Licensing and insurance
- Who pulls the permits, and in whose name?
- Are your plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians licensed in Texas? Can I have their license numbers?
- Can you send a certificate of insurance for general liability?
- Are you EPA lead-safe certified (for homes built before 1978)?
Schedule and management
- Who is my day-to-day contact, and how often will I get updates?
- When can you start, and how long will construction take?
- What could delay the job, and how will you tell me?
- What hours will crews work, and how do you protect the rest of the house?
Money
- What does the price include and exclude?
- What is the payment schedule, and is it tied to milestones?
- How do change orders work and how are they priced?
- Will you provide lien releases and a bills-paid affidavit?
- Are allowances realistic for the finishes I want?
Quality and after the job
- How do you waterproof showers and flash windows and roofs?
- What does your warranty cover, and for how long?
- Who handles warranty calls, and how fast?
- Can I talk to two or three recent clients with similar projects?
- Can I see a project in progress?
- What happens if we disagree about the work?
Common questions
Does Texas license general contractors?
No. Texas licenses plumbers, electricians and HVAC contractors, but not general remodeling contractors, which is why references, insurance and permits matter so much.
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three detailed, written quotes for the same scope. Compare scope and materials line by line, not just the total.
Sources
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
- EPA: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; confirm details with the agency named in the sources or a licensed professional.