What to Ask a Contractor Before Hiring: 15 Questions That Matter

Licensing and Insurance

1. Are you licensed and registered in this municipality?

Texas doesn't require a statewide general contractor license, but many DFW cities — including Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and Frisco — require local registration. Ask for the specific registration number and verify it with the city. If a contractor can't produce this, that's a clear signal.

2. Do you carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation?

General liability protects your property. Workers' comp protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property. Ask for a certificate of insurance — not just a claim that they're covered. A credible contractor will produce this without hesitation.

3. Can I see proof of your subcontractors' insurance?

If a plumber or electrician working in your home isn't insured, you may be liable for injuries or damage. A well-managed company verifies and maintains certificates for every trade partner on every project.

Scope and Documentation

4. Will the scope of work be documented in writing before we start?

This is the single most important question you can ask. A written scope should detail every item being installed, every material being used, and every exclusion. If the answer is "we'll figure it out as we go," walk away.

5. How do you handle selections and allowances?

Vague allowances — "$2,000 for tile" without specifying square footage or price per foot — are a common source of budget surprises. Ask how selections are documented, when they must be finalized, and what happens if you exceed an allowance.

6. What's included in your estimate, and what's excluded?

An estimate that says "kitchen remodel — $45,000" with no line items is not an estimate. It's a guess. Ask for a detailed breakdown that separates materials, labor, permits, and contingencies.

Payment and Change Orders

7. What is your payment schedule?

Industry standard is a deposit (typically 10–20% in DFW), progress payments tied to milestones, and a final payment upon completion. Be cautious of any contractor asking for more than 30% upfront or full payment before work begins.

8. How do you handle change orders?

Changes happen. What matters is how they're documented. Every change should be written, priced, and signed before the work is performed. Ask to see a sample change order form. If they don't have one, they don't have a process.

9. Are permits included in your price?

Permits are not optional — they're required for electrical, plumbing, and structural work in every DFW municipality. Ask whether the contractor pulls permits, whether the cost is included, and whether inspections are scheduled as part of their process.

Timeline and Communication

10. What is the projected timeline, and how is the schedule managed?

A credible contractor provides a timeline broken into phases — not just a start date and a vague end date. Ask how they handle scheduling conflicts, material delays, and trade coordination. The answer reveals whether they manage proactively or react to problems after they've caused delays.

11. Who is my main point of contact during the project?

You should have a single, named person who is responsible for your project. If the answer is "whoever is on-site that day," the project lacks oversight. Ask how and when updates are communicated — daily, weekly, or only when you ask.

12. How do you protect the rest of the home during construction?

Dust containment, floor protection, and daily cleanup are non-negotiable during interior remodeling. Ask what specific measures they take. A company that respects the home treats it like someone lives there — because you do.

Warranty and References

13. What warranty do you provide on labor and materials?

Most reputable contractors in DFW offer a 1–2 year workmanship warranty. Manufacturer warranties on materials are separate. Ask what's covered, what's not, and how warranty claims are handled. Get it in writing.

14. Can you provide references from recent projects similar to mine?

Recent references are more valuable than testimonials from five years ago. Ask for 2–3 references from projects completed in the last 12 months, and ask those references specifically about communication, schedule adherence, and how problems were resolved.

15. Can I see a completed project in person or in detailed photos?

Photos on a website are a starting point. Ask if you can visit a recently completed project, or at minimum, see a full set of before-and-after photos with context about scope and budget. This tells you more about quality than any sales pitch.

Why These Questions Matter

These questions aren't designed to trap anyone. They're designed to reveal whether a contractor operates with structure, documentation, and accountability — or without them. The answers will tell you more than any online review.

At TrueForm, we welcome these questions. Clear scope, clear schedule, and clear communication are how we operate on every remodeling project across Dallas-Fort Worth.