to a 2023 Houzz survey.

Ask:

Will I receive daily or weekly updates?
How can I contact you—text, email, project management app?
Do you provide a shared calendar or schedule?

📆 SHR Tarrant uses modern communication tools and clear schedules to keep clients in the loop from start to finish.

15. Are You Familiar With Texas-Specific Challenges Like Foundation Shifts?

Texas clay soil causes foundation movement, which can ruin remodels if not addressed.

Ask:

Have you handled foundation issues before?
Do you work with local engineers if needed?

🏗️ SHR Tarrant understands Texas soil types and works with local pros to ensure long-term structural safety.

Final Tip: Get It All in Writing

Never rely on verbal promises. A good general contractor will give you:

A written scope of work
A project timeline
A signed contract with terms, payment plan, and warranty

Legal Tip: In Texas, contracts over $500 for home improvement must be in writing to be enforceable.

Conclusion

Choosing a general contractor in Texas is not just about price—it’s about trust, experience, and results. Asking these questions helps you find a professional who will deliver quality work, respect your time, and protect your investment.

At SHR Tarrant, we pride ourselves on transparency, quality, and client satisfaction. We welcome your questions—and we have the answers ready.

FAQs – Hiring a General Contractor in Texas

What’s the average cost of a general contractor in Texas?
It varies. Most contractors charge 10%–20% of the total project cost. A small bathroom remodel may cost $8,000–$12,000, while a full home renovation can exceed $100,000.

Is it legal to hire an unlicensed contractor in Texas?
Yes, for general residential work. However, trades like plumbing or electrical must be licensed. Always check local city rules.

Can I get a free quote before hiring?
Yes. Reputable contractors like SHR Tarrant offer detailed estimates for free. Be wary of those who charge just to give a quote.

Should I check a contractor’s reviews?
Absolutely. Look for Google, Yelp, or Better Business Bureau reviews. SHR Tarrant maintains a strong reputation across all platforms.

How long should a remodel take in Texas?
A small remodel may take 2–4 weeks. Large projects may take 2–6 months depending on complexity, weather, permits, and material supply.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor in Texas