"Contractor Background" Questions
1. Are you licensed and insured?
This is the first and most important question you must ask a Dallas general contractor (GC) — the rules are different in Dallas than in the rest of the state.
The state of Texas does not require a general contractor (GC) license, but the City of Dallas does require general contractors to register with the city for many home improvement projects.
According to Dallas City Hall, a permit must be issued before you “erect, construct, enlarge, add to, alter, repair, replace, improve, remove, install, convert, equip, use, occupy or maintain a structure or building service equipment.”
TLDR: Dallas homeowners must hire a properly licensed and insured contractor for the following jobs:
- Home remodeling work
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Air conditioning and HVAC
- Significant demolition
- Concrete work
- Drywall
HOMR recommends using a Dallas area general contractor for local remodeling projects, as they’re familiar with current license and permit regulations. Ask your GC to furnish proof of license and liability insurance before the job starts.
2. How long have you been in business (and how long have you worked in Dallas)?
When it comes to home remodeling, experience is great — but local experience is better. As we outlined above, Dallas has different guidelines and regulations for home renovation than most of Texas.
Look for a general contractor (GC) with a strong work history in the Dallas area — and in your neighborhood, if possible. If you live in Lake Highlands, you want a GC with proven results in your area.
3. Can you walk me through your standard work process?
An experienced remodeler has a well-established process with documented success. Ask for a detailed explanation of how your project will be handled, from estimate through completion.
At this stage, a GC should tell you 2 things — what they’re going to do, and how they’re going to do it. This is the right moment to judge the experience and credibility of your remodeler. Can they provide specific steps they’ll follow to complete your job?
A quality contractor will have no problem laying out a proposed strategy for your project, and explaining why each step is important.
4. Can you show me examples of jobs like mine you’ve completed?
The next 2 questions are the “show and tell” portion of your home remodeler interview. First, ask them to show you completed projects that involve parts of the job you want done. If you want a kitchen renovation, ask to see photos of counters they’ve installed, or backsplash tiles they’ve installed.
HOMR prefers a Dallas remodeler with expertise in multiple service areas. You’ll be able to rely on that contractor for any and all remodeling projects — no calling one person for your kitchen, another for your bathroom, and a third for your flooring.
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5. Do you have any referrals or repeat customers I can contact?
After your remodeling contractor shows visual examples of past projects, it’s time for referrals to “tell” you about their experience. This is the best way to gauge how satisfied past customers have been with the GC’s work.
Online reviews are a great starting point in building trust. But the ability to speak to repeat customers is far more personal. Ask about more than the success of their projects — find out what the GC is like as a person. Are past customers comfortable working with them? Do they show respect for home and property?
"Homeowner Homework" Questions
6. What do you need from me in order to be successful?
Home remodeling success is a two-way street. You can hire the best home remodelers in Dallas, but they’ll only be as good as the tools you provide them.
Your GC should ask for 5 things in response to this question:
- Material and Finish Preferences. Your GC should ask about your preferences for materials and finishes. Do you like brushed nickel or metallic brass drawer pulls? Are you interested in hardwood or vinyl flooring?
- Brand Preferences. Are you a Miele kitchen appliance devotee? Do you absolutely love Hansgrohe shower fixtures? Let your GC know.
- What You Absolutely Don’t Want. Your design preferences include what you don’t want to see in your home. Talk about materials, fixtures, colors, and styles you don’t like.
- Any Existing Blueprints or Permits That Apply. If you’re redoing your floor plan, existing blueprints, layouts or permits are important to your GC.
- Off-Limits Areas of Your Home. A conscientious remodeler may ask about off-limits areas of your home. Tell your GC where the crew isn’t allowed to go on your property.
It’s okay for your remodeling contractor to ask about your budget here. But if the only response you get to, “What do you need from me?” is about upfront money, it’s time to interview another GC.
7. What timeline should I expect for completing this project?
Ask for a realistic timeline for the project and make sure you get it in writing. There’s nothing worse than a 3-week renovation taking 2 months, or your contractor disappearing for a week without penalty. A written timeline is a great way to establish your expectations for timely service.
We like a contractor that offers specific deadlines for task completion. For a bathroom renovation, ask for guidance on when each stage of the project will be finished — demolition, plumbing, tile installation, and so on. A good GC may also establish pay installments at various deadlines in the process.
8. Are you able to stay within my expected budget?
Find out what your project is going to cost. Can it be done within your expected budget?
Ask your GC to factor in every potential cost associated with your home renovation. This includes permits, inspections, materials and labor. Compare these numbers with the estimates provided by other contractors. Look for major discrepancies, and don’t be afraid to ask why certain costs are higher and lower than competitors.
Low bids are not better bids.
HOMR suggests looking at both the highest and lowest estimates carefully. If an estimate is 10-15% cheaper than all the others, the contractor may have missed a portion of your project — or given you faulty information.
9. How often will you communicate with me during this project?
Your remodeler should provide a clear line of contact during normal business hours. Ask for a phone number, text or email contact they’ll answer — either immediately or within a timely manner.
This isn’t a question of whether your GC will communicate with you — it’s how often. Establish a clear check-in procedure and schedule to discuss your timeline and review progress together.
Any inability or resistance to provide a direct line of communication is a huge red flag.
HOMR TIP: Ask for weekly check-in calls. Our data shows that members who get updated at least weekly on their remodel are more satisfied with the project
"Crossing the Finish Line - and Beyond" Questions
10. What is your dispute resolution process?
A trustworthy Dallas remodeling contractor provides a clear process for settling disputes over price, scope of work, and materials.
Avoid service providers who can’t clearly state how they fix problems.
It’s important you feel comfortable addressing any concerns about the project as they arise. The right service provider offers a hassle-free way to handle these disputes without stress.
11. What kind of warranty do you offer on your work?
Many home remodelers offer a workmanship warranty on labor that lasts 1-2 years after the project is completed. This warranty shows confidence in their skills and the quality of their performance.
HOMR does not work with remodelers that don’t offer warranties. You shouldn’t either. It shows a contractor’s lack of faith in their own skills.
Ask about warranty options on any materials installed during your project. These product warranties range based on brand and style, so ask your GC to compare various brands for warranty lengths before choosing one.
Let’s say your GC is installing a new refrigerator, and suggests Beko and LG as options. They should know Beko has a 2-year full warranty vs. LG’s 1-year full warranty.
12. How do you handle your final project walkthrough?
Talk about the end of your project before it starts — make sure your GC offers a clear outline for your final project walkthrough when the job is done.
This question helps you avoid the type of contractor that finishes the project and disappears without a trace. You want a GC that walks you through the completed remodeling job and gives a clear point-by-point overview of what’s been done — and how it was handled.
