Start with a Plan

Before starting your search for a general contractor Houston TX, you need a plan. A general contractor is responsible for the oversight of your project. They buy the materials, hire workers and subcontractors, and navigate local regulations. Consider things like the scope of your renovation, what kinds of materials you want to use, and, most important of all, your budget. Write out the details of your project and take pictures of the current space in order to come up with a clear list of the renovations you want done and the kind of contractor you are looking for. 

Research Your Local Contractors 

Is their website up-to-date? Companies like this general contractor Houston TX have presentable websites regularly updated with testimonials and current contact information.

A clean looking website is a sign the contractor pays attention to detail and values the business of not only current clients, but prospective customers—that’s you! 

Call for a Phone Interview 

Just like when you apply for a new job, conducting a phone interview is a great way to get a sense of your prospective contractor. This is where step one, staring with a plan, comes in. Ask questions about your project. Do they renovate bathrooms? What is their experience working with local materials? Make a point to ask them about their current projects and what their scheduling is like for the near future. A good general contractor will be fairly busy and likely won’t have the time to start your project right away. 

Call References 

Always make sure to check references when shopping for a general contractor in Houston. Texas is a large state with ample opportunities for a professional contractor. Yours should be able to provide you with references who will extol their skills and work ethic. Your own friends and family are also great sources for references. Ask who they’ve worked with in the past and what kinds of experiences they’ve had. 

Put Everything In Writing 

This is the big step. So you’ve decided on the scope of your project and you’ve found your contractor. Now make sure you put it all in writing. A good contract covers things that may seem unnecessary, but will come in handy if they should arise. What kinds of materials are to be used, what parts of the house are the contractors allowed to use—like which bathrooms—which, if any, aspects of the job are being subcontracted, and, of course, the duration and payment plan for the project. 

Follow these five steps you’ll be hiring a general contractor like a pro!